The Harvard Vis Team is currently accepting applications for the 2021-2022 Team! Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to meeting you.
Tryout Instructions
Tryouts for the 2021-2022 Team will take place September 25th and 26th, 2021. If you have a conflict with the available tryout times, please contact vismoot@mail.law.harvard.edu. To tryout, please complete the following steps:
- Submit the application form here.
- Approximately 1 week before tryouts, you will receive by email (1) the tryout packet/instructions and (2) tryout slot signup sheet. You must submit the application form to receive this information. Tryouts will last approximately 15 minutes, during which you will present a short oral argument (no more than 5 minutes) based on information provided in the tryout packet.
If you have any questions, please contact us at vismoot@mail.law.harvard.edu.
Selection
Process
Existing team members will evaluate your oral argument and ask additional questions about your interest. Our coaches will evaluate your resume and writing sample. We will assign equal importance to the tryout and written components, normalize the feedback, and make offers.
Depending on what time you sign up for, between one and three of the existing team members will be present for your audition and one of our coaches may call in. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the team, the time commitment, the competitions, or anything else before or after the tryout.
What we’re looking for
First and foremost, we’re looking for team players! Vis is very much a team endeavor. We hope you’ll be interested in working with the team to improve your oral argument and writing skills as well as in helping others improve their skills.
We’re looking for an ability to persuasively convey complex legal ideas through speaking and writing.
Interest in international arbitration is a plus, but by no means a requirement. Many of our past members have developed an interest in international arbitration during Vis and now work at top arbitration practices. Others have found the experience valuable for improving their writing, analysis, and argumentation and now use these skills in other endeavors.
CLASS CREDIT
If you are a 2L, 3L, or LLM, you may receive (but are not required to use) up to three credits for your participation in Vis. These credits will be graded on the standard HLS grading scale by our faculty advisor, Professor Goldsmith. You may generally take these credits during any term of the year that you participate.
Due to HLS regulations 1Ls cannot receive class credit.
TRAVEL
2L, 3L, and LLM members will argue at New York and international competitions. 1Ls will argue at domestic competitions. Due to HLS regulations, 1Ls cannot travel internationally.
*Due to COVID-19, oral arguments will be virtual for the 2021-2022 season*
The team has an endowed fund and will cover travel (plane, train, bus, auto) and lodging expenses. To the extent possible (but not guaranteed), we will also cover miscellaneous expenses during your travel, such as meals. In past years, for example, team members have had to either pay for no meals or some meals while traveling. This depends on additional sponsorship and the cost of flights and lodging. If you have any questions, please contact the team by email.
Please contact vismoot@mail.law.harvard.edu with any questions.
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