LEGAL WRITING
IN THE VIS MOOT,
PART I
Producing the Claimant and Respondent Memos
Requirements of the Memo
• Paragraphs must be numbered. References to internal
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arguments or Claimant’s arguments must refer to the
paragraph number.
Citations should be limited to those that advance the
argument being made. List of Authorities must reference
each paragraph in the memo where that authority is cited.
Memo may be no longer than 35 pages. Table of
Contents, List of Authorities, Indices, or Cover pages do
not count towards this limit.
Type must be no smaller than 12 point; 1 ½ line spacing;
1 inch margins.
Must be submitted in searchable PDF format.
Requirements of the Memo
• It is “absolutely essential” that the Respondent Memo be
responsive to all of the arguments made in the Memo for
Claimant.
• Claimant Memos are to be uploaded to the Vis Moot
Website by midnight, VIENNA TIME, on December 10th.
At that time, the names and email addresses of all team
members must also be submitted.
• Registration fee is due by December 11th.
• Respondent Memos are due by midnight, VIENNA TIME,
on January 19th.
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO FLEXIBILITY ON THESE
DEADLINES. IF YOU MISS THEM, YOU WILL NOT
COMPETE.
Bad News:
As the Coach, it is unquestionably your job to ensure that
these requirements have been met.
Your faculty advisor may help, but ultimately, you are
responsible for ensuring that the memo is submitted on
time, and the registration fee has been paid.
Furthermore, it is your job to do a final read of the paper
and ensure that the team has included all of the elements
required by the rules of the Vis.
Good News:
You don’t have to write the memo!
Divide and Conquer
• After second or third read through, divide your team along
substantive and procedural issues.
• Have team members focus on their issues, but ensure
that they work collaboratively.
• Substantive and procedural arguments must harmonize with one
another.
• Teams cover more ground when they share their findings with one
another.
• Regular, frequent team meetings and work sessions ensure this
practice.
Draft Early; Draft Often
• Require at least 2 drafts for revision prior to the final draft
for submission.
• The more the team re-writes, the better.
• Weird fact: it is never good enough the first time.
• It’s also not good enough the second time.
• You need at least three revisions before it is ready.
• You might need more.
• Schedule group reads of each draft. Team members
should critique one another’s writing and arguments and
offer suggestions for improvement.
• Do not be afraid to demand a re-write if it is not good
enough.
Manage Team Schedule
• The technical elements of the paper are the most time
consuming and challenging.
• List of Authorities
• List of Abbreviations
• Table of Contents
• Citations
• Paragraph Numbers
• But, if not done correctly, your memo will be disqualified
from consideration for honorable mention.
• Give your team 2-3 days prior to submission to finalize
technical elements.
Checklist
• Cover page
• Table of Contents
• Index of Abbreviations
• List of Authorities
• List of Cases/Arbitral Awards
• Statement of Facts
• Summary of Argument
• Argument
Last, but not Least:
SPELL CHECK.