Vis Pre-Moot

Richard DeWitt Memorial Vis Pre-Moot

Presented by the Florida Bar International Law Section
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2025

Prepare to dive into international arbitration excellence!

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the realm of international commercial law and arbitration? Join us for the Richard DeWitt Memorial Vis Pre-Moot Competition, presented by The Florida Bar International Law Section. 

The Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot is an annual competition for law students to foster the study and practice of international commercial sales law and arbitration. It is a dynamic educational program that bridges the gap between theory and practice. The ILS is pleased to assist in preparing students for the prestigious Vis Arbitration Moot in Vienna.

Event Overview: At this year’s Pre-Moot, we’re taking it up a notch with a hybrid format that combines in-person and virtual experiences. This unique event is designed for practitioners who will step into the shoes of mock arbitrators for challenging arbitration “rounds.” Our goal? To provide practical training, foster a deeper understanding of international commercial law, and prepare students for resolving complex international business disputes.

The Challenge: Our program revolves around a captivating fictional problem. This problem delves deep into the intricacies of international law, touching on jurisdictional, procedural, and substantive issues in a dispute between the Claimant and Respondent. While the countries’ names are fictitious, the parties and the tribunal adhere to real international treaties and rules, ensuring a rigorous and authentic experience.

Event Schedule (Subject to Change):

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration and Breakfast

8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Opening

8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Round 1

10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Round 2

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch Break

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Afternoon Registration

1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Round 3

3:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Round 4

5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Reception and Awards Ceremony

Get Involved as an Arbitrator: We’re seeking 72 to 96 volunteer arbitrators to make this event a resounding success. If you’re passionate about international law and arbitration, this is your chance to play a crucial role in shaping the future of legal professionals. CLE will be available to volunteer arbitrators.

Past Participants: Over the years, law schools from across Florida have participated in our Pre-Moot program. Through this program, the International Law Section of The Florida Bar provides stipends to all participating Florida law schools, helping them cover the cost of traveling to Vienna to compete in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. We have also welcomed law schools from all over the world, both in person and through video conference, including from Brazil, India, and Sweden.

Law schools that have previously competed in our Richard DeWitt Memorial Vis Pre-Moot include:

  • Fribourg
  • Universite de Lausanne
  • University of Ljubljana 
  • UFMG
  • Federal University of Paraiba
  • Pontifical Catholic University of Parana
  • University of Münster
  • Heinrich Heine University
  • Universitat Frankfurt am Main
  • The Chinese University of Hong Kong 
  • China–EU School of Law
  • Christ University 
  • University of Georgia – GA
  • Pace University – NY
  • American University Washington College of Law – DC
  • Emory
  • Tulane
  • Loyola
  • UCLA
  • McGill University
  • University of Lapland
  • European School of Law
  • University of Versailles
  • University of Bologna
  • University of Warsaw
  • Jagiellonian
  • Carlos III University
  • Comillas Universidad Pontificia
  • Bilkent University
  • Queen Mary University of London
  • Universidad de Buenos Aires
  • Universidad Nacional de Colombia
  • Panamericana University
Our Valued Sponsors: We are proud to have the support of esteemed sponsors like JAMS, who consistently champion our cause. Their commitment to international law excellence is invaluable.

We also extend our gratitude to institutions like MIAS and the Arbitration Place, whose unwavering sponsorship ensures the continued success of our Pre-Moot program.

Stay Informed: Stay tuned for the release of this year’s problem on October 6, 2024. All updates and information about the Vis and the problem can be found on the official Vis Moot website.
Visit the Vis Moot Website

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an enriching experience that transcends borders and shapes the future of international law. Join us at The Florida Bar International Law Section’s Pre-Moot Event and be part of a tradition that celebrates excellence in international arbitration.

School Registration

Arbitrator Registration

For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with [email protected]

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