Erasmus School of Law's Vis Moot Team has achieved an outstanding achievement by placing in the top 32 of the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Competition, demonstrating their legal skills amidst 370 universities worldwide. This remarkable achievement has put Erasmus School of Law prominently on the map in the international moot community and adds to the faculty's already rich history.
This extraordinary achievement coincides with the 60th anniversary of Erasmus School of Law, which provides a wonderful opportunity to look back on past and present efforts as well as ambitions for future Vis Moot competitions.
Experiences team members
"Our experience at the Vis Moot was a legal odyssey”, Maria Geletko said. " The challenges were formidable, but the knowledge and growth we gained were truly priceless." Her teammate Alexandra Altun added: "Every case, every argument tested our abilities. It was both a battle of wits and a celebration of legal scholarship."
For Zeynep Tuna Arkin, the Vis Moot was a stage for cultural and legal exchange. “The premoots were an amazing opportunity to meet peers from around the world, each bringing a unique perspective to the complex issues at hand.” These sessions, which took the team to cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague, Helsinki, Brussels, London and Paris, were both practice rounds and a cultural experience. “Every city had its own vibe, its own lesson to teach us, and it was incredible to soak it all in”, remarked Natasha Zechevikj. “The Vis Moot was more than a competition; it was a testament to the power of teamwork and camaraderie. Together, we tackled every obstacle and celebrated every triumph. Our unity was our strength, and it carried us to the top”, she adds.
Sara Dozai described the experience as a fascinating foray into the world of international trade law. "Each city, from the quaint streets of The Hague to the bustling boulevards of Paris, added a new layer to our journey. We didn't just learn about law; we lived it in the context of a diverse, vibrant Europe."
The driving force behind the success
Piotr Wilinski, Juan Pablo Valdivia Pizarro and Thomas de Bekker were at the helm of this journey as dedicated coaches of the team. Their expertise and mentorship were crucial to tackling the challenges of the competition. " Our coaches were our anchors, providing us with the guidance and confidence we needed to succeed", Maria said.
Linklaters Netherlands (main sponsor) and Conway & Partners provided a lot of support in this victory. Besides financial support, they also provided resources and opportunities for the team to develop their skills and knowledge to compete at the highest level.