The Luxembourg office of international law firm Clifford Chance recently re-signed an agreement in support of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance’s moot court activities, making this the fourth year running for the partnership.
Moot court competitions allow law students from different universities to compete against each other as they take on a fictitious law suit. Teams usually submit a written memorial on the case, followed by several rounds of oral pleadings. Their performance is judged by a professional panel, usually including real judges, lawyers and law professors.
The University of Luxembourg is fielding five teams this academic year, with around 20 students taking part in the:
- Concours européen des droits de l’homme René Cassin
- European Law Moot Court
- International and European Tax Moot Court
- Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition
- Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
The partnership with Clifford Chance provides financial support for Uni.lu teams to travel to the competition cities. In addition, where allowed by competition rules, Clifford Chance lawyers act as judges in practice pleadings to analyse their arguments and give feedback.
“Mooting is a very special experience,” commented the Faculty Dean, Prof. Katalin Ligeti, at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on 10 December. “It teaches you not only about the finer aspects of the law, but it also forces you to think creatively, to work as a team, to manage your time, to practice your public speaking. Without the support of Clifford Chance we would not be able to run this programme as we do.”
Steve Jacoby, partner of Clifford Chance, commented on the strong track record of the Uni.lu moot court teams over the years and the reputation they have built for the University. “The Uni.lu teams are known as formidable opponents who know what they are doing and who know how to bring an argument in court,” he told the new cohort, wishing them the best of success in this year’s competitions.