Join us for the Vis Moot Fall Bootcamp 2026 at SWPS University in Warsaw. This intensive, three-day workshop is specifically designed to prepare participants for the highly celebrated Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. It is an exceptional opportunity to elevate your legal argumentation skills and gain hands-on advocacy experience before the competition begins.
About the Vis Moot competition
The Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot stands as one of the world's premier mock court competitions. Hosted annually in Vienna for more than three decades, it continuously draws top talent from over 400 universities and law schools across the globe.
What is a Moot Court?
These competitions replicate real-world proceedings before international tribunals. The challenge consists of two main stages: a written phase focused on drafting detailed legal pleadings, and an oral phase where student teams act as counsel in simulated trials.
Inside the 2026 Bootcamp
The SWPS Vis Moot Bootcamp is a regional training hub hosted in Warsaw. Tailored for law students and young professionals entering the 2026-2027 Vis Moot season, the event offers an engaging blend of practical lectures, interactive workshops, and panel debates.
Participants will dissect the latest case problem, hone their legal research techniques, and refine their presentation skills. Beyond the academic program, the bootcamp serves as a vibrant networking platform to connect with experienced arbitration practitioners and peers from across Europe and beyond – building connections essential for a future career in international law.
The training program includes:
- Case Analysis: Breaking down and understanding the newly released Vis Moot problem.
- Arbitration Frameworks: Navigating the CISG and key international procedural rules.
- Legal Writing: Strategic guidance on drafting compelling Memoranda for both Claimant and Respondent.
- Oral Advocacy: Masterclasses on persuasive argumentation and the effective use of legal authorities.
Conference information
The event also includes a conference entitled "Two Systems, One Tribunal: Common Law and Civil Law in International Commercial Arbitration". It will take place on November 6, 2026 at SSW Law firm, located at Rondo ONZ 1/27 Street.
The central question of the conference is: What happens when lawyers trained in different legal traditions meet before the same arbitral tribunal?
International arbitration is often described as a bridge between legal cultures. Yet fundamental differences remain. From document production and witness examination to contract interpretation and damages, common law and civil law lawyers frequently approach the same dispute from very different perspectives.
Hosted as part of the SWPS Vis Moot Fall Bootcamp 2026, this conference will bring together leading practitioners, academics, arbitrators, and Vis Moot coaches to discuss how legal traditions continue to shape international commercial arbitration.
Panel A
Procedural Battles: Common Law and Civil Law Approaches in Arbitration
Exploring evidence, advocacy, witness testimony, procedural fairness, confidentiality, and the role of arbitral tribunals in bridging legal cultures.
Panel B
Substance Matters: How Legal Cultures Influence the Outcome of Commercial Disputes? Is the CISG a Useful Bridge Between Legal Traditions?
Examining good faith, damages, penalty clauses, contract formation, and the continuing influence of legal traditions on substantive outcomes.
Whether you are an arbitrator, counsel, academic, coach, or student, join us for a discussion on where legal traditions collide, converge, and evolve.
Registration / Contact: [to be announced]
Event details
Language: English
The participation fee is 100 EUR per person, which includes full catering throughout the three-day bootcamp. Participants will be provided with three lunches, as well as unlimited coffee, tea, soft drinks, and pastries during all coffee breaks.
The event is organized by SWPS University's Faculty of Law in Warsaw in cooperation with the Commercial Law and Development Program of the US Department of Commerce.
Organizers
Partner
Contact
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Organizing team: Dominik Horodyski, Agata Zwolankiewicz, Jakub Minowski, Damroka Kościelak, Magdalena Krzysztoporska, Aleksandra Kozerska
Date and location
November 6–8, 2026
SWPS University in Warsaw, Chodakowska 19/31
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I consent to participating in the Vis Moot Fall Bootcamp 2026 organized by SWPS University, based in Warsaw at ul. Chodakowska 19/31 (03-815 Warsaw). The personal data I provide will be processed for the purpose of participating in the Vis Moot Fall Bootcamp event. I am aware that I may withdraw my consent at any time.