CLDP, as part of its broader initiative on creating a sustainable Vis Moot program in BiH law schools, held a three-day Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Oral Argument Training in Sarajevo on February 13-15, 2015. The program featured presentations, video demonstrations, practice arbitral arguments, take-home assignments, and interactive practice and coaching sessions on the third and final phase of the Vis Moot: oral advocacy.

The sessions were led by student advisors/Vis Moot alumni from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and members of BiH’s Association ARBITRI. Students refined their Claimant and Respondent substantive and procedural arguments during two full days of practice arbitration arguments which took place in front of panels of 3 arbitrators. Participants in the program included student Vis Moot teams from the University of Sarajevo and the University of Zenica. Representatives from the University of Mostar Džemal Bijedić and the University of Istočno Sarajevo – who are interested in participating in next year’s Vis Moot – also attend the sessions.

CLDP introduced the annual Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot to BiH law schools as a mechanism for the development of international commercial law and arbitration curricula. This program will strengthen legal education on international commercial law and arbitration in BiH and will in turn lead to the development of a critical mass of legal professionals in BiH, adept at effectively handling international commercial disputes and acquainted with arbitration as a modern method of dispute resolution.