Moot Courts
Moot courts are simulated court or arbitration proceedings in which teams of students from different universities compete against each other by legally representing one party to the dispute.
In your final year of study as a student of business law or applied law, you can apply to participate in an international moot court. Competing with other teams at an international level offers practical insight and legal experience that will be useful in your future career.
"Looking back, it was an amazing time. I never learned this much about a legal topic before and met great people from all over the world along the way. I recommend it to any student seeking to challenge themselves and grow both personally and professionally."
Dominic Keller, BSc Business Law, representing ZHAW at the 31st Vis Moot
Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot
Take part in the world’s largest and most prestigious international moot competition
The Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (Vis Moot) has been held annually in Vienna since 1994 and is the largest arbitration moot competition in the world. Vis Moot aims to promote the study of international commercial arbitration and the use of arbitration for resolving business disputes. The moot problem is always based on an international sales transaction governed by the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG). It also involves procedural issues of arbitration, such as jurisdiction and the powers of an arbitral tribunal.
The Vis Moot consists of two phases. The written phase includes initial statements of claim and defense and a response to a memorandum received from an opposing team. The oral pleadings take place in Vienna. The Vis Moot offers you a practical insight into legal work and gives you the opportunity to engage with lawyers and students from all over the world.
Link to the official Vis Moot Website: https://www.vismoot.org/
"Participating in the Vis Moot Court gave me practical experience in international commercial law and the opportunity to meet many people from the industry. It was an educational time that I look back on fondly."
Tanisha Giger, BSc Business Law, representing ZHAW at the 31st Vis Moot
Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition
Plead at the European Court of Human Rights
The Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition (HPMCC) is a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience in pleading before the European Court of Human Rights.
The teams are confronted with a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In the first part of the competition, they submit two written submissions – one for the applicant and one for the respondent. The second part consists of oral pleadings.
The best 18 teams compete in the final oral round. The final takes place each year in Strasbourg, with pleadings at the Palais de l’Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. The Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition gives you a profound insight into the functioning of the ECHR and human rights in Europe and is a unique opportunity to engage with other participants and judges.
"Participating in the Helga Pedersen Moot Court was a unique and invaluable experience. It offered the chance to explore a new area of law and enhancing critical skills that are crucial for a successful career, particularly teamwork, adaptability, and confidence. The Highlight was the regional round in Dublin. Though very demanding it was an exceptionally rewarding experience."
Caspar Fingerhuth, BSc Business law, representing ZHAW at the 12th HPMCC.
Link to the official HPMCC Website: https://helgapedersenmoot.elsa.org/
Schedule
Participation in a moot starts in summer before your last year of study. Here you find a general overview of the time frame:
Coaches
Are you interested in participating at a moot court?
Are you a moot team from another university that is interested in doing a test pleading?
Are you a law firm and would you like to support our moot teams financially and/or with your expertise?