For the second consecutive year, the University of Miami School of Law has emerged as the global oral advocacy leader in sports law arbitration. Following three weeks of virtual general rounds in March, the School of Law’s International Moot Court team has been ranked the number one U.S. law school at the Sports Arbitration Moot.
Outperforming 75 international teams, the School of Law team is the only U.S. law school to advance to the elimination rounds, held in Madrid, Spain, this May. The team—comprised of Mariana Moreno, Alexis Castillo, Alfonso Figuerola, and Cristian Alvarez—was coached by Paula Arias, director of the International Moot Court Program and alumnus Enric Ripoll. Ripoll is uniquely positioned to coach as he earned an J.D./L.M. in International Arbitration with a focus on sports in 2022.
“I have been coaching this moot for several years, and every edition is a new challenge,” said Arias. She notes that the competition mirrors the sports world, with unique federation rules and cutting-edge legal issues. “The creativity of the case ensures our students truly engage with this niche area of law. Miami Law is the perfect environment to learn both the law and its practical application.”
About the sports arbitration competition
Founded in 2021, the Sports Arbitration Moot (SAM) is an international competition designed to introduce law students to the specialized field of sports arbitration—a practice area often missing from traditional law school curricula.
Unlike many other moots that require extensive written memoranda, the SAM focuses almost exclusively on oral advocacy. Students simulate real-world appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, arguing complex, sport-specific cases before panels of experienced practitioners and professors. The competition uses a hybrid format: virtual general rounds allow for global inclusivity, while the top 16 teams advance to prestigious in-person elimination rounds.
The competition is intense, and Arias attributes the win to the students’ relentless work ethic. “I am extremely proud. Every year they surprise me with their dedication, curiosity, and outstanding communication skills, all of which allow them to truly shine.”
Bridging the gap: From Coral Gables to the global stage
The team’s success stems from a unique "Miami advantage"—a blend of community and alumni support and cultural identity. Law student Moreno, who in addition to Alvarez is obtaining a J.D./LL.M. in entertainment, arts, and sports law, believes the program’s secret weapon is its lineage.
"The support from within the program and by the alumni is what makes it so special," Moreno said. "Former students always come back to help the new generation, a testament to the lasting impact the program has across generations." Castillo agrees, noting that the "vibrant, uplifting, and supportive environment" built a level of camaraderie that made the intense preparation process smooth and enjoyable.
This year’s case required students to tackle the murky waters of match-fixing and sports betting. Moreno found the research rewarding, as it forced her to "delve deeply into the world of sports law." For Castillo, the topic felt urgent: "Match manipulation and violations of sport integrity are an issue. We researched how jurisprudence should be interpreted to solve an issue that is becoming more difficult to penalize."
Adapting to international arbitration and civil law
To compete against schools from vastly different jurisdictions, the team pivoted away from traditional American litigation. Castillo reflects that the team leaned into their own identities to bridge the gap: "We adapted through tapping into our Latin ethnicities and cultures. It makes international arbitration feel less daunting—more like something we belong to."
The team also mastered civil law nuances, where binding precedent is absent. Moreno emphasized that "being conscious of cultural differences and understanding other legal systems was extremely important to build effective arguments."
Now, the team is "unplugging" for Madrid, practicing with only paper outlines. "Even the strongest arguments lose impact without effective delivery," Moreno said. "We are sharpening our oral advocacy to communicate confidently."
The International Moot Court Program, the only one of its kind in the U.S., allows students to represent the University of Miami School of Law in various international legal competitions while obtaining course credit. In the process, students not only delve into the captivating world of international law but also refine crucial legal research and advocacy skills.
Reflecting on the No. 1 ranking, Castillo said: "I took a double take when I saw we ranked first out of 76 international teams. There is nothing more rewarding when you know how much work and passion we put into this."
Read more about the School of Law’s moot court programs.
