The complete (but unofficial) guide to the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot

Table of contents
I. The Vis Moot: A Lifetime Experience;
1. The Vis Moot Teaches You Invaluable Skills;
2. The Vis Moot is a Tough Challenge;
3. The Vis Moot is a Stepping Stone for Your Career;
4. The Vis Moot Will Show You the “Real Life”;
5. The Vis Moot is Meeting Nice People from All Over the World and Having Fun;
6. Up Close and Personal: Interview with Professor Eric E. Bergsten;
II. The Vis Moot: Facts and Figures;
1. What is a “Moot Court”?;
2. What is the Vis Moot?;
3. Why Apply for the Vis Moot;
4. History of the Vis Moot;
5. The Timeframe of the Vis Moot;
5.1 The Distribution of the Vis Moot Problem;
5.2 Deadline for Requests for Clarification;
5.3 Closing Date for Submission of Registration Form, Payment of Registration Fee Due;
5.4 Memorandum for Claimant Due;
5.5 Memorandum for Respondent Due;
5.6 Official Welcome and Reception;
5.7 General Rounds of Argument;
5.8 Elimination Rounds of Argument;
5.9 Awards Banquet and Gala Lunch;
III. How to Start;
1. Composition of the Teams;
1.1 Eligibility;
1.2 The Selection Process;
1.3 The Number of Students in a Team;
2. What Must Be Done to Register?;
2.1 Registration Process for the Vis Moot in Vienna;
2.2 Registration Process for the Vis Moot (East);
3. Team Building;
3.1 Why Is Team Building so Important?;
3.2 Some Suggestions for Team Building;
4. The Benefits of Having a Coach and How to Find One;
5. Getting to Know the Subject Matter;
6. Kick-Off Meeting;
6.1 A Timetable;
6.2 The Resources;
6.3 The Assignment of the Issues;
6.4 The Introduction to the Vis Moot Memoranda Writing Style;
7. The Costs of the Vis Moot and the Possible Ways of Funding;
7.1 The Costs;
7.2 The Possible Funding Sources;
8. Start Visa Application on Time;
IV. How to Write Effective Memoranda;
1. The Moot's “Written” Phase;
1.1 Course of the “Written” Phase;
1.2 The Basic Structure of Your Memorandum;
1.3 Formalities and Tips for Brushing Up Your Memorandum;
1.4 Special Rules for the Memorandum for Respondent;
1.5 The Grading of Your Submission;
2. Reality Check: Submissions in International Arbitration;
2.1 The Course of Written Submissions in International Arbitrations;
2.2 The Typical Content and Format of Written Submissions;
2.3 The Cultural Divide Revisited: Different Styles of Briefs;
3. Ground Rules for Writing Effective Submissions;
3.1 Rule 1: KISS – Use Short Sentences;
3.2 Rule 2: What Matters Most – Subject + Verb;
3.3 Rule 3: Choose the Right Subject and Apply That Subject Consistently 4;
3.4 Rule 4: Choose Wisely Between Active Voice vs. Passive Voice;
3.5 Rule 5: Put the Power into the Verb, Avoid Nominalizations;
3.6 Rule 6: Delete Adjectives and Adverbs;
3.7 Rule 7: Do Not Overuse Legalese and Lawyerisms;
3.8 Rule 8: Use Headings Effectively;
3.9 Rule 9: Avoid Spelling Errors;
3.10 Rule 10: Always Start by Indicating the Issue;
4. Recommendations for Advanced Writing (Or: Rules For Winning);
4.1 Recommendation 1: Persuasion Triggers – The Hidden Power of the Word “Because”;
4.2 Recommendation 2: Use Enumerations to Become More Persuasive;
4.3 Recommendation 3: Use Evidence and Exhibits Effectively;
4.4 Recommendation 4: “First Impressions Count, Last Impressions Stay”;
4.5 Recommendation 5: Quote Powerfully;
4.6 Recommendation 6: Create Images in Your Readers' Minds;
V. How to Present Your Case Before the Arbitral Tribunal;
1. The Setting of the Oral Pleadings;
1.1 The Venue;
1.2 The Arbitrators;
1.3 The Number of Oral Hearings and the Number of Team Members Involved;
1.4 The Available Time;
1.5 The Typical Course of the Oral Pleading;
1.6 The Grading System Used;
2. Reality Check: Oral Pleadings in International Arbitration;
2.1 Civil Law Style vs. Common Law Approach;
2.2 Importance of Oral Pleadings