Telders is one of the most prestigious moot court competitions on international law, with finals being held every year in The Hague. The Norwegian team has a history of strong participation, and this year was no exception.
Do you wish to participate in 2021?
Over thirty competing teams
This year's finals was somewhat marked by the corona pandemic, and the competition was limited to written memorials. The faculty's team did great, though, and secured an overall 6th place, among over 30 teams from all over Europe.
- They were a fantastic team, and they made a great effort, Jørgen Skjold exclaims, PhD candidate at the Institute of Public Law, and mentor for the Norwegian Telders-team. - The effort they put in, and the quality of the memorials these students produced was absolutely fantastic. The law faculty is proud to be represented internationally by such skilled students.
The participants on this year's team were Edvard Syse (Master of Laws programme, from Norway), Timisha Ward (Public International Law, from Australia) and Timothy Axtman (Public International Law, from UK)
Truly different
A moot court exercise is now mandatory for the Norwegian students attending the Master of Laws programme, however there are few other opportunities for realistically practicing lawyer skills during the 5-year program.
- Joining the Telders team was like a breath of fresh air, tells participant and student Edvard Syse. - Like with most students, the time is usually spent in reading halls, with the occasional interruption of lectures. For the first time during my time as a university student, I experienced something truly different.
Despite there being no oral rounds this year, the students could still report on an extremely educational experience.
- When joining a moot competition, you will learn to be more selective, creative and strategic when selecting sources and arguments, says Timothy Axtman.
They all agree that the skills learned while attending Telders, could not have been acquired in a class room or reading hall.
Looking for next year's participants
Four new students will have the chance to join next year's team at Telders. PhD candidate Jørgen Skjold will again be mentor for the team. He will also be joined by previous participants, Timisha Ward, Tim Axtmann, Edvard Syse and Ellen Brataas.
- We are not looking for experts in international law, he says. - The whole point of participating in such competitions is learning and broadening your skillset.
Prior to the competition, students will be coached by faculty staff and previous participants, who will also support them and travel with the team to the finals in The Hague. This year's team also had support from the law division at Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with highly competent lawyers like Øyvind Hernes, Andreas Kravik and Jo Høvik. Plans are on for a similar cooperation for next year's team too.
- Maybe you don't plan to become an international law expert, but Norwegian lawyers will daily have to relate to international legal sources, in and out of court, Jørgen adds. - I can hardly think of a better way to improve your skills and knowledge than joining the Telders!
How to join the Telders in 2021
All law students at the faculty may apply. If you are attending the Master of Laws program, you should have completed the 2nd year, including JUS2111.
When selecting members of the team, a closed audition/interview will be performed, in English.
Submit a brief application (300 words max) in English, explaining your motives for participating. You may also attach a brief CV. Send your application to Jørgen Sørgard Skjold – j.s.skjold@jus.uio.no
The deadline is 20 September
Costs for travel and stay will be covered by the Faculty of Law. Also, you may apply to earn 10 credits for your degree. Please consult your programme coordinator for more information.
About the competition:
As a participant, you are expected to regularly work on preparations from October 2020 throughout May 2021.
The competition will be held in the Hague, at the premises of the International Court of Justice, the Peace Palace in Hague (the corona pandemic may affect the possibility of physically meeting competitors).
The four team members will be coached by faculty staff, which also will help you writing memorials. They will also travel with you to the Hague, in order to assist in the competition.
For more details, go to the web page: