Legal advancement: How moot courts shape the future of young talent

Legal advancement: How moot courts shape the future of young talent

For many people, the path to studying law is a journey shaped by formative experiences. This also applies to Prof. Stefan Kröll, who developed clear ideas about his professional future as a student. Inspired by the biblical story of the Good Samaritan in religious education, in which the Samaritan had to be liable for his decisions, Kröll found his calling in the legal field. He felt he was being treated unfairly when he defended the role of the Samaritan, which motivated him to take a closer look at the legal situation. Today he is director of the renowned Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court (VisMoot) and is committed to supporting students in the moot court area.

Moot courts are court game competitions in which students act as “lawyers” in teams and carry out simulated court proceedings. The process includes the exchange of written submissions and oral negotiations, whereby the students determine the facts independently. This form of competition is particularly established in Anglo-American legal training and is also becoming increasingly important in European countries such as Germany. German-speaking universities use moot courts as a platform to expand students' practical knowledge and train their language skills, which prepares them for the demands of later professional life Jura.HHU.de clarified.

Challenges and achievements

The director of VisMoot particularly emphasizes that moot courts are much more than just an academic exercise. They make a significant contribution to students' professional preparation and promote fundamental skills such as argumentation and rhetoric. A moving example of the courage and determination of the participants is the women's team from Kabul, which was the victim of an attack while traveling to a preliminary round, but decided not to give up taking part in the Vis East in Hong Kong. Even during the Ukraine War in 2022, Ukrainian students found their way to the oral negotiations in Vienna, giving an impressive sign of determination.

However, Kröll also sees challenges in the exam-oriented system at universities, which can prevent some students from getting involved in moot courts alongside their studies. Unfortunately, many legal talents underestimate their potential in these competitions and focus one-sidedly on their exam preparation. MuCDR.de points out that participation in moot courts offers the opportunity to develop core competencies in negotiation management, rhetoric and mediation skills, which are crucial for starting a career.

Practical application of knowledge

The benefits of such participation are significant. Students not only improve their subject-specific and general English skills, but also build a valuable network of international contacts. Teamwork becomes a particular challenge, as four to six inexperienced law students usually have to work together on a case. This practical approach represents a significant difference from traditional law school, in which students typically learn independently and in isolation.

Kröll lives with his family in Cologne, but has also developed a preference for Hamburg, which he describes as worth living in. Through his commitment to moot courts, he not only contributes to the development of young lawyers, but also sets an example for international cooperation and solidarity in legal education.