Rio Pre-Moot is a preparatory stage for the Vis Moot that will occur in Vienna in April
PUCRS’ Arbitration team and Rio Pre-Moot arbitrators | Photo: personal archives
PUCRS’ Arbitration team reached the top position in the 7th Rio Pre-Moot in Rio de Janeiro, on Feb 24. The event consists of arbitration competitions (extra-court conflict resolution techniques) between teams of national and international universities. The event is a preparation for Vis Moot, a competitive tournament that will occur in Vienna, Austria, from Apr 13 – 18.
Preparation and results
Participants in the mediation and arbitration competitions addressed a complex study in writing and speaking, as it demands several skills and understanding of Law. Over the last six months, the Law School team studied a topic that was selected for the competitions in the 7th Rio Pre-Moot intently. They were required to address international commercial arbitration questions in view of the postulates of the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).
After submitting their paper, the group comprising 16 students and alumni focused on oral argumentation, as they had to try to explain their points. For Graciana Scarpellini, a 19-year-old 7th semester Law School student, the oral rounds are the most intense part of the competition. “We need to put in a lot of effort. We must keep up with the fresh insights into the law and make sure our arguments are valid”, she adds.
Honors
Maria Rafaela Nunes and Graciana Scarpellini. | Photo: personal archives
After battling teams from all over the country, PUCRS students did a very good job and earned the top position. On top of that, Graciana had an outstanding performance as a speaker and received honors.
Rio Pre-Moot is a preparatory stage for the Vis Moot, the major international event on Mediation and Arbitration. In her view, the preparatory competitions are a great way to spot weaknesses and put in practice the strategies that have been set forth, as participants can gain a lot in cultural terms. “These experiences will earn competitors a high level of academic and hands-on experience. It goes beyond the classroom”, Graciana adds.
Heading to Vienna
Students are now focused on Vis Moot. In April, the PUCRS team will be heading to Vienna to take part in this international competition. Although it keeps the same principles, it is at a higher level of difficulty.
The team had moments of fun in Rio de Janeiro | Photo: personal archives
The team hopes to qualify for the finals. “It is also a great opportunity to learn more about other universities, about arbitration professionals, make contacts and learn from them”, Graciana adds. The way she sees it, it is not just about winning but the doors this competition will open and the connections it will bring about. “We want to win and have fun. It is about having fun, too”, she claims.
Mediation and Arbitration
As alternatives to solve extra-court conflicts, the mediation and arbitration techniques have become quite popular recently. Some advantages of these methods are the possibility to solve divergences without going to court and the reduced number of lawsuits. This has a direct impact on the legal systems, as it gains in efficiency and agility.
Undergraduate students of PUCRS who are interested in this area and in preparatory competitions are eligible for the study groups offered by the Law School. They may also sign up for the course Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation, Arbitration and Conciliation, which is entirely delivered in English. It is offered on Fridays, from 8 AM to 10:40 AM, at Idear, room 210 of Living 360° (building 15).
