Several NACLE member schools and members were recently recognized at the Foreign Direct Investment International Arbitration Moot (FDI Moot), a prestigious international competition. The University of Ottawa team tied for seventh place, the Suffolk Law team was recognized as one of the top 25 teams, and two of Suffolk Law’s students ranked 29th and 34th, individually, out of more than 175 advocates.
The FDI Moot was initiated in 2006 by several different institutions, including NACLE memberSuffolk University Law School. Chris Gibson, Suffolk’s Associate Dean, played a fundamental role in founding the FDI Moot. He continues to play an important role as a FDI Moot Co-Director and sometimes serves as an arbitrator for the competition. ITESM Professor Gabriel Villanueva has also served as an arbitrator for the competition in the past.
The FDI Moot is a fantastic way for law students to gain experience in the ever-growing field of arbitration. The competition focuses on international investment disputes, specifically cases involving an investment by a private investor in a foreign state, and includes written memorials and oral arguments.
In 2013, 50 law school teams participated in FDI, representing many countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Columbia, England, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Spain, South Korea, the United States, and Vietnam. Regional rounds took place in India and South Korea. The top three teams from each regional advanced to the international round in Frankfurt, Germany. The regional competitions for next year’s FDI Moot will take place in Seoul, New Delhi and Buenos Aires, with the final round in Malibu, California.
