MMCS International Commercial Arbitration Program

Let arbitration fuel your future.

Step Into the World of Arbitration

Built for law students. 
Powered by purpose. 
Designed for transformation.

Our program is a meticulously designed, multi-phase initiative crafted to equip law students with both the theoretical foundations and the practical competencies essential for excelling in international commercial arbitration.

Learn at a steady, meaningful pace. 

The program is thoughtfully stretched across four months, giving you the time to grow, absorb and evolve – without overwhelming your academic and personal commitments.

We’ve designed this program with you in mind.

We know life’s busy. You have classes, deadlines, and commitments with family and friends. That’s why our program is thoughtfully structured to fit your schedule: Just one to two hours. Only on Friday and Saturday. Morning or afternoon.

The program is divided into four progressive phases:

Participants will receive intensive training on the fundamentals of international commercial arbitration through focused sessions:

  • Session 1: Introduction to ADR and Arbitration (In-person on 30 May 2025, Friday)
  • Session 2: Agreement to Arbitrate (In-person on 31 May 2025, Saturday)
  • Session 3: Applicable Laws (Online on 13 June 2025, Friday)
  • Session 4: Establishment, Powers, Duties & Jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal (In-person on 14 June 205, Saturday)
  • Session 5: Conduct of the Proceedings (In-person on 20 June 2025, Friday)
  • Session 6: Role of National Courts (Online on 21 June 2025, Saturday)
  • Session 7: Arbitral Awards (Online on 27 June 2025, Friday)

This phase provides participants with a solid understanding of the application of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) in cross-border commercial transactions:

  • Session 8: History and Application (In-person on 4 July 2025, Friday)
  • Session 9: Formation of Contract (In-person on 5 July 2025, Saturday)
  • Session 10: Passing of Risk (In-person on 11 July 2025, Friday)
  • Session 11: Remedies (In-person on 12 July 2025, Saturday)

Participants will develop core skills in both written and oral advocacy, with guided sessions focusing on:

  • Session 12: How to read the Vis Moot Problem (In-person on 25 July 2025, Friday) 
  • Session 13: How to research and draft memorandums (In-person on 26 July 2025, Saturday)
  • Session 14: Art and Science of Oral Advocacy (In-person on 1 August 2025, Saturday)

Participants will be grouped into teams based on their respective institution. These teams will compete in a simulated arbitration setting. One team will ultimately be selected to represent their institution at the Willem C. Vis (East) International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Hong Kong.

Vis Alumni, Coaches & Expert Network 

Our Trainers

Suma Ilyas

Founder & President

Zayan Shareef​

Secretary General​

Malsaa Ahmed

Chief Mooting Strategist

Hoona Haneef

Chief ADR Strategist

Rajesh Sharma

Associate Professor, Criminology & Justice, RMIT

Leonardo Ohlrogge

Senior Associate, MLL Legal (Switzerland)

Zahid Omarzai

Legal Specialist, Commercial Law Development Program

Payment Options

Total Program Cost – MVR 12,100

Seats are limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis

Transform your Legal Career

  • Who can apply? The program is open to law students from all universities and colleges in the Maldives. 

  • Do I need to be in a specific semester or year of studies? No. Whether you’re in your first semester or final year – zero experience and 100% potential is all you need. 

  • What will I gain? As arbitration clauses are a norm in very contract now, you will develop knowledge of must have legal skills that will last you a lifetime. You’ll also receive a Certificate of Completion for any phase completed and exclusive MMCS membership and benefits upon completing the full program. 

  • Is there a scholarship available? Yes one full scholarship will be awarded based on financial need and academic merit. 

  • In Phase 4, if I’m selected to represent my institute at the Vis Moot, will I have to pay again? No – once you have paid for the full program – we’ll take care of the rest. 

  • How to apply for the program? Click the below button to register before registration closes on 22:00 of 23 May 2025.