School of Law

I applied for the Vis Moot as I was keen to develop my advocacy skills and explore further my growing interest in International Law and Commercial Arbitration. As just under 400 teams compete in Vienna, I knew the Vis Moot was the best way to develop and practice my advocacy skills. My experience was far beyond my initial interest as not only did I love International Commercial Arbitration and develop my advocacy skills, but I also got to meet life-long friends and network with like-minded law students around the world.

~ Katie Bourner

I was initially motivated to apply for the Vis Moot as I have a strong interest in both mooting and commercial/chancery law. I thought it offered an exciting opportunity to learn more international commercial arbitration which was something I hadn't any experience in previously, whilst developing my oral and written advocacy skills. My initial interest was certainly rewarded by the experience!

~ Jodie Hofford (2023/24)

I thought that the Vis Moot sounded like a great opportunity to develop my knowledge and understanding of how commercial arbitration works. I also saw that the competition was going to be held in Vienna, with real life Arbitrators acting as the competition’s Judges. This made me think that the Vis Moot would be the closest experience to international arbitration that a student is ever going to be able to get. I wasn’t disappointed!

~ Declan Ritchie (2023/24)

I originally applied to compete in the Vis Moot as I wanted to develop on my mooting skills, but also I understood the Vis Moot to explore a wide range of International Law issues and being able to write legal memoranda allowed me to explore this area of law and broaden my understanding. I had not selected any international law based courses, and believed the Vis Moot to be a great addition to my studies.  

~ Atrin Fatemeh Zolghadr (2023/24)

The Vis Moot was incomparable to any other extracurriculars or courses available at Glasgow. The Vis Moot was undoubtedly a challenge. It was a challenge to manage my time, it was a challenge to confidently advocate without notes, it was a challenge to research, what felt at times like a bottomless pit. Nonetheless, the opportunity to develop these research, advocacy, and time management skills was truly invaluable. Networking with legal practitioners, leading academics and law students from around the world was what made this experience incomparable.

~ Katie Bourner

I would firstly say that in all honesty it is incomparable to other courses and extra-curriculars on offer at Glasgow, firstly in academics and secondly as a more general commitment. It is a very serious competition in which you compete with the world's finest law students in front of those who work in and sometimes even "create" the world of international commercial arbitration. Not only will your knowledge and advocacy skills be put to the test but your general ability to multi-task and plan your time wisely will be also. However, the rewards of competing in the Vis Moot and meeting like-minded individuals and crucial contacts from across the globe is also a completely incomparable opportunity, and one not to be missed!

~ Jodie Hofford (2023-24)

As a mature student who was balancing full time work alongside my studies, I was unable to dedicate much time to extra curricular activities whilst studying at Glasgow. That being said, the team were really good at being flexible with planning sessions around my work and study commitments. Preparation for the Moot was a lot of work, with many weekends and evenings dedicated to getting ready for the competition. However, it was undoubtedly worth it.

~ Declan Ritchie (2023/24)

The Vis Moot not only allowed me to confidently write advanced legal memoranda, but I was able to plead in front of lawyers, arbitrators and judges from all over the world. The best part of all was being able to build my network with law students and those in this line of work from all over the world. The Vis Moot is definitely a challenge, but once you get stuck in, it is the most rewarding experience I have ever taken part in. Being able to travel to Madrid for a pre-moot and Vienna for the final, I have not only developed my understanding of commercial arbitration and mooting in general, but I have made friends for life! 

~ Atrin Fatemeh Zolghadr (2023/24)

The Vis Moot played a crucial role in the discovery of my passion for International Commercial Arbitration. It provided me an incomparable platform to network with practitioners, academics and like-minded law students from around the world. I would highly recommend this mooting opportunity.

~ Katie Bourner

I have taken away a new-found passion for arbitration, an unprecedented network of contacts for any and all eventualities and one of the most incredible experiences in mooting that one can hope to participate in. I'd recommend to all.

~ Jodie Hofford (2023/24)

I have a much clearer understanding of the commercial arbitration landscape, as well as the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) rules.

The Moot also gave me more experience in making written and verbal legal arguments and helped me to improve both my research and teamwork skills.

I would highly recommend the Vis Moot to anyone who is looking to develop themselves both personally and professionally.

~ Declan Ritchie (2023/24)

Going into the Vis Moot, I had the least experience in mooting in my team. However, I believed the Vis Moot to be an invaluable experience, where I not only was able to meet wonderful people, but also build on my confidence in mooting and writing advanced legal memoranda. After participating in the Vis Moot, I have been able to draw on my experience in interviews and networking events alike, and it undoubtedly has given me a grounds to show my capabilities to employers.  

~ Atrin Fatemeh Zolghadr (2023/24)