Moot Court at TalTech is not just an add-on. It’s a structured course, designed to teach foundational skills: legal research, drafting written submissions, constructing coherent arguments, and delivering persuasive oral pleadings. What is equally important, the course fosters collaboration: students come together to form teams and self-organise, choose competitions, and — crucially — support each other. Throughout the process, TalTech assigns experienced coaches to guide and mentor the teams. This ensures students are not alone when they tackle the demanding and exciting journey of a real moot competition.

Representing TalTech on the International Stage

One of the primary competitions TalTech regularly participates in is the Hague Law Debate. Organized by the Corax Foundation, this is an internationally recognised inter-university debate tournament focused on issues of public and private international law. Since its inception in 2015, the tournament has drawn law students from around the world — offering a platform to debate critical global issues, challenge assumptions, and test legal reasoning under pressure.

The tournament is structured with two main phases: first, teams research and prepare arguments on assigned topics; second, they present their case in timed oral rounds, taking either the “pro” or “con” side — assigned randomly just minutes before the match begins.

To select its representatives, TalTech organizes an internal round with the assistance of its local International Law Students Association: prospective teams compete among themselves so that the best-prepared group goes on to represent the university internationally. Over the past years, thanks to our dedicated students and the strength of our teams, TalTech has risen to rank 16th in the European zone in the Hague Law Debate rating.

What Students Get — Knowledge, Skills, Networks, Memories

Participating in Moot Court — especially in international competitions like the Hague Law Debate — delivers more than academic credit:

• A deeper understanding of international law. Students work with real legal problems, whether they involve human rights, environmental issues, maritime disputes, or emerging areas like space law. Each topic allows them to see how international law operates in practice.
   
• Stronger research and writing skills. Preparing written submissions closely resembles the drafting tasks lawyers face in real cases, helping students develop a clear and precise legal writing style.
   
• Confidence in oral advocacy. Presenting arguments before a panel strengthens public speaking skills, improves clarity of expression, and teaches students how to think on their feet — abilities every lawyer needs.
   
• International exposure and networking. Competitions bring together motivated students from universities across Europe and beyond. Meeting participants from different legal backgrounds broadens perspectives and creates valuable academic and professional connections.
   
• Greater professional visibility. Success in international competitions reflects positively on both TalTech and the students themselves, adding weight to their CVs and showcasing their commitment and capability.
   

And all this happens in an environment that’s both challenging and inspiring — serious yet fun, competitive yet collegial.

What Our Students Say

“We really enjoyed participating in the Hague Law Debate. The competition was both challenging and inspiring, and it helped us strengthen our legal reasoning and public-speaking skills. What stood out the most was the chance to engage with international law topics in depth and to meet motivated students from many different countries. It was a memorable and rewarding experience for all of us.” - Maria, Suvi and Gretlyn, Bachelor students

“My experience was very positive. I participated in the Data Protection Moot Court and had a coach from TalTech who guided us throughout the process. He helped us learn how to structure strong arguments, present them clearly, and prepare effectively for the competition. Even though the case required a lot of work, the support from our coach and the faculty made the experience both educational and enjoyable. We were also proud that one of our team members received a nomination for Best Speaker, which made the experience even more rewarding. Overall, it was a truly valuable part of my studies.” - Ana, Master Student

Their words reflect exactly what makes Moot Court at TalTech so unique: not just an academic exercise, but a personal and professional growth journey — intense, rewarding, and full of real-world relevance.
 

What’s Next — Your Chance to Join
 

We are proud to announce that TalTech has already selected its representatives for the upcoming round of the Hague Law Debate. Yet the journey does not end here: all law students at TalTech — not only those chosen for The Hague — have the opportunity to participate in other moot court competitions and legal contests.

Whether you aim to deepen your legal knowledge, hone your research and advocacy skills, or simply challenge yourself and meet like-minded peers, Moot Court remains an open and highly recommended path.

Because at TalTech, practice isn’t optional — it’s a stepping stone into the real world. And with Moot Court, that step can lead you far.

Applications for law and other programmes are open!
Find out more about the programme and apply now: taltech.ee/en/bachelors-programmes/law