ELSA UK Successfully Concludes 5th Edition of its Commercial Law Moot Court Competition (COMMOOT)
London, UK – ELSA United Kingdom proudly wrapped up the 5th edition of its Commercial Law Moot Court Competition (COMMOOT), a national flagship project for ELSA UK. Each year the Competition focuses on a different type of commercial cases such as transportation, competition, intellectual property, insolvency or private equity. This year’s edition of the Competition was focused on Commercial Law with elements of Financial Contracts.
Lead by Vivikta Rana Sinha, the Vice President in charge of Competitions for the National Board of ELSA UK, and hosted with the invaluable support of ELSA Westminster at the University of Westminster, the Competition welcomed eight fervent teams, including international entrants from Austria and Malta, alongside the home talent from six ELSA groups across the UK. A notable highlight was the introduction of LegalTech to participants through the Case Center by Thomson Reuters, a tool widely used in courts and legal offices.
The Competition, structured in three stages, began with an intensive application process in November 2023, followed by Local Qualifying Rounds in December across ELSA UK's Local Groups. The International Written Round evaluated 16 national teams, leading to the International Oral Rounds on March 16, which featured the top eight teams.
We are honoured to have collaborated with the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn and partnered with No5 Barristers’ Chambers, Thomson Reuters, and Ginger Snail. This collaboration afforded participants access to Thomson Reuters' Case Center and an exclusive first-class pass package from Ginger Snail, an e-learning platform. The winners received a marshalling opportunity with Justice Robert Bright, and the best orator was offered a mini pupillage at No5 Barristers’ Chambers. The event also facilitated networking with esteemed professionals from our partner institutions and provided a comprehensive experience at The University of Westminster.
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to our esteemed partners, distinguished judges who were present both in-person and online, the national board officers, the Organising Committee at ELSA Westminster lead by Jumana Maria Shakir, participants, and Council members, all of whom played a pivotal role in the success of this event.
Congratulations to the entrants from Kent for clinching the top spot in the competition, to the team from Austria for their commendable runner-up performance, and to Rhiannon Hobby from Kent for winning the title of the Best Oralist!
The participants reflected on their experience and the impact that COMMOOT had on their professional growth and networking. Read their testimonials below.
“My experience at COMMOOT was enriching and unforgettable. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a remarkable event, characterised by networking opportunities, delicious meals, and chances for personal and professional development.”
Deborah Adejobi, Team 2, ELSA Westminster
“COMMOOT was a fantastic opportunity to improve and build upon my mooting and advocacy skills in an area of law I am interested in. In addition, I met and networked with students and professionals from across the UK and Vienna, making the competition very enjoyable and rewarding to take part in.”
Timo Weyhe, Team 5 (winning team), ELSA Kent
"The Commercial Law Moot Court competition was a challenging, intense, yet exhilarating, fantastic and phenomenal experience! Having such a great team partner, learning from each other, networking with professionals from different jurisdictions, honing my advocacy skills, receiving encouraging commendations from Judges; my entire experience was rewarding!"
Philipp Gottwald, Team 4 (finalists), ELSA Austria
“As a member of Team 3 at the COMMOOT Moot Court competition organized by ELSA UK, held at the University of Westminster, I am proud of our team's dedication and performance. My commitment to meticulous preparation and delivering insightful arguments contributed significantly to our success. Being part of this competition was a rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase my legal skills alongside my teammate Christopher Aquilina, who in my opinion was second to none.”
Giuseppe Gatt, Team 3, ELSA Malta
“Leading the organising committee of this prestigious moot court competition was an amazing opportunity to contribute to the development of aspiring legal professionals. The experience taught me the importance of detailed planning, effective team coordination, and adaptive problem-solving. Witnessing the participants engage passionately with complex legal scenarios was truly inspiring, reaffirming the significant role of moot courts in legal education.”
Jumana Maria Shakir, Head of the Organising Committee, ELSA Westminster
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