While the XVII Belgrade Open Pre-Moot was all about sharpening arguments and exchanging ideas, it also offered plenty of space for informal connections and fun!
Held from April 4 to 6, 2025, the Pre-Moot welcomed more than 55 teams from 30 countries and 270 arbitrators across 13 venues in Belgrade. Alongside the academic program, this year’s social events brought everyone together in a relaxed atmosphere—celebrating the spirit of the moot community.
During more than 150 oral rounds, the teams demonstrated an exceptional level of preparation, maturity in legal argumentation, and a strong understanding of complex procedural and substantive legal issues. This once again confirmed the reputation of the Belgrade Open Pre-Moot as one of the most important preparatory stops ahead of the main competition in Vienna. The quality of the competition is further evidenced by the fact that both finalists of the main competition in Vienna—the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) and McGill University (Canada)—had previously competed in Belgrade.
As in previous years, the competition was organized by the Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade, in cooperation with the German Arbitration Institute (DIS). The organizing team consisted of Ass. Professor Milena Đorđević, Marija Ralević, Mila Đorđević, Fani Spalević, and Marko Došlić. Their work was further supported by volunteers – junior students of our Faculty, who ensured the smooth running of the competition through the coordination of rounds, logistical support, and communication with participants, as well as by members of the alumni community, whose support was indispensable for the realization of this event.
In addition to the competition itself, the Belgrade Open Pre-Moot once again featured a rich academic and social programme, enabling participants to exchange knowledge and experience, develop professional networks, and take part in numerous joint social events.
🎉 On Friday evening, following the opening of the XV Belgrade Arbitration Conference, students and coaches gathered for Welcome Drinks at Sokoj Club, just a short walk from the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. This lovely gathering was made possible by our long-standing co-organizer, DIS – German Arbitration Institute. Meanwhile, arbitrators enjoyed their own evening reception at the traditional Karanović&Partners Party.
☕ On Saturday, a networking lunch for coaches and arbitrators was hosted by Wolf Theiss, followed by the Under-40 Conference at Bioskop Balkan, an engaging event dedicated to younger arbitration professionals and centered around the topic “Arbitration in a Changing World – Key Industries and Skills of Importance.” The highlight of the evening was the legendary Pre-Moot Party, generously sponsored by Moravčević, Vojnović & Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr—an event that once again brought the entire Pre-Moot community under one roof.
🥂 On Sunday, SOG in cooperation with Kinstellar hosted a brunch for coaches and arbitrators, helping everyone recharge before the final rounds. The weekend wrapped up with a warm and lively Farewell gathering at Red Bar, tucked into Belgrade’s iconic Skadarska street.
We extend our special thanks to the institutions and law firms whose support significantly contributed to the content and quality of the XVII Belgrade Open Pre-Moot, enabling not only the organization of the competition but also a rich and diverse accompanying programme. We would like to thank in particular the German Arbitration Institute (DIS), the Serbian Arbitration Association, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, and the American Chamber of Commerce, as well as the following law firms: Moravčević Vojnović i Partneri (in cooperation with Schoenherr), CMS, Karanović & Partners, SOG (in cooperation with Kinstellar), Wolf Theiss, BDK Advokati, Harrisons, Nikčević | Kapor, NSTLAW, Gecić Law, MIM, NKO, Radovanović Stojanović & Partners, Isailović & Partners, JPM & Partners, and the Andrić Law Office.
To all our sponsors, co-organizers, and participants—thank you for making the social side of the Pre-Moot just as special as the academic one. Until next year!
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