Through this course, students will be exposed to some of the fundamental principles of legal practice in the international context. In doing so, students will not only acquire new skills, but will also get a sense of how to adopt legal reasoning and what it is to be a practicing international litigation lawyer.
The course will focus on written and oral advocacy in the context of international dispute settlement using a fictional case as a starting point. Students will be divided into teams of two. The fictional case will be released at the first session of the course, as will the roles that each team is expected to play throughout the course. Teams will submit memoranda throughout the course on specific points of law and/or fact, and will be given detailed feedback on their work. We will focus on drafting in legal English, structuring memoranda and written submissions, persuasive versus predictive methods of writing, and oral advocacy before different courts and tribunals. At the end of the course, teams will present orally on specific points of law and/or fact.
In addition to the core lectures, assignments, and feedback sessions, guest lecturers from international judicial and arbitration institutions, as well as private practice, will give sessions that complement students’ knowledge of the practical aspects of international dispute resolution.
Disclaimer: This course has been updated to the best of our knowledge at the current time of publishing. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic and the fluctuating changes in lock down regulations all information contained within this course description are subject to change up to 1 September 2020.
Due to the uncertainty of the Covid 19 virus after 1 September 2020, changes to the course description can only be made in the event of strict necessity and only in the circumstances where the interests of the students are not impinged. Should there be a need for any change during the duration of the course, this will be informed to all students on a timely basis and will not be to the prejudice of students. Modifications after 1 September 2020 may only be done with the approval and consent of the Faculty Board.