NUJS-Herbert Smith Corporate Law Moot Court Competition

The first NUJS-Herbert Smith National Corporate Law Moot Court Competition was organised by the NUJS Moot Court Society in early December this year. The competition, sponsored by London-based firm Herbert Smith LLP, saw participation from twelve premier law schools from across the country. The moot problem revolved around the legality of derivative contracts in the wake of a hypothetical RBI Circular—an issue of great current relevance.

The competition was inaugurated on 5^th December. The preliminary rounds and the quarterfinals were held the following day, while the semis and finals were held on 7^th December. Several luminaries from the legal world, including High Court judges, practising advocates and partners of law firms consented to judge the speaking rounds.

NALSAR, Hyderabad and GLC, Mumbai met in the finals, where NALSAR emerged victorious. NLU, Jodhpur won best memo, and Parnika Chaturvedi from NLU was awarded Best Speaker. Mr. Balai Chandra Roy, Advocate General, West Bengal was the chief guest for the finals, which were held in Vidyut Bhavan, Karunamoyee. Ironically for a corporate law-related moot sponsored by a corporate law firm, the Chief Guest in his valedictory speech emphasised the importance of graduates from national law universities joining the Bar instead of being lured into the corporate world.

After three hectic days, the organisers, volunteers and participants got a chance to unwind at the after-moot party held at the Nicco Super Bowl. NUJS has always been a force to reckon with in the field of mooting, but the efficient way in which the NUJS-Herbert Smith Moot was conducted will no doubt add to the prestige of the college.