International Moot Court Program Completes Another Powerful Year

During the academic year now coming to an end, 32 students in the University of Miami School of Law's International Moot Court Program took part in eight competitions around the world. They argued hypothetical cases in places such as Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa and Spain.
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The cases involved such matters as bribery in international commercial arbitration, state sovereignty, and immunity in civil claims for human rights violations. The students also addressed human trafficking over online dating websites, religious practices, gender discrimination, human rights, indigenous rights, and ethics in international commercial arbitration.

"My students have brilliantly represented Miami Law everywhere we have been," said the program's director, Lecturer in Law Paula C. Arias. "I can only say I am extremely proud of each of them, and I am very satisfied with the year that is coming to an end."

In the International Moot Court Program, students obtain course credit while representing Miami Law in the competitions. Students have the opportunity to argue issues in international law and work with other future attorneys from other countries, cultures and legal systems.

"It was only when I was actually competing that I realized how far I had come over the past few months," said third-year student Simone Kriger. "It was the single most rewarding experience I have had throughout my law school career – both in South Africa and in the USA – and I now have so much more confidence in my abilities as an attorney."

Another third-year student, Lauran San Roman, said that she was grateful for the expert coaching "by experienced practitioners who generously dedicated hours of their time."

Sixteen of the International Moot Court students are graduating this semester, and many credit the moot court program for their success at Miami Law. "Through participating in the training, I not only improved my oral advocacy in a tremendous way, but also boosted my confidence greatly as an international student," said Lin Zhou, one of the 2012 graduates. "It was such an amazing experience and the highlight of my life in law school."



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