Miami Law’s International Moot Court Program, the only one of its kind in the United States, is an extraordinary opportunity for law students to gain practical legal skills, exposure to international law, and the chance to compete in global moot competitions. With a focus on oral advocacy and legal writing, the program helps students develop their abilities while building a professional network that can help them throughout their careers. With a stellar reputation for competition excellence and a commitment to providing students with a challenging and rewarding experience, the International Moot Court Program is a unique opportunity for any student looking to take their legal education to the next level.
“My participation in the IMCP prompted my interest in and pursuit of a career in commercial arbitration and litigation, which I still practice today,” said Averil Andrews, J.D. ’13, who is an attorney at Allen Vellone Wolf Helfrich & Factor P.C. in Denver, Colorado. “I utilize the skills I learned from IMCP daily. This includes learning to communicate and collaborate on a team; accepting and incorporating feedback; knowing and understanding your audience; being succinct and organized; anticipating questions or opposing arguments and being prepared to address them. I also used the Spanish skills I developed during my participation in the University of Buenos Aires Commercial Arbitration competition.”
The program, which provides students with course credit, is comprised of both a workshop and participation in at least one international moot competition. Some competitions are in Spanish or Portuguese, allowing students to develop language skills.
Last year, the International Moot Court Program won the North American round in the 27th annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court competition. The win helped contribute to Miami Law being ranked as the third-best moot court team in the country. The students in the program traveled internationally for competitions in London, the Netherlands, Vienna, Budapest, Hamburg, and Madrid.
“I significantly benefited from the feedback I received in my writing,” said Ibrahim Amir, J.D./LL.M. ’20, an attorney at Diaz Reus in Miami. “Thanks to Professor Paula Arias, we were able to have our brief drafts reviewed by former IMCP alumni and current attorneys. My legal writing improved with every feedback round. As a litigation attorney, I am ahead of my colleagues, thanks to the program.”
Alumni coaches are another unique aspect of the International Moot Court Program. Many previous student competitors return to campus to help current students prepare for the competitions.
“Over the last 12 years, IMCP has developed a network of supporters, comprised of American and foreign lawyers with diverse backgrounds, as well as former members, who every year share their knowledge and nourish the next generation of international law and transnational law practitioners,” said Arias, the director of the International Moot Court Program.
“IMCP provides a unique opportunity to develop the skills that lawyers often take years to master, while being trained by seasoned attorneys from all over the world.”
The program is holding a welcome reception on October 5th from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. in the Faculty Meeting Room at the Law Library. Students who are interested in the International Moot Court Program should attend to learn more and to meet former students, who will be discussing how to begin a legal career outside of Florida.
Read more about Miami Law’s moot court programs.
