Moldova State University Vis Moot Team

03/04/2026

The 33rd Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna has officially come to a close, marking the end of an intensive and rewarding journey for our team. Teams from +390 law faculties pleaded.

Representing USM - Universitatea de Stat a Moldovei (the only Moldovan university participating in this contest), students Madalina-Camelia Sîlnic (L4), Marinela Neamțu (L4), Simona Patras (L3), and Sorin Chirița (L3) showcased exceptional skill and dedication throughout the oral hearings. Over the course of four general rounds, our team engaged in high-level legal debates against prestigious institutions from across the globe: University of Pretoria, Renmin University of China, Peking University School of Transnational Law, and University Paris Descartes (Paris V).

This experience was the culmination of months of rigorous research and preparation. Beyond the technicalities of international trade law and the New York Convention, it was a masterclass in the art of persuasion, resilience, and global collaboration.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Turcan Cazac Law Firm and the American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova for their unwavering support, which made this participation possible. Special thanks go to Dr. Octavian Cazac and the entire coaching team for their guidance, mentorship, and for pushing the team to reach new heights of legal excellence.

We leave Vienna with more than just legal arguments; we carry forward a network of international colleagues, invaluable feedback from world-class arbitrators, and the pride of having represented our university on the global stage.

31/03/2026

4/4 — The cherry on top. ⚖️🇦🇹

Mădălina-Camelia Sîlnic and Marinela Neamțu took the floor today in an early 8 AM pleading, a true test of focus, discipline, and composure for a dynamic exchange against the University Paris Descartes (Paris V). Starting the day in the hearing room brought its own challenge, but also set the tone for a sharp and energised performance.

This last round was more than just another hearing; it was the culmination of countless hours of preparation, where every detail, every argument, and every response reflected how far we have come.
We are deeply grateful to our tribunal: Dr Jan Curschmann, Miss Wing Shek, and Ms Katariina Kuum — for their insightful questions, valuable feedback, and for fostering a professional and engaging atmosphere throughout the hearing.
Four rounds completed, countless lessons gained — and an experience we will carry forward.

30/03/2026

Round 3/4 in Vienna is officially in the books. ⚖️🇦🇹

Simona Patras and Sorin Chirița represented our University today in a challenging and engaging pleading against the Peking University School of Transnational Law. It was an excellent opportunity to test our arguments, where every detail mattered — from the precise formulation of submissions to the careful handling of each question, reminding us that in international arbitration, it is often the smallest nuances that make the biggest difference.

We are sincerely grateful to our distinguished tribunal — Mrs. Ilknur Demir Akın, Prof. Dr. Stephan Wilske and Mr. Mate Alerić — for their time, their sharp and thought-provoking questions, and the professional atmosphere they fostered throughout the hearing.

One more round to go. We’re ready for the final stretch!

29/03/2026

2/4 — Halfway through the general rounds!

Our second pleading saw Madalina-Camelia Sîlnic and Marinela Neamțu take the floor for a high-stakes exchange with Renmin University of China.

Beyond the technicalities of the case, today was about the art of persuasion and the ability to think on one's feet. We are deeply appreciative of the expertise shared by our arbitrators — Mr. Tobias A. Strecker, Mr. Alparslan Erbay, and Mr. Alejandro Carlos Karacsonyi. Their feedback and challenging questions are precisely what turn great students into exceptional practitioners.

Two rounds down, two more opportunities to excel. Onward! ⚖️

28/03/2026

Round 1/4 in Vienna is officially in the books. ⚖️🇦🇹

Patras and Chirita represented our University today in a challenging and insightful pleading against the University of Pretoria. It was an excellent opportunity to test our arguments and engage with high-level legal reasoning in the spirit of the Vis Moot.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the members of our tribunal -- Mrs. Tess Bens, Mrs. Angelina Boneva-Petrova, and Mrs. Caroline Xu -- for their time, their sharp questions, and the professional atmosphere they fostered throughout the hearing.

Three more rounds to go. We're looking forward to the sessions ahead!

25/02/2026

17/04/2025

Between 11 and 17 April 2025, Moldova Uni students Madalina-Camelia Sîlnic ’26, Neamtu ’26 and Patras ’27 competed in the oral hearings stage of the prestigious Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, Austria. Through support from Turcan Cazac Law Firm, the students competed against over 380 teams from around the world via written memoranda and oral hearings. Dr Octavian Cazac coached the team together with other coaches.

This experience has been a powerful journey of learning, collaboration, and dedication to the complexities of international arbitration and international trade.

15/04/2025

In our 4th round Madalina and Marinela competed with the team representing the University of Craiova, Romania. We thank the tribunal, made of Ms Francesca Borio, Mr Sami Koponen and Dr Stefan Lohn, for their insightful questions and valuable feedback! of Craiova Vis Moot Team

14/04/2025

Our journey continued today with a 3rd pleading of Marinela and Simona against City University of Hong Kong

13/04/2025

In our 2nd round Madalina and Marinela met the team of NALSAR, India!

12/04/2025

This moment has arrived! We're at the oral hearings in Vienna. In our 1st pleading today Madalina-Camelia Sîlnic & Neamtu acted as Respondent and our colleagues from Boston University - as Claimant. Keep your fingers crossed for us!