Students from the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law recently competed in the 2026 Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot—often called the “World Cup of International Law.” The prestigious competition brings together more than 400 law schools from around the world to argue complex international commercial law disputes.
The USC team included Abby Cundiff Miranda, Kristen McAvoy, Kaitlin Leeper, James Jackson, Jaxon Parson, Sophia Joseph, and Jay Wilson, with coaching support from Chris Campbell, Brent Clinkscale, Micah Chetta, Elizabeth Leverette, and McKenna Thomas.
After months of research, writing, and oral advocacy preparation, the team competed in pre-moot events in Atlanta and at Campbell University. In Atlanta, USC advanced to the championship round, finishing as runners-up and earning a $1,500 award.
At the international competition in Vienna, the team faced law schools from Austria, Germany, and Albania. Their performance resulted in the highest finish in USC program history, surpassing all previous USC Vis Moot teams since the school's first participation in 2020.
As part of their preparation, the students presented a mock arbitration before a distinguished judicial panel that included former Chief Justice Donald Beatty, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacquelyn Austin, and retired Judge Clifton Newman.
The program's success reflects the support of the University of South Carolina, Charleston School of Law, and the South Carolina Bar's International Law Committee, which provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and advocacy training for students interested in international legal practice.
For the team, the experience was about more than competition—it was an opportunity to represent South Carolina on a global stage and demonstrate the growing strength of international legal education in the Palmetto State. With their strongest finish to date, the students and coaches are already preparing for the 2027 competition season.
