The DUS Moot is a preparatory moot court competition for the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court, the world’s largest and most prestigious competition in international commercial arbitration and sales law under the CISG.

As one of the largest Pre-Moots in Germany, the DUS Moot takes place in Düsseldorf, directly embedding the competition in one of Germany’s major legal centres. It connects participants early on with the practical side of arbitration advocacy and offers close interaction with leading law firms and practitioners based in the city. In doing so, it provides students with valuable hands-on experience in pleading and oral advocacy that often goes beyond what is covered in traditional academic curricula.

The competition brings together around 20 teams and approximately 150 participants from different universities. It takes place over three days and consists of five pleadings, followed by a final round. Throughout the event, participants argue in front of experienced arbitration practitioners and Vis Moot alumni, ensuring a high-quality and realistic procedural setting.

In addition to the academic competition, the DUS Moot features a festive opening and closing ceremony, as well as a traditional brewery evening that fosters networking between students, coaches, and practitioners in an informal atmosphere.

Finally, awards are presented to the top three teams and the top three individual oralists, recognizing outstanding performance in advocacy and argumentation.