Southampton team at the 2015 International Maritime Law Arbitration Moot (IMLAM)

The team (pictured) consists of Dan Anghelache, Sabrina Fischer and Karolina Aksamitowska. They have been expertly coached by Mateusz Bek, a IML Senior Research Assistant who was part of the IMLAM team reaching the IMLAM quarterfinals in 2012.

Karolina says about the preparations “We started preparing for IMLAM in March. Over a course of 3 weeks we completed two 34 pages long Memoranda. It was a very challenging task. After the exams we started preparing for the oral rounds, which take place between 3 and 7 July. We feel very honoured to represent the University of Southampton in Melbourne this year. Mateusz Bek is an amazing coach and it wouldn’t have been possible without him and his guidance. Matt together with the Institute of the Maritime Law gave us plenty of support.”

IMLAM has a truly international character - no other UK university is a regular participant. With maritime law being an international body of law based in no small part on English law, this competition represents a highlight of the study year. Participation permits intensive development of mooting skills and the practical application of the knowledge of maritime law in a safe, but competitive setting.

Karolina says: “IMLAM is a very prestigious mooting competition and is recognised by law firms and chambers all around the world. It is a great opportunity for us to improve our research and advocacy skills, and to visit Australia!”

Valentine Chatelier who represented Southampton Law School in 2014 and is now a legal assistant for a large shipowner says: "IMLAM was the best experience I had over the course of my LL.M. There is no point denying it is hard work, you do have to be prepared to spend a significant amount of time in addition to your existing study workload. But working as a group helps. I thoroughly enjoyed the preparation and actual mooting experience all the way through, but did not realise how much I had improved my analytical and research skills, and confidence, until I started working. It really brought the four of us together, all of my team members are still in contact, even though we are spread all over the world (Greece, UK, Hong Kong). My only regret is not to have discovered mooting before my last year of study!"

The 14th International Maritime Law Arbitration Moot Competition (IMLAM) was hosted at Southampton Law School and attracted a record number of universities who competed on Highfield Campus to reach the grand final, which was held in London at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and chaired by Lord Phillips of Worth-Matravers with Jane Andrewartha (Clyde &Co) and Charles Debattista (Stone Chambers). Southampton has become a regular participant in the IMLAM moot, having participated since 2010. Its teams have come second in the competition and reached the quarter finals; prizes won include Best Speaker and Spirit of the Moot.