Applications for the Federal Court Settlement Advocacy Program are due by March 16, 2026 at Noon.
According to the American Bar Association’s Commission on the American Jury, 99.2% of federal civil actions resolve without recourse to a jury. This empirical data powerfully underscores the need to acquire subject matter expertise in negotiation.
Through long-standing strategic partnerships with the United States district courts for the Southern District of New York (“SDNY”), the Eastern District of New York (“EDNY”), and the District of New Jersey (“D.NJ”), student advocates represent otherwise pro se federal litigants for the limited and exclusive purpose of court-annexed settlement.
The SDNY/EDNY Representation in Mediation Practicum affords student advocates opportunities to appear before appointed mediators. The D.NJ Settlement Conference Advocacy Program enables student advocates to represent clients before United States magistrate judges in the Newark, Trenton, and Camden vicinages.
Both initiatives enable participants to develop excellence in legal researching, drafting, client counseling, negotiation/mediation advocacy, and liaising with seasoned practicing members of the federal bar. Our most common adversaries include the Office of the United States Attorney, the Office of the Attorney General, the New York City Law Department, and leading private firms.
This 1-semester, 2-credit offering is available to 3L Day and 4L Weekend students. Academic achievement is assessed against the Legal Practice Grade Scale (High Pass; Pass; Low Pass; F).
N.B.: The SDNY/EDNY Representation in Mediation Practicum occasionally accepts 2L Day and 3L Weekend students, depending on caseload.
If invited, students may concurrently participate in the FINRA Investor Advocacy Program and the Federal Court Settlement Advocacy Program.
