Master of Laws (LL.M.) students at the University of Luxembourg, together with coaches and the faculty’s partner and international law firm Clifford Chance, celebrated on 27 May 2019 the end of another successful moot court season.
During the 2018-2019 academic year, five teams represented the University of Luxembourg in various moot court competitions, namely:
- Concours Européen des Droits de l’Homme René Cassin
- European Law Moot Court Competition
- International and European Tax Moot Court Competition
- Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition
- Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
A total of 17 students, from the first and second year of LL.M. studies, took part in the competitions which simulate real court proceedings and give participants the chance to defend their fictitious clients in front of real judges. Moot courts form an important part of the LL.M. experience at the University of Luxembourg, giving students the opportunity to put theory into practice, to work in teams, manage their time and speak in public.
Like in previous years, the university’s participation in moot court competitions is supported by the Luxembourg office of international law firm Clifford Chance. Their generous support allows students to travel to friendly rounds and pleading sessions, which this year took place in Leuven, Madrid, Lisbon, Paris and Washington, D.C. In addition to the generous financial contribution, Clifford Chance lawyers act as judges during practice pleadings hosted for the teams, providing expertise and feedback on their performance.
Long-term commitment
“The collaboration between our faculty and Clifford Chance has become a tradition and reflects a long-term commitment on both ends,” Faculty Dean Prof. Katalin Ligeti said at the closing reception on Monday evening.
“We are grateful for the generous contribution from Clifford Chance, which allows us to give very privileged conditions to our moot court teams, ” she further said, adding that “the firm’s engagement and spirit helps our students to prepare for the moot court experience”.
Addressing students on the night, Faculty Dean Prof. Ligeti also outlined that “participating in a moot court competition is a highly rewarding experience and not only teaches you about the finer aspects of law, but it also tests your limits and equips you with lifetime skills.”
In his opening remarks Steve Jacoby, Managing Partner at Clifford Chance Luxembourg, said: “We are very honoured and proud that we are able to support the moot court initiative for yet another year. Students have put a lot of work into this, they spent a long time researching, preparing their written and oral submissions, fighting against their opponents and also celebrating.” He also thanked his team and all lawyers who helped to prepare the students for their competitions.
Before handing the students their certificates of participation, Associate Professor and moot court coordinator Aikaterini Pantazatou added her best wishes to both students and coaches and praised them for their hard work.
Photos courtesy of Clifford Chance Luxembourg