Nordic Negotiation Competition 2026

This weekend, ELSA Norway, together with Wægger Negotiation Institute and Schjødt, is hosting the Nordic Negotiation Competition (NNC).

What is the NNC? 

The Nordic Negotiation Competition is a regional ELSA competition that brings together law students from across the Nordic countries to compete in simulated negotiations.

Participants represent their universities and countries after qualifying through winning their local or national rounds, or through application processes within their national ELSA groups.

Teams of two act as legal representatives for a client in either a fictional transaction or the resolution of a dispute. Each round reflects real-life legal negotiations, where participants must combine legal reasoning with strategy, communication, and client interests.

Through this, participants develop practical negotiation skills and gain insight into the complexities of international negotiations, including cross-cultural communication, differing negotiation styles, and ethical considerations.

This competition is closely aligned with ELSA’s mission: to provide law students with unique, practical learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Who is participating?

This year, eight teams from various universities in Norway and Denmark are taking part in the competition, bringing together students with different academic backgrounds and perspectives on legal problem-solving.

Who is judging?

We are so lucky to have a diverse panel of judges, all of whom are highly experienced professionals within the field of negotiation. Their backgrounds span legal practice, dispute resolution, and advanced negotiation training, bringing a wide range of perspectives into the competition.

We truly appreciate them taking the time to come to Oslo and contribute their expertise. Their role goes far beyond simply evaluating performances—they provide thoughtful, constructive feedback that helps participants reflect on their strategies, communication styles, and decision-making throughout the negotiation process.

This feedback is an essential part of the learning experience, offering participants valuable insights into how negotiation is approached in real professional settings.