Program Overview

Introduction to the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot

The Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, also known as the Vienna Moot Court, is an annual competition for law students from around the world. With nearly 400 participating universities and over 2,500 students from almost 100 countries, this event has become a premier platform for fostering the study of international trade law and arbitration.

Objective of the Moot

The primary objective of the Vis Moot is to promote the study of international commercial law and arbitration for resolving international business disputes. It aims to prepare the next generation of lawyers to handle practical problems in international trade. The competition involves a fictional case arising from an international sales contract, which includes the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).

Structure of the Competition

Participants take on the role of lawyers for both parties in the dispute, drafting both a claimant's memorandum and a respondent's memorandum. They then present their arguments orally before arbitration tribunals composed of practitioners, academics, and non-lawyers from various legal backgrounds. The competition begins in October and consists of two parts: the submission of written memoranda for the claimant (due in December) and the respondent (due in January), followed by oral hearings in Vienna, typically held in March or April.

Coaching and Pre-Moots

The team from the University of Bern is accompanied by a group of coaches who review the team's memoranda, provide regular feedback, and conduct introductory sessions on written and oral argumentation. The coaches also organize practice rounds, offering individual feedback on the participants' oral presentations. Additionally, the team participates in several pre-moots, which are practice rounds held in various cities, to receive feedback and prepare ideally for the final round in Vienna.

Eligibility and Registration

The Vienna Moot Court is open to advanced law students (from the later semesters of the bachelor's program onwards). Participation is recognized with 15 ECTS as a seminar performance for the master's degree in law. An information event for the next moot is held in late spring, followed by the opportunity for students to apply.

Learning Objectives

Through the Vis Moot, students develop their problem-solving skills in the context of a complex international trade case. Participants learn to draft professional legal memoranda to present their arguments convincingly and are instructed in theory and practice on how to present their arguments freely and convincingly before experienced arbitration tribunals and practicing lawyers.

Conclusion

The Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot offers a unique opportunity for law students to engage with international trade law and arbitration, develop professional networks, and enhance their legal skills in a practical and competitive environment.