Call for Students: 2026–2027 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition

The Philip C. Jessup Competition is the oldest and largest moot court competition in the world, drawing in participants from nearly 700 law schools across approximately 100 countries. The competition is centered on a model case before the International Court of Justice between two disputing sovereign States and involving cutting edge issues of international law and international relations.

Participating in the Jessup is more than just a competition; it is an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the complex world of public international law. You will have the chance to hone your advocacy oral and written skills, learn international legal doctrines, and present arguments before esteemed judges. Moreover, you will join a global network of Jessup participants (past and present), connecting with fellow law students and professionals from all corners of the world. You also may have the opportunity to argue in front of the judges of the International Court of Justice!

NYU has been very successful at the Jessup over the last decade, repeatedly advancing to the global rounds of the competition and ranking highly year after year. Many of NYU’s Jessup alumni have gone on to impressive and prestigious careers in international law, including clerking at the International Court of Justice, working for States’ delegations to the United Nations, teaching international law, and working on international law issues at global firms.

There is no need to have a background in international law to apply or join! We will research and study these topics throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. Jessup moot court is a year-long commitment, with written pleadings submitted in mid-January, and oral argument competitions held during the spring semester.

Information Session:
The coaches will host an information session on September 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM (Room details to come). Please join us if you’re interested in learning more about the Jessup!

Application Process:
Applications will open following the release of the 2026 Jessup problem (called the “compromis”) on September 15, 2026. Applications are open to all NYU Law students (1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls, and LL.Ms). The application process will involve drafting a 2-paragraph argument responding to one of the issues in this year’s compromis, along with your resume. Following the submission of your application, the coaches will reach out to all candidates to arrange a mock oral pleading (5-10 minutes) based on the issue that you chose. These oral pleadings will occur during first week of October.

To register your interest in Jessup, please fill out this form: 2026-2027 NYU Jessup Interest

We look forward to hearing from you!
Daniel Rosenberg, Bhavini Kakani, Isabel Paolini, and Vanessa Sporne (The NYU Jessup Coaches)