MIP hosts third ICC Moot Court workshop for Sarajevo law students

The Mechanism Information Programme for Affected Communities (MIP) hosted its third online training for law students from the University of Sarajevo and alumni of the Inter-University Video Lecture Programme (Programme) participating in this year's ICC Moot Court Competition.

The session focused on developing practical courtroom skills and deepening participants' understanding of international criminal law, particularly as it relates to advocacy in international proceedings. It was designed to support students preparing for the 2025 ICC Moot Court Competition and to help alumni further refine their legal argumentation and presentation techniques.

The online workshop was led by Ms. Marie O'Leary, Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the Association of Defence Counsel Practicing before the International Courts and Tribunals. Drawing on her extensive courtroom and moot court judging experience, O'Leary provided targeted feedback on oral pleadings and advocacy style. She offered students practical tips on how to address judges and structure arguments clearly, but also on how to use pauses effectively, maintain eye contact, and convey confidence and professionalism under pressure-skills essential in both real and simulated courtrooms.

To further support the participants, O'Leary also held a Q&A session where she addressed students' specific concerns and shared strategies for persuasive advocacy.

The workshops expand on the Inter-University Video Lecture Programme and its series International Law and Facts Established before the ICTY, which connects students across the region and explores the Tribunal's jurisprudence and lasting impact.

Since 2019, the Programme has engaged over 600 postgraduate students from 14 law faculties and one political science faculty in the former Yugoslavia. Beyond deepening legal knowledge, it encourages regional dialogue and cooperation among future legal professionals.

The Programme is part of the broader Mechanism Information Programme for Affected Communities (MIP), launched in January 2019, which aims to raise awareness and understanding of the 1990s conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, based on ICTY and Mechanism cases. The MIP is funded by the European Union.