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UCL Laws team represents the Faculty with distinction at the International Moot in Vienna

30 April 2025

LLB student Kai Min Hii received an Honourable Mention for the Martin Domke Best Individual Oralist Award for her performance in this year’s oral pleadings.

The UCL Laws team at the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna. Eight young adults in business attire stand indoors, smiling at the camera. The background features wood paneling and greenery.

It’s always inspiring to see our students work hard and excel on the global stage – and this year’s 32nd Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna was no exception. Held from 11–17 April 2025, the competition brought together law students and legal professionals from around the world to test their advocacy skills in a simulated arbitration setting.

UCL Laws student Kai Min HII (LLB) was awarded an Honourable Mention for the Martin Domke Best Individual Oralist Award, recognising her outstanding performance during the oral pleadings. Reflecting on the experience, Kai shared:

“I am extremely grateful to have represented UCL Faculty of Laws as an oralist in the world’s largest mooting competition. Mooting in Paris, Helsinki, and Vienna and learning from students and arbitrators from across the globe has been an invaluable experience. I remain incredibly grateful for the laughter we have shared as a team, the memories we have made, and what we have achieved together.”

The UCL team, which included both undergraduate and postgraduate students, comprised four oralists and five researchers:

Oralists:

  • Jacqueline Jan (LLM)
  • Eden Lau (LLM)
  • Isaac Lai (LLM)
  • Kai Min HII (LLB)

Researchers:

  • Emilio Hidalgo (LLB, Exchange Student)
  • Danielle Toh (LLB, Exchange Student)
  • Mark Jhaveri (LLB)
  • Kristie Rim (LLM)
  • Natalie Tam (LLM)

The team was supported by four dedicated coaches: Daisy John (LLB), Miles Janes (UCL alumnus), Saifullah Shah (LLM), and Saiba Ahuja (UCL alumna). Preparation involved several months of work on memoranda for both the Claimant and Respondent, submitted in December and January respectively. The oralists then presented these arguments in pre-moots held in Paris and Helsinki, before competing in the main rounds in Vienna.

UCL’s participation was overseen by Dr Anna Donovan, Associate Professor and Faculty Mooting Coordinator, with additional support from faculty members. The team also expressed their gratitude to Lord Collins for his guidance in both written and oral preparation.

About the Vis Moot Competition

The Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot is one of the world’s leading student competitions in international law. It offers a unique pedagogical and practical experience, helping students develop skills in resolving international business disputes, particularly through arbitration.

The competition has two main components: teams prepare legal memoranda for both the claimant and respondent, and then present oral arguments before panels of professional arbitrators and academics. The Vienna rounds include four preliminary matches and knockout stages for qualifying teams.

A distinctive feature of the Vis Moot is its cross-cultural approach. Rounds typically pair common law and civil law schools with mixed judging panels that expose students to a wide range of legal traditions and advocacy styles.

Congratulations to the entire team for representing UCL Laws with such commitment and excellence! Final rankings from the preliminary rounds are expected in the coming weeks.

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