Seventh Spanish Language Moot Arbitration Competition Held Virtually
On May 18-21, 2020, the Center on International Commercial Arbitration hosted the Seventh International Investment Moot Arbitration Competition. The event was originally scheduled for the week of March 16, but was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 crisis.
This event, which is conducted solely in Spanish, promotes the study of International Investment Law and Arbitration as its preferred dispute resolution mechanism. The competition is co-organized with the Latin American Arbitration Association (ALARB), the Center for Arbitration and Mediation of the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce of Bogota (CAM/CCBC), and the Externado University of Colombia, School of Law. Sponsors include the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and TDM. Sponsor law firms included: Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP; Montezuma Abogados; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP; and Three Crowns.
Eight teams accepted the challenge of presenting their arguments online. We had a very positive response from volunteer arbitrators who participated in a record number. Zoom worked wonderfully, especially during the final round that had over 110 attendees.
We are very happy that we could provide this opportunity to the students and would like to thank the Office of Online Learning, specially Kayden Kassof and Eric Gordon, for their technical and logistical support.
The success of the competition would not have been possible without the leadership of Susana Castiglione and the work of Yurica Ramos and Andrea Santacoloma. They all did an exceptional job organizing this complex multi-day event online.
We would like to also thank the International Suite for their support, particularly to Professor Ala’i and Bjorn Arp, and to the following offices for their dedication: the Office of Special Events & Continuing Legal Education; the Office of Finance and Administration; and the Office of Technology and the Media Control Center. Special thanks to Facilities Management and Bob Campe.
The Center would be happy to share our experience with any office interested in hosting a competition online.