What is the Hugo Sinzheimer Moot Court?
The Hugo Sinzheimer Moot Court - HSMC is Europe's premier competitive moot court dedicated exclusively to European Labour and Social Law. Named after one of the founding fathers of German labour law, as well as labour law in general as a scientific field, this prestigious annual event brings together the best and brightest law students from many countries across Europe.
It offers a unique, practice-oriented opportunity to delve into the complexities of EU law, moving beyond theoretical study to the art of legal advocacy. Participants don't just learn the law - they learn to use it, crafting arguments and presenting them in a simulated courtroom setting that mirrors the proceedings of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Why Participate?
Joining the HSMC is a transformative experience that provides a decisive advantage for your legal career. As a participant, you will gain:
- Specialized Expertise: Develop deep, expert-level knowledge in core areas of EU regulation of employment relations, such as business transfers, posting of workers, equal treatment, working time, and the coordination of social security systems.
- Practical Legal Skills: Master the entire litigation process, from drafting formal written pleadings to presenting compelling oral arguments before a panel of experts.
- International Context: Enhance your understanding of how EU law interacts with national legal systems and gain comparative insight from other European jurisdictions.
- Professional English: Hone your legal English to a professional standard, both in written submissions and oral advocacy.
- Career Development: Build an invaluable international network with peers and legal professionals. The intensive experience is a significant asset on your CV, highly valued by top law firms, EU institutions, and international organizations.
How it Works: The Competition Timeline
The HSMC is a significant commitment that runs throughout the spring semester, following a structured timeline:
- Application and Selection (Late November): Prospective team members submit a written application, including a CV, academic transcript, and a one-page letter of motivation in English. Selected candidates are invited for personal interviews, with the final team of 2-4 students announced shortly thereafter.
- Kick-off and Case Release (Early February): The team holds its first official meeting. The detailed case problem - a complex, fictional legal dispute - is released, marking the official start of the work.
- Research and Written Phase (February - April): This phase involves intensive legal research, team strategy sessions, and the drafting of two comprehensive written statements - one for the claimant and one for the defendant. The team is supported throughout by dedicated coaches from both the university faculty and legal practice. The written submissions are typically due in late April/early May.
- Oral Proceedings (June): Teams that submit their written statements advance to the final rounds: the oral hearings. Here, you will plead your case before a distinguished panel of judges, including academics, practitioners, and sometimes real judges.
- Conclusion and Academic Credit: Following the international finals, you will take an oral exam in topics related to the competition. This will give you a grade for the participation. The course gives you 10 ECTS credit.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are seeking highly motivated and dedicated law students with a strong study record and a keen interest in European and labour law. While prior knowledge in EU Law, Collective Labour Law, Employment Law, Company Law, or Social Security Law is an advantage, we place significant emphasis on your personal motivation, teamwork skills, and commitment.
How to Apply
If you are ready for the challenge, the application process for the 2026 team is as follows:
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
- Submit to: namu@sam.sdu.dk
- Required Documents:
- Your CV.
- A current academic transcript.
- A letter of motivation in English (max. one page).
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for personal interviews Monday December 8. All applicants will be notified before the end of the week.
The first kick-off meeting for the selected team will be held in early February 2026.
Contact
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the faculty advisor:
Vincenzo Pietrogiovanni - vincp@sam.sdu.dk