Following in the footsteps of their predecessors, the Erasmus University team reached a top position at the prestigious Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration moot in the 2020-2021 season. The team also managed to secure the first prize in the Fox Williams Pre-Moot.
The Willem C. Vis Moot, normally taking place in Vienna, was, as many other events this year, held virtually. This did not prevent the Erasmus University team from successfully participating in this internationally recognized competition. As mentioned earlier (see here), the Vis Moot competition provides students the opportunity to enhance written and oral advocacy skills that are essential to thrive in their future careers.
Since the last entry, students have filed their written submissions and participated in the oral pleadings. “The oral rounds are undoubtedly an opportunity which hones one’s ability to plead and think on one's feet. I have enjoyed the experience and highly encourage anyone thinking of participating in a moot to do so as it is a certainly rewarding experience.” - says Leon, LLM Maritime and Transport Law. “Oral pleadings at the final stage of the competition were a great learning experience and led to many unforgettable memories! The many nights (and mornings!) spent in preparation were definitely a challenge, but a challenge I would not mind doing over again!”- continues Natasha, LLM International Arbitration and Business Law.
Despite the difficulties posed by COVID-19 and the virtual setting, the team worked very hard for six months and represented Erasmus University Rotterdam in the best way possible in different Pre-Moots and in the main competition. “The six-month journey passed very quickly. Pleading virtually was a whole new experience for all of us due to COVID-19. Even though we were not in Vienna, we were very passionate to plead, and we truly enjoyed every moment!” – mentions Andrea, LLM Commercial and Company Law. “Presenting a complex case in front of the camera is a totally different experience than being physically in a hearing room. The quality of the audio and the speed of internet connection are definitely factors that can affect one’s performance. Nevertheless, none of these issues affected our team’s determination to perform as well as possible!” – highlights Mohamed, LLM Ondernemingsrecht (Corporate Law).
With a busy itinerary including the virtual Berlin, Fordham, Fox Williams, AIAC, ICC, ICC Shanghai, and St. Petersburg Pre-Moots, the students were thrilled to meet and compete with their peers from all over the world and improve their advocacy skills. “Now that the Vis Moot has come to an end, I am glad to say that we have all made the most out of this opportunity, and we have seized the day through video cameras from our homes. A very notable experience was participating in the AIAC Pre-moot, for which my co-counsel and I had to be up throughout the night for two days in a row! That was definitely an adventure that showed us not only how much we can develop ourselves personally and enhance our skills, but also, how much dedication one can have for the team that they are a part of. I am very proud that we reached the Top 64 this year.” – tells Alexandra, LLM Commercial and Company Law. “Within the course of two months we managed to schedule and participate in many virtual practice rounds with universities from all over the world, starting from India and China crossing over to European countries, like Germany and the UK and even reaching the United States of America and Guatemala. Pleading in the middle of the night was definitely the highlight of my experience during the oral rounds, as well! Having the opportunity to enhance your advocacy skills whilst meeting like-minded students from all over the world and benefitting from the support and advice of experts in the field of international commercial law and arbitration make the Vis Moot, an unforgettable experience!” - says Konstantina, LLM International Arbitration and Business Law.
Nevertheless, the Vis Moot experience would not have been the same for the students without their coaches and sponsors, who have provided invaluable feedback, encouragement and support. This year’s team was coached by Dr. Piotr Wiliński, Mr. Juan Pablo Valdivia Pizarro, Dr. Julia Hörnig, and Mr. Thomas de Bekker.
“I believe that the pandemic is not only a challenge, but it also creates opportunities. This year team embraced them to the fullest. Every student contributed to the final result and I am truly grateful for their dedication. Simply put: proud of them!” - tells Piotr Wiliński.
“It has been tremendously rewarding to see the progress the team made throughout the whole process, especially in such unique and challenging circumstances. The team did a remarkable job. Not only because of how well they did but because of how well they worked (and enjoyed) together. We are very proud of their effort, their commitment and the unity within the team.” - said Juan Pablo Valdivia Pizarro.
“Team spirit had to be rethought this year – no sitting together, no arguing or giving each other strength face-to-face. But it was also a chance – having received a training in virtual pleading and hearing the team is now prepared to become the next generation in arbitration. I was amazed by the dedication of the entire team. The amazing results were possible thanks to the contribution of every single member! - Good Job!” - says Julia Hörnig.
“The real litmus test for how much something meant to you is how much you miss it after it's finished. And I can say, without a doubt, that every time the moot ends in April it takes a good few weeks to get over it. In short, the moot is a great experience that is a defining moment in every participant's education (dare I say life)” – comments Thomas de Bekker.
At this point, the coaches and the team would like to express their sincere gratitude to their sponsors: Linklaters Amsterdam (acting as the main sponsor) and Conway & Partners. The sponsors offered the students helpful advice and guidance as well as financial support that helped cover the students’ expenses throughout the Vis Moot.