I learned a lot about substantive insolvency law. For instance, I learned about the various ways in which different jurisdictions provide for asset recovery: from avoidance (as distinct from actio pauliana), to a familiar device in my own common law jurisdiction, the constructive trust. Other topics of interest included cooperation between judiciaries, registers of assets and security interests, and interim orders to preserve assets.

I also learned a lot about the policy imperatives motivating insolvency law. It became clear to me that a coherent and predictable insolvency law made lending safer, and thereby had the potential to lead to a more efficient and productive economy. This was particularly pronounced during the choice of law discussions.

A third thing I learned about was the cooperation needed in a cross-border context. States and observers were respectful, and always listened closely to what others had to say before responding in a considered manner. It was also impressive how they transcended linguistic borders. On the final day, a delegate suggested that the French version of a text would result in an inconsistent outcome as compared to, say, the English version. He was invited to re-draft the relevant passage, and shortly after, his draft was incorporated. To have people working in six languages at once, and for them all to understand each other, thanks to real-time interpretation, was extraordinary.

I was also grateful to the care shown to me by INSOL. I had thought that I would be wandering the streets of Vienna at night by myself (which would have been nothing to complain about!), but instead I was invited by INSOL’s President (who was also Australia’s representative in the Working Group), Scott Atkins, to various social events: from drinks evenings where I had the chance to meet States’ representatives, to more intimate dinners where I got to speak to INSOL practitioners from all around the world. Thankfully I did get to explore the Christmas Markets and have a mug of Glühwein in the end! With a few palaces and museums in between.

Participating in the Fletcher Moot, and visiting the Working Group in Vienna, have been incredible experiences I won’t forget. I express my deep gratitude to INSOL International, UNCITRAL, and the Fletcher Moot, and its sponsors and supporters, for making this all possible. And I recommend any student thinking about participating to dive straight in! Before I did the moot I had never encountered insolvency law. Now I am hoping to practice in it.