To mark the 30th anniversary of Heidelberg University’s participation in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, current and former Heidelberg participants gathered on 25 October 2025 for the first alumni symposium organized by the Heidelberg Vis Arbitration Moot Alumni e.V.
Following brief opening remarks by Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Thomas Pfeiffer (Heidelberg University) and Niels Elsner (Lawyer at White & Case/Chair), Anna Masser (Lawyer at Manner Masser Rechtsanwälte) spoke about her career path from moot court competitor to practitioner in international arbitration. Dr. Christian Uhlmann, LL.M. (Cornell) (Research Associate, Heidelberg University) spoke on the topic of the new Commercial Courts and Commercial Chambers as potential competition to arbitration.
Dr. Dominik Stefer, LL.M. (McGill) (Lawyer at Borris Hennecke Kneisel Rechtsanwälte/Treasurer) provided an overview of the origins and development of the Vis Moot at Heidelberg University over the past 30 years. Stella Elmentaler (PhD student/Vice Chair) presented the association’s work and moderated the subsequent discussion with the participants on this topic. Finally, the current Vis Moot Team from Heidelberg University introduced themselves before the event concluded with a dinner together.