Applications for the Jessup International Law Mooting Competition 2024-2025

 Are you passionate about international law and looking for a rewarding academic challenge in your final year? Applications are now open to join the team representing the University of Sheffield at the 66th Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in 2024-2025.

Jessup is the world’s largest moot court competition, with participants from roughly 700 law schools in 100 countries and jurisdictions. It is also the oldest moot court competition dedicated to international law. The Competition is a simulation of a fictional dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice. Teams prepare oral and written pleadings arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case.

The competition season has now officially begun with the release of this year's Jessup Competition Problem (the ‘Compromis’). The Compromis is a compilation of agreed upon facts about the dispute that will form the basis of the competition. This year's problem titled 'The Case Concerning the Naegea Sea' includes a number of fascinating international law 'classics' including jurisdiction, immunities, dispute settlement, and the law of the sea!

Participation in the competition has 3 key steps: written submissions (due 14 January); participation in the UK Qualifying Rounds in London (late February); participation in the White & Case International Rounds in Washington, DC (29 March-5 April). Usually 2 or 3 teams advance to the international rounds from the UK Qualifying Round, which is one of the most competitive rounds in the world. Thus, participation in the competition is an (almost) academic-year-long commitment.

Each team consists of 2 to 5 law students. We are inviting applications from UG students and MA students in their final year of studies. Preference will be given to students that have previously participated in LAW215/347 Foundations of International Law, LAW333 Advanced Issues in International Law, or equivalent module during your year abroad or prior degree, but students on their final year that are currently enrolled in the Foundations module and have a strong interest in international law are welcome to apply. Applications must be submitted through this google form by Thursday, 3 October, 4pm, and require a short CV and motivation letter. All applicants will be invited to an interview on Friday 4 October at Bartolome House. In this interview we will discuss your motivation to participate and your initial thoughts on the issues discussed in this year's Compromis so please make sure to read it carefully. The final composition of the team will be announced shortly thereafter.

Students that are selected for the Jessup team will need to select modules LAW3044 and LAW3112 (Special Project: International Mooting I and II). This will allow them to prepare for the competition as part of their academic schedule and not as an extra-curricular activity. Assessments for these modules will be based on students’ work for the competition. The SEO team will provide guidance on how to drop other modules to add these into your class schedule.

To read more follow this link here!

If you have any queries, please feel free to reach out to the Academic Advisor of the competition and convenor of the Mooting Modules, Dr Anna Ventouratou, at a.ventouratou@sheffield.ac.uk