Stetson University College of Law students won honorable mention awards in three categories, for claimant’s memorandum, respondent’s memorandum and oralist, at the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (East) Competition held March 27-April 2 in Hong Kong.

Stetson’s team of E. Alan Brock, Vanessa Denk, Bart Kubiak, Taofikat Ninalowo, Reshma Pharsi, Kara Rogers and Ayodale (Dale) Tan was one of the only U.S. law school teams, including Harvard, that received awards in every category.

“The VIS competition is a gathering of the world’s most talented teams, contributing their writing and oral argument skills to a complex problem,” said Tan, who won the honorable mention best oralist award and was recently elected as Stetson’s next Student Bar Association president. “Along the way, lifelong friendships are made, skills are enhanced, and advocacy skills are brought to a higher level. It is truly the experience of a lifetime.”

More than 400 oralists from 125 teams from around the world competed.

Stetson Professor of Law Kristen Adams, Associate Dean Stephanie Vaughan J.D. ’91, and Alexander Zesch J.D.’13 helped prepare the team.

“The competition is almost indescribable as it brings diverse cultures from around the globe together not only to compete, but to shine a light on how the rule of law transcends strife and differences,” said Associate Dean Vaughan. “It is quite remarkable, and makes me hopeful for the future.”

Also at the awards ceremony, Stetson’s annual International Environmental Moot Court competition, now in its 21st year, was recognized among the three great international competitions for law students.

---

Media contact: Brandi Palmer | [email protected]
727-562-7381 office | 727-430-1580 cell