RALEIGH — A team of eight law students from Campbell Law School has been gearing up for two prestigious international legal competitions known throughout the world: The 32nd Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, Austria, April 11-17, and the 22st Vis East Moot in Hong Kong, China, March 30-April 6. The Vis Moots offer law students unique opportunities to dive deep into international commercial arbitration.
A Year-Long Commitment to Excellence
Competing in the Vis Moots is no small feat. From the moment the competition problem is released in October, the team devotes months to intense preparation. A dedicated team of Campbell Law students has spent the academic year studying the Vis Moot Problem, researching the legal issues and fine-tuning their skills. Some of the team members have completed a course in international business transactions, which is a key part of the foundational learning needed to navigate the complex issues related to international trade and arbitration, both of which are central to the Vis Moot Problem.
As the competition year unfolds, students follow a demanding schedule, which includes:
October: The Vis Moot Problem is released, and the team begins its deep dive into the issues at hand, formulating arguments for both sides of the dispute.
December through January: The team submits briefs representing Claimant and Respondent.
Spring Semester: Throughout the spring, the team participates in pre-moot competitions, which are mock arbitration hearings held in preparation for the final rounds in Hong Kong and Vienna. These pre-moots simulate real arbitration hearings, allowing the team to refine their oral advocacy skills and adjust their strategies based on feedback from experienced arbitrators.
Meet the Team
Campbell Law’s 2024-25 team consists of two third-year students and six second-year students, each bringing unique strengths and perspectives to the competition:
3L Students: Sofia Gomez-Ayala and Jessica Osborn
2L Students: Imani Henderson, Lara Innes, Cole Maimone, Cole Rasenberger, Nicholas Wilkins and Meghan Drum
Coaching Excellence: Alumni Leading the Way
Campbell Law’s Vis Moot team is fortunate to have the guidance of alumni who have competed in the competition themselves. These experienced coaches bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to the team’s preparation. Campbell Law alumni Christy Dunn ’19, Scott Flowers ’03, Matt Jones ’21 and Jenna Nichols ’22 have generously volunteered their time to help prepare this year’s team. Their coaching reflects the commitment and mentorship that Campbell Law has built its reputation on, as they guide the students through the complexities of international commercial arbitration, drawing from their own experiences in the Vis Moot.
Upcoming Competitions: Hong Kong and Vienna
The Hong Kong competition serves as a regional event with a global reach, drawing participants from all over the world. For Campbell Law School’s team, it’s an exciting opportunity to refine their arguments before heading to the final rounds in Vienna, the competition’s original home and the largest of the two events. At both locations, the team will present their cases before panels of esteemed international arbitration practitioners, offering them invaluable exposure to the world of global dispute resolution. The stakes are high, but the team is well-prepared thanks to months of hard work, guidance from coaches, and a strong foundation in international law. As the students compete in Hong Kong and Vienna, they will refine their legal skills and gain a global perspective on the practice of international commercial arbitration—an experience that will be invaluable in their future careers.
ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW
Since its founding in 1976, Campbell Law has developed lawyers who possess moral conviction, social compassion, and professional competence, and who view the law as a calling to serve others. Among its accolades, the school has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as having the nation’s top Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers for having the nation’s best Trial Advocacy Program. Campbell Law boasts nearly 5,000 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2024, Campbell Law celebrated 45 years of graduating legal leaders and 15 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina’s Capital City.