The University of Bern has competed at the renowned Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot for the 15th time. This year, the University of Bern was represented by Colin Fehlmann, Raphael Geissmann, Jan Heller, Elena Konvalina, Lena Lang and Oliver Strässler. As the coronavirus was still present, the competition was held fully virtually. This, however, did not hinder the team from fully submerging themselves in the adventure called “Vis Moot Court”.
As the pre-moots were virtual as well, this year’s moot team had the chance to take part in pre‑moots outside of Europe and to then meet teams from all around the globe already. The mooties pleaded in virtual England, Malaysia and Mexico against teams from for example India, Mexico and the USA.
This year’s team was able to continue the ongoing success of the preceding Bernese teams! The team managed to advance from the “general rounds”, this year with 385 participating teams, to the round of the best 64. The team exited the competition after an educational round against the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn from London. At the Closing Ceremony, it was a delight to find out that the team’s memorandum for claimant was ranked 2nd overall. And as if this huge achievement were not enough, both Elena Konvalina and Oliver Strässler managed to get an honourable mention for best individual oralist. In short, a success that the team can look back on for a long time.
Congratulations to the team and coaches for this sensational result!
