Boyd Students to Compete in National ABA Negotiation Competition

Boyd School of Law students Jerimy Kirschner and Derrick Harris will compete in the ABA 2009-2010 Negotiation Competition National Finals Feb. 5-6 in Florida. Kirschner and Harris met each other in class and are coached by Professor Peter Reilly. The team took second place in both the in-house and the ABA Regional competitions in November 2009.

Jerimy Kirschner

Derrick Harris

Kirschner, a third-year, full-time law student,  has desired to be an attorney since he was 5 years old. He currently works at the law school as a case mentor for the Center for Academic Success and Enrichment (CASE) during his final semester. Kirschner enjoys preparing for ABA competitions by watching videos of the past winners; drilling against other teams; and gaining advice from judges, lawyers and from his coach, Professor Reilly.

"I enjoy the competition because it strengthens my skills," Kirschner said. "It helps you in ways you don't realize for the practical world." Kirschner plans to take the bar exam in July and is expecting his first child in April. "I like to clump everything into small groups and get it done," Kirschner said.

Harris is a third-year, part-time law student and works as a freelance technology journalist, writing primarily for GigaOM. He also curates the Infrastructure section for its research/analysis service, which is called GigaOM Pro. After coming in second place in the in-house negotiation competition in February, Harris was invited to join the Society of Advocates. For the competitions, Harris believes that you should always find a settlement. Harris has been married for almost seven years to Carol Harris, who is an attorney.

"I figured I could do it [competition] because I have a lot of experience talking to people," Harris said. "My competitive nature takes over."