Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, Austria is one of the world’s most prestigious student competitions in international commercial law and arbitration. Working on a simulated cross-border commercial dispute that closely reflects real legal practice, students prepare written memoranda for both the Claimant and the Respondent and present oral arguments before international arbitrators. The competition develops legal research, written and oral advocacy, strategic case analysis, teamwork and professional communication skills. The Vis Moot brings together students, academics, arbitrators and representatives of leading international law firms from around the world, offering participants a unique opportunity to receive professional feedback and build valuable international connections.
INADR International Law School Mediation Tournament (ILSMT)
The International Academy of Dispute Resolution (INADR) was founded in 2002 in the United States and is the first organization in the world to establish international mediation tournaments where students step into the roles of advocates, clients, and mediators alike. Over its longstanding history, the
organization's tournaments have spanned more than 17 host countries, drawing representatives from over 50 worldwide.
Every year, INADR organizes one of the most prestigious and large-scale events - the International Law School Mediation Tournament (ILSMT). The tournament typically takes place during the spring semester and features law school and graduate students from all over the world. In even-numbered years, the tournament is held in the United States at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and in odd-numbered years, it takes place outside the U.S. Among these locations, the University of Georgia has had the honor of hosting this global event twice - virtually in 2021, and in 2025 within the walls of the University of Georgia, welcoming participants from across the globe.
The competition offers students a unique opportunity to gain in-depth insight into various mediation forms and techniques while developing practical skills on an international stage. Unlike traditional, adversarial court models, the tournament focuses on collaboration, negotiation, and peaceful dispute resolution.
Furthermore, it is a matter of special recognition for the University of Georgia that Ana Khurtsidze, Director of the Law School at the University of Georgia, has been elected to the responsible position of President of this prestigious international organization starting July 2026, where she will lead and represent INADR on the global stage for a two-year term.
ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition — Paris, France
One of the world’s most prestigious student competitions in commercial mediation, bringing together students from leading universities and international practitioners. Through simulations based on real-life business disputes, participants develop their negotiation, mediation, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. The competition brings together leading mediators, lawyers, and dispute resolution professionals from around the world, providing students with a unique opportunity to build an international professional network.
IBA-VIAC CDRC Vienna — Vienna, Austria
An international competition focused on commercial mediation and negotiation, where students put interest-based negotiation, effective communication, and conflict management techniques into practice. The competition provides participants with an opportunity to receive feedback from international experts and strengthen their practical skills. CDRC Vienna brings together mediators, lawyers, and dispute resolution experts from different countries, allowing students to engage in an international professional environment and establish valuable connections.
Bucerius Mediation Competition — Hamburg, Germany
The international mediation competition hosted by Bucerius Law School provides students with an opportunity to develop their negotiation, active listening, problem-solving, and professional communication skills through simulated mediation sessions. The competition also serves as a valuable preparation platform for ICC Paris and CDRC Vienna. Participants have the opportunity to meet international mediators and dispute resolution practitioners and build valuable professional connections.
ELI Young Lawyers Award — European Law Institute
An international competition of the European Law Institute (ELI) for young lawyers, offering participants the opportunity to present their legal ideas and papers on current issues of European law. The competition develops legal research, academic writing, critical thinking, and legal argumentation skills. Winners have the opportunity to present their work to ELI’s international professional community and build connections with leading lawyers and legal experts from different countries.
