Moot courts

Vis Moot is a prestigious international competition with more than 300 universities from all over the world taking part every year. Students challenge each other in a simulation of international arbitration based on an example of a complex real case requiring a solution to issues of arbitration law and international trade. Over the six-month period of the competition, the team will be asked to draft two written memoranda and then discuss the case orally in Vienna before arbitration panels made up of renowned academics and professionals. The working language is English.

Vis Moot is a unique opportunity for university students in Italy. It allows for the discussion of an example of a real case and for students to improve their skills in legal analysis and teamwork. It also provides an excellent opportunity for students to improve their command of English, both written and oral.

Students participating in Vis Moot are awarded 5 credit points.

Vis Moot begins with the publication of a case in October, and is then divided into two phases, one written and one oral. The first phase involves the study of the case and the legal research leading up to writing the memoranda. The team will draw up memoranda for both parties in the case, one for the claimant (the plaintiff), to be submitted by early December, and one for the Respondent (the defendant) to be submitted by the end of January.

The written phase is followed by the oral phase, during which the team will take part in various simulations in Italy and abroad (known as Pre-Moot events) and culminates in an oral discussion in Vienna, which will take place in April 2026, during the week before Easter.

The official Vis Moot website publishes a wealth of information about the competition, including, among other things, a short presentation of the project and a FAQ page.

For any further information about the competition, contact Prof. Pietro Franzina (Pietro.Franzina@unicatt.it) or De. Caterina Benini (caterina.benini@unicatt.it).

6 students enrolled on the Master’s Degree programme in Law will be selected.

Selection will be based on the applicants’ English level (students are recommended to have a minimum level of B2), academic merit and an aptitude interview conducted for the most part in English. Preference will be given to applicants who have taken the exams or have attended the classes of one or more of the following courses: Law and Practice of Arbitration, Diritto internazionale privato, Business and Human Rights.

To be considered for selection you must:

• apply for the programme by 4 July 2025 and pay the application fee of €35 (a CV plus a motivational letter, preferably in English, must be submitted with your application);
• attend an aptitude interview, which will be held in person on 9 July 2025 at 12 pm: applicants will be provided with details of where the interviews will be held in the days leading up to the interview. 

Taking part in Moot will entail the following costs:

• €700 Vis Moot team registration fee, to be divided by the number of participants;
• travel expenses, accommodation and meals for Pre-Moot events abroad and for the final in Vienna.

Members of the team will have to settle the above costs themselves, although they will be partially reimbursed as follows.

Università Cattolica will reimburse the Vis Moot registration fee in full. There will also be additional financial support from Università Cattolica for each member of the team and support from any sponsors of the competition.  

More detailed information regarding the amount of financial support available for the 32nd edition and how to apply for it will be provided to the selected students in the autumn. 

Relevant receipts for expenses must be submitted before reimbursement will be paid. Expenses incurred for travel in Italy will not be reimbursed by Università Cattolica.
 

An info session will be held on Monday 19 May 2025, at 5:30 PM, online and in person (room G.122 Lombardo), for students interested in the programme who need more information.

If you don't have the chance to participate and have any questions for Mooties from the past edition, you can contact them through the official Instagram page of the Unicatt Vis Moot Team.