Von Wobeser y Sierra launches M&A Moot for law students

As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, Von Wobeser y Sierra has launched the Von Wobeser M&A Moot, an academic competition for law students across Mexico that will simulate a real corporate transaction and introduce participants to the practical dynamics of mergers and acquisitions.

The initiative is intended to strengthen the link between academic training and professional practice. Participating teams will work on a complex case designed to replicate some of the challenges faced by legal advisers in sophisticated corporate transactions.

Luis Burgueño, co-head of the Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions practice at Von Wobeser y Sierra, said the competition reflects the firm’s commitment to the next generation and will give students the opportunity to experience first-hand how transactions are structured and negotiated.

Manuel Martínez, counsel at Von Wobeser y Sierra and General Coordinator of the Von Wobeser M&A Moot, added that the competition is intended to bridge the gap between the classroom and professional practice, allowing participants to simulate an entire transaction and receive direct feedback from professionals involved in transactions on a daily basis.

The competition is open to active undergraduate law students from any university in Mexico, regardless of their current semester. Teams must consist of two to four students and may optionally be supported by one or two academic advisers or coaches.

Registration will take place during September and October 2026. The case study and instructions for the written stage are expected to be released at the end of October. Between November 2026 and January 2027, teams will prepare an executive memorandum in accordance with instructions provided by their "client".

The eight teams progressing to the oral negotiation phase will be announced in early February 2027. The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will be held in person in mid-March 2027 at Von Wobeser y Sierra’s offices in Mexico City. Each negotiation round will be assessed by a panel comprising lawyers from leading firms in Mexico and the United States, together with investment bankers.

Founded in 1986, Von Wobeser y Sierra currently has 18 practice areas, seven industry groups and a legal team of more than 170 professionals, including 26 partners, six of counsel and eight counsel.

Key facts

• Von Wobeser y Sierra has launched the Von Wobeser M&A Moot as part of its 40th anniversary.

• The competition is open to law students from universities across Mexico.

• Teams will consist of two to four students.

• The case study will be released at the end of October 2026.

• Eight teams will advance to the oral phase.

• The final rounds will take place in March 2027 at the firm’s Mexico City offices.

• The judging panel will include lawyers from firms in Mexico and the United States, as well as investment bankers.