Welcome to the IntLaw Investment Arbitration Moot!

ABOUT

Origins

The IntLaw Investment Arbitration Moot, also referred to as the IntLaw Moot, was established through the IntLaw Foundation as a natural extension of IntLaw LLP’s longstanding commitment to legal education and to supporting the development of the next generation of practitioners in public international law and international arbitration. It reflects a sustained appreciation for the importance of accessible, high-quality training in shaping future professionals in these areas.

The IntLaw Moot was conceived with a clear objective: to make both the study and practice of public international law and international arbitration genuinely accessible. In doing so, it brings together participants drawn to public international law as the substantive framework of the dispute, and those interested in international arbitration as the procedural mechanism through which that dispute is resolved.

At its core, the IntLaw Moot is guided by the idea that these domains should not remain confined to limited institutional or geographic contexts, but should instead be made broadly accessible to students with the commitment to engage with them rigorously.

Design

The IntLaw Moot is structured to reflect, as closely as possible, the realities of investment arbitration, both in its legal complexity and its procedural dynamics. The case is carefully constructed to engage with key issues in investment arbitration, incorporating elements of admissibility, jurisdiction, merits and reparations.

The overall design seeks to balance intellectual rigor with practical realism, encouraging participants to think and perform like practitioners.

Advocacy Format | The IntLaw Moot is structured in two phases, combining written and oral advocacy. In the written phase, teams prepare and submit memorials on behalf of both claimant and respondent. This is followed by the oral phase, during which teams plead in a simulated hearing setting. Together, these phases are designed to reflect the core advocacy demands of investment arbitration.

Procedural Developments | A distinctive feature of the IntLaw Moot is the introduction of a procedural development. Ten days prior to the oral phase, a new factual element is released, requiring teams to reassess their positions and adapt their arguments accordingly. This is intended to reflect the evolving nature of real proceedings, where legal strategy must be responsive to new circumstances.

Location

London, United Kingdom

Schedule

18–22 February 2027

Experience

The IntLaw Moot is conceived as a truly global and inclusive experience. Teams from all regions are actively encouraged to participate, with the aim of fostering a diverse and representative environment that reflects both the beauty of cross-cultural interaction as well as the international character of the competition.

The experience is designed to be demanding and rewarding. Participants are expected to engage deeply with intellectually stimulating legal questions and operate within a setting that mirrors professional standards.

At the same time, the IntLaw Moot seeks to cultivate a collegial atmosphere, where participants can build life-long connections with peers, practitioners, and academics from different legal traditions and professional backgrounds. It is not only a competitive forum, but also a space for exchange, collaboration, and professional development.

Aside from the Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony, the IntLaw Moot features a series of side events designed to enrich the overall experience.