Master of Laws (LL.M.) students at the University of Luxembourg recently celebrated the close of another successful moot court season.
The University of Luxembourg in the 2017-2018 academic year fielded five moot court teams to participate in the
- Concours 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 to practice.
These activities are supported by the Luxembourg office of international law firm Clifford Chance. Their generous support allows students to travel to friendlies and the pleadings, which this year took place in Leuven, Lisbon, Nicosia, Thessaloniki and Washington, D.C. In addition, Clifford Chance lawyers act as judges during practice pleadings hosted for the teams, providing expertise and feedback on their performance.
The cases this year dealt with topics as diverse as underwater espionage, the environmental protection of Mars, government leaks and whistle-blower protection, EU sanctions and public procurement, and the tax intricacies of complex parent-subsidiary structures.
“Proud of your achievements”
Faculty Dean Prof. Katalin Ligeti congratulated all students: “Taking part in a moot court competition also means taking on a big challenge, doing something outside of your comfort zone. We are all proud of your achievements. The hard work of the past months will not simply end tonight – what you have learned will hopefully serve you well as you continue your studies and start your professional careers.”
Steve Jacoby, Clifford Chance Partner, commented: “We are happy to have been supporting this initiative for many years and we are particularly proud of this big group of students. You have competed against other universities who often have longer traditions in mooting. But you have fought for this, you have fought your cases and your pleadings. Congratulations to all of you.” In addition, Mr Jacoby thanked his team and all lawyers who helped prep 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, saying: “You have worked hard. I know all teams studied late into the night and on weekends. But at least some of you have said you would do it again, so that is a good sign!”