Introduction

For the 4th FDI Moot 36 teams had submitted memorials and counter-memorials - 41 had registered but 5 withdrew due to visa issues, scheduling (conflicting examination dates announced) and funding. The memorials and counter-memorials were reviewed by over 90 judges and the best ones appear in this issue of TDM.

The FDI Moot 2011 case, prepared under the supervision of Ms. Sophie Nappert, involved ICC proceedings under a BIT, a claim of expropriation, a counter-claim and an amicus brief in connection with a host State's response to an investor's offshore oil exploration leading to an uncontrolled spill, extensive environmental damage, and economic losses.

The oral hearings for this year's FDI Moot were held at King's College London during 4, 5 and 6 November 2011, were approximately 130 students and 80 arbitrators attended. The final and 3rd place matches were heard by panels drawn from Prof. Giorgio Sacerdoti, Mr. Johnny Veeder QC, Ms. Juliet Blanch, Ms. Wendy Miles, Mr. Gavan Griffith QC, and Ms. Karyl Nairn.

In a close final before a tribunal composed of Ms. Sophie Nappert (President), Mr. Gavan Griffith QC, and Professor Giorgio Sacerdoti, King's College London prevailed over the team from Georgetown University to win the Skadden Arps Trophy 2011.

Third place was taken by the City University of Hong Kong ahead of Kaplan Law School before a tribunal of Ms. Wendy Miles (President), Ms. Juliet Blanch, and Mr. Johnny Veeder QC.

In addition to congratulating not only these four but all the teams, we would like to thank the many arbitrators who gave their time to take part, Dr. Federico Ortino (and his colleagues) of KCL, who hosted the event (and made the best of home field advantage), our sponsors (global sponsor Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, prize sponsors ICC, OUP and Baker & McKenzie), the many sponsors of individual teams (details on the website www.fdimoot.org), and the donors to the Thomas Wälde Fund supporting teams from developing countries.

The 2012 finals will be held at Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, 2-4 November. The problem, prepared under the supervision of Tony Cole, involves ICSID annulment proceedings. The panel judging the final will include Doak Bishop and Andrew Newcombe.

Christian Campbell
Center for International Legal Studies
www.cils.org