IMLAM - History

The First IMLAM Event

The first IMLAM was held at the University of Queensland, Australia in July 2000. The brainchild of Dr Sarah Derrington (now Justice Sarah Derrington), 6 teams and 24 orallists took part, including teams from UQ, National University Singapore and University of Hong Kong.

Stewardship of IMLAM Event

After six years of careful stewardship by Professor Derrington at University of Queensland, Kate Lewins (now Professor Kate Lewins) became Moot Director and the competition moved to Murdoch University, where it was administratively supported by Miriam Everall, Michelle Barron and Shelan Yen Suin. Kate was the Moot Director, and Murdoch University was the administrator, for 17 years.

Celebrating IMLAM's 20th Anniversary

From its modest beginnings, by its 20th anniversary the competition attracts over 30 teams and more than 100 orallists each year. In 2019 we had a record 70 arbitrators volunteering their time; attending at their own expense. Many of these have become annual regulars – termed the FIFO’s (fly in, fly out). Their commitment, patience and enjoyment of the competition helps make IMLAM a great event for everyone.

In 2020, the oral rounds were cancelled due to the pandemic, and in 2022 it returned in virtual form.

Restructuring of The Moot

In 2023, Professor Kate Lewins handed over the reins of the competition and the organisation of the moot was restructured. It is now run by an Organising Committee with representatives from AMTAC/MLAANZ, LMAA, and SCMA. The oral rounds of the moot rotate between different host universities, usually spending two years at each university. The host university appoints a Moot Director, who works closely with the Organising Committee to run the competition.

In 2023 and 2024, the competition was hosted by the Hilary Rodham Clinton School of Law, Swansea University. The moot director was Mr Matthew Parry.

2025 and onwards - IMLAM into the future

In 2025 and 2026, the competition will be hosted by the Sydney Law School, University of Sydney. The moot director is Dr Tamer Morris.

The competition is only possible with the support and commitment of many, from far and wide – the judiciary, legal practitioners, arbitrators, academics, law schools and arbitral bodies. Between them, they coach the teams, administer the annual oral rounds, generate the problem scenarios, allow access to commercial legal databases, judge the teams’ memoranda, act as arbitrators to hear the student teams argue their case, and sponsor the prizes and social functions. The SCMA provides Secretariat functions to the IMLAM OC.