In anticipation of the competition, various preparatory competitions are held globally to prepare students for the moot.

The Dublin Vis Pre Moot will take place from 11-13th March. Ten teams will compete in the hearing rooms in the Dublin Dispute Resolution Centre, and 18 teams will take part virtually. There will be two Irish teams represented at the Pre-Moot: University College Dublin and National University of Ireland, Galway.

The Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot promotes the use and understanding of arbitration and encourages students to engage with it at a practical level. There is a large ‘Vis’ community internationally and there is a Moot Alumni Association which encourages the arbitration network to grow and support one another.

This year’s problem is a topical issue on the production of certified palm oil. The procedural questions look at which law governs the arbitration agreement, and thus on the basis of such law, does the arbitral tribunal have jurisdiction. The substantive matters look to interpreting the conclusion of a contract and whether standard terms were validly incorporated.

Maura McNally SC, chair of the Bar Council of Ireland, said: “The Bar of Ireland is delighted to be supporting this event. The innovation occurring in the field of arbitration, the integration of technology and increased awareness on the part of practitioners and clients as to its application all point to an exciting and international area of practice.”

She added that “students and young practitioners who engage with the practice and study of arbitration now, are embarking on a rewarding and dynamic career… [I] welcome all colleagues – local and international colleagues to the Bar for this exciting competition”.

This year’s Dublin Vis Pre-Moot is organised by Megan Fanning, of Eversheds Sutherland, and is being sponsored by the Dublin Dispute Resolution Centre, the Bar of Ireland, and Arbitration Ireland.

For more information, please contact Megan Fanning at dublinpremoot@gmail.com or on LinkedIn.