The Complete (but Unofficial) Guide to the Willem C Vis Commercial Arbitration Moot

I. The Vis Moot: A Lifetime Experience
1. The Vis Moot Teaches You Invaluable Skills
2. The Vis Moot is a Tough Challenge
3. The Vis Moot is a Stepping Stone for Your Career
4. The Vis Moot Will Show You the "Real Life"
5. The Vis Moot is Meeting Nice People from All Over the World and Having Fun
6. Up Close and Personal: Interview with Professor Eric E. Bergsten
II. The Vis Moot: Facts and Figures
1. What is a "Moot Court"?
2. What is the Vis Moot?
3. Why Apply for the Vis Moot
4. History of the Vis Moot
5. The Timeframe of the Vis Moot
5.1 The Distribution of the Vis Moot Problem
5.2 Deadline for Requests for Clarification
5.3 Closing Date for Submission of Registration Form, Payment of Registration Fee Due
5.4 Memorandum for Claimant Due
5.5 Memorandum for Respondent Due
5.6 Official Welcome and Reception
5.7 General Rounds of Argument
5.8 Elimination Rounds of Argument
5.9 Awards Banquet and Gala Lunch
III. How to Start
1. Composition of the Teams
1.1 Eligibility
1.2 The Selection Process
1.3 The Number of Students in a Team
2. What Must Be Done to Register?
2.1 Registration Process for the Vis Moot in Vienna
2.2 Registration Process for the Vis Moot (East)
3. Team Building
3.1 Why Is Team Building so Important?
3.2 Some Suggestions for Team Building
4. The Benefits of Having a Coach and How to Find One
5. Getting to Know the Subject Matter
6. Kick-Off Meeting
6.1 A Timetable
6.2 The Resources
6.3 The Assignment of the Issues
6.4 The Introduction to the Vis Moot Memoranda Writing Style
7. The Costs of the Vis Moot and the Possible Ways of Funding
7.1 The Costs
7.2 The Possible Funding Sources
8. Start Visa Application on Time
IV. How to Write Effective Memoranda
1. The Moot's "Written" Phase
1.1 Course of the "Written" Phase
1.2 The Basic Structure of Your Memorandum
1.3 Formalities and Tips for Brushing Up Your Memorandum
1.4 Special Rules for the Memorandum for Respondent
1.5 The Grading of Your Submission
2. Reality Check: Submissions in International Arbitration
2.1 The Course of Written Submissions in International Arbitrations
2.2 The Typical Content and Format of Written Submissions
2.3 The Cultural Divide Revisited: Different Styles of Briefs
3. Ground Rules for Writing Effective Submissions
3.1 Rule 1: KISS - Use Short Sentences
3.2 Rule 2: What Matters Most - Subject + Verb
3.3 Rule 3: Choose the Right Subject and Apply That Subject Consistently 4
3.4 Rule 4: Choose Wisely Between Active Voice vs. Passive Voice
3.5 Rule 5: Put the Power into the Verb, Avoid Nominalizations
3.6 Rule 6: Delete Adjectives and Adverbs
3.7 Rule 7: Do Not Overuse Legalese and Lawyerisms
3.8 Rule 8: Use Headings Effectively
3.9 Rule 9: Avoid Spelling Errors
3.10 Rule 10: Always Start by Indicating the Issue
4. Recommendations for Advanced Writing (Or: Rules For Winning)
4.1 Recommendation 1: Persuasion Triggers - The Hidden Power of the Word "Because"
4.2 Recommendation 2: Use Enumerations to Become More Persuasive
4.3 Recommendation 3: Use Evidence and Exhibits Effectively
4.4 Recommendation 4: "First Impressions Count, Last Impressions Stay"
4.5 Recommendation 5: Quote Powerfully
4.6 Recommendation 6: Create Images in Your Readers' Minds
V. How to Present Your Case Before the Arbitral Tribunal
1. The Setting of the Oral Pleadings
1.1 The Venue
1.2 The Arbitrators
1.3 The Number of Oral Hearings and the Number of Team Members Involved
1.4 The Available Time
1.5 The Typical Course of the Oral Pleading
1.6 The Grading System Used
2. Reality Check: Oral Pleadings in International Arbitration
2.1 Civil Law Style vs. Common Law Approach
2.2 Importance of Oral Pleadings