The moot competition is a well-known student simulation of a court hearing in which young future lawyers have a chance to analyse a legal problem, research the relevant law, prepare written submissions, and present oral arguments to experienced practising judges.

The AIFC Court and IAC continue to contribute to the development of young lawyers and promote use of their international standard dispute resolution services to investors within Kazakhstan, the wider Eurasia region, and globally.

The competition involves a common law legal problem requiring analysis and oral presentation of legal arguments to leading common law judges with a combined total of more than 90 years of common law experience. It is a unique opportunity in the Eurasia region for law students to research and present oral legal arguments in the English language to senior AIFC Court judges on matters of commercial common law.

The AIFC Court and IAC Moot competition was first held in 2018.  The Rt. Hon. Sir Robin Jacob, Justice of the AIFC Court, the Rt. Hon, Sir Stephen Richards, Justice of the AIFC Court, judged the “Moot” final. The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mance, Chair of the International Law Association and former Deputy President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom was also one of the judges in the “Moot” final.

The AIFC Court and IAC organised three intensive training programmes delivered by world-class common law academics and law practitioners from the University of Cambridge, University College London, and the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution.

In 2019 the second annual Moot competition was held for the first time in the AIFC Court’s world class hearing room. In 2020 the competition was held online for the first time given the COVID-19 pandemic.  The sixth AIFC Court Annual Moot 2023 preliminary rounds were held online during 16-17 October 2023.

The competition is now in its sixth year having been first held in 2018, the first year of operations at the AIFC Court. Ten university law school teams participated in this year’s competition including teams from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

Why Participate?

Are you interested in pursuing a career in law? The AIFC Court Moot Competition offers far more than a simple contest. It is a thorough educational experience that prepares aspiring lawyers for their future professions. By participating in the competition, you will develop vital legal skills such as critical thinking, legal analysis, research, writing, and oral advocacy. This competition is an excellent opportunity for students who aspire to a career in law, particularly in jurisdictions that follow the common law system.

We encourage all student lawyers who are eager to learn, grow, and showcase their potential in law to participate in this prestigious and stimulating competition.