NYLS regularly fields a team to the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, held in Vienna, Austria. Team members are selected from among applicants by the faculty coaches. Criteria for selection include:

• Demonstrated interest in, and serious commitment to undertake, professional-level scholarship in the field of international commercial transactions and international arbitration
• Skill in legal writing
• Competitive keenness, talent, and strong motivation to master the skills of international-level oral advocacy
• Skill in collaboration
• Proven ability to participate in the team without adverse academic consequences.

In the fall semester, the team meets weekly to study the CISG and the principles of international arbitration, and prepare submissions on behalf of the Claimant and Respondent of a problem devised by the Vis Moot organizers. In the spring semester, the team engages in intensive pre-competition moots in preparation for the competition in Vienna, in which over 350 teams from around the world take part.  

Team participation is not open to 1L students. 

Approved for the Experiential Learning Requirement and satisfies the Writing Requirement.

Please note: Per ABA rules, this course may only be used for one graduation requirement. Students must communicate with the Registrar to elect to count the course for either Writing Requirement or Experiential Learning Requirement.

Recommended for the Following Professional Pathways:  International Business, International Law/Human Rights, Litigation/Dispute Resolution, Corporate Transactions and Governance

4 Credits (2 credits per semester)