Competitions

California State Bar Environmental Negotiations Competition

Since 2000, the State Bar of California has sponsored an annual law student competition focusing on state environmental problems, and Whittier has usually fielded a team. A fact pattern based on California cases or disputes is presented, with participants playing various roles in an attempt to negotiate a favorable settlement. Past topics have included offshore oil drilling, air pollution, coastal development, logging restrictions, and riverine fisheries, with teams representing advocacy, business, consumer, and government groups. Out of the two dozen law schools typically represented, Whittier has scored very well, with second, fifth, and tenth-place awards to our credit. Students interested in participating should contact Professors Peter Reich or Alisha Winterswyk, who coach the WLS student teams.