Team 2025/2026

This year’s Team consists of our four students: Sarah Schmidt, Marius Grünhagen, Lilija Schweizer and Simon Schnaubelt. They will represent the Ruhr-University in the Vis Moot starting in October. Paula Träger and Zornitsa Dimova will take over the Team`s coaching and will be supported by Linnea Djurberg who coached the previous two Vis Moot Teams.

Zornitsa Dimova, Linnea Djurberg and Paula Träger will coach the Team of the Ruhr-University Bochum. They are looking forward to supporting the Team with their experiences.

Zornitsa Dimova represented the Ruhr-University Bochum at last year’s Willem C. Vis Moot. She is currently preparing for her first state examination and is pleased to support this year’s Team by sharing the valuable experience she gained throughout the Moot.

Linnea Djurberg works as a research assistant at the German Arbitration Institute (DIS) and will start her clerkship this autumn. Linnea has coached the previous two Vis Moot Teams of the Ruhr-University Bochum and participated herself in the 27th Vis Moot.

Paula Träger participated in the 28th Willem C. Vis Moot, where her team was the first from Ruhr-University Bochum to reach the elimination rounds in Vienna and placed second at the Shanghai Pre-Moot. She currently works as a research assistant in the Corporate/M&A team of an international law firm.

Marius (24) is a law student in his 5th semester at Ruhr-University Bochum.

Having spent a formative year in Canada, he developed a lasting affinity for the English language and a cross-cultural outlook that continues to shape both his academic and personal perspective. Through the Vis Moot, he seeks to combine his enthusiasm for civil law, international arbitration, and legal English in a uniquely challenging and globally connected environment.

His academic journey is complemented by his position at a university chair focusing on constitutional theory and interdisciplinary legal research, where he engages with foundational questions of legal order and method. Alongside his studies, he is actively involved in democratic advocacy, which has broadened his interest in argumentation and critical dialogue beyond the scope of his legal education. Recently he has been awarded with a Scholarship of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

He approaches the Vis Moot as an opportunity not only to deepen his understanding of international commercial law, but also to develop as a legal thinker capable of bridging systems, languages, and perspectives.

Simon (22) studies law in his 10th semester at Ruhr-University Bochum.

He developed an early interest in international legal systems during a school exchange in the United States, where he took part in a mock trial as part of an American Legal Studies course. Further time spent in England and Jerusalem provided lasting exposure to different cultures, legal frameworks, and societal perspectives. These international experiences have deepened his interest in the global dimensions of legal practice and strengthened his understanding of law in diverse contexts.

Since then, Simon has pursued both academic and practical experience in private and procedural law. He currently works as a research assistant at the Chair for Civil Law and Civil Procedure Law. Simon has gained insight into legal practice through a previous internship at a large business law firm.

He is particularly interested in legal reasoning, oral advocacy, and the international aspects of commercial law. Simon sees the Vis Moot as a unique opportunity to combine legal precision with teamwork, develop his rhetorical and legal English skills, and engage with complex legal questions in an international and intellectually challenging environment.

Sarah (21) studies law in her 4th semester at Ruhr-University Bochum.

Spending a year abroad in the US deepened her intercultural understanding, as well as her adaptability and resilience. It also sparked her curiosity for cross-border legal systems and global perspectives.

Having started to play handball at the early age of five, she developed a strong sense of teamwork and a competitive mindset - qualities that led her to the Vis Moot Court where she found the opportunity to combine both.

Known for her ambition and love of discussions, she is eager to immerse herself into the world of international commercial arbitration, sharpen her advocacy skills and contribute her energy, perspective and commitment to the team.

Lilija (23) is a law student in her 7th semester at Ruhr-University Bochum.

Shaped by her multicultural upbringing in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, she brings a distinctly international perspective to legal analysis. Her academic focus is supported by her participation in the Anglo-American Law Certificate Program, which has provided her with a solid foundation in common law principles and sharpened her ability to navigate cross-jurisdictional legal questions. She is currently contributing to several academic publications in international law, reflecting both intellectual rigor and a strong commitment to legal scholarship.

Alongside her studies, Lilija runs her own business, collaborating with legal professionals and law firms, primarily in the commercial sector. This direct exposure to legal practice has further intensified her interest in international arbitration and cross- border dispute resolution.

To her, the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot is more than a competition. It is a forum for testing legal ideas, honing persuasive advocacy, and engaging with the global legal community.