12th Annual Michael Thorsnes International Commercial Arbitration Competition

The Michael Thorsnes International Arbitration Competition is a pre-moot competition open to all teams seeking to participate in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot competitions in Vienna and Hong Kong.  We offer participants a chance to hone their skills against teams from all over the globe.  All teams will argue four rounds, with the top teams continuing on to the finals. Each team may argue either as Claimant or Respondent.

In addition to the competition, teams will be able to attend a number of social events and have a chance to explore sunny San Diego.  This year, the University of San Diego School of Law has arranged discounts at three local hotels for our competitors.  You may read more about those deals on our official team invitation here. 

Arbitrator Registration

Team Registration

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Final Round Awards Sponsor:  
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)

​USD VICAM is proud to announce that our sponsor, the CIArb, has generously provided a financial award for the first place student arbitration team of the 2018 USD Pre-Moot Competition!

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Schedule:

Friday, February 9
          Welcome Event:           7:30pm-9:00pm 
          Location: O'Tooles 
         (located on USD campus) 

Saturday, February 10
          Rounds 1 & 2:                 9:00am-12:00pm
         
          Lunch:                                 12:00pm-1:30pm
           
          Rounds 3 & 4:                 1:30pm-4:30pm
         
          Social Event:                    9:00pm

Sunday, February 11
          Semi-Final Round:        9:00am-10:30am
         
          Final Round:                 11:00am-12:30pm
         
          Awards Ceremony
          and Luncheon:             12:30pm​

Hotels

The University of San Diego School of Law will partner with local hotels to give you the best deal we can. More details to follow!

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​About CIArb and the North American Branch (NAB)

​​The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) is a not-for-profit, United Kingdom registered charity working in the public interest through an international network of branches.  It has a global membership of approximately 14,000 individuals in 133 countries that have professional training in private dispute resolution.  The purpose of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators is the global promotion, facilitation and development of all forms of private dispute resolution to maximize the contribution that dispute resolution practitioners make.

The Chartered Institute’s North American Branch  (NAB) represents the Institute in the United States (with the exception of the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut areas), Canada, Mexico and the Cayman Islands.  The NAB is active in encouraging and promoting the use of ADR as an alternative to the traditional methods for resolving disputes.  The NAB hosts and sponsors conferences, training programs, networking and development opportunities across its geographic territory, allowing members and participants to develop dispute resolution skills and network effectively in this competitive market.

       We hope to see you in San Diego!