Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition

Western Sydney University plans to participate in the 2027 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.

Students interested in international law, advocacy, legal research and written submissions are encouraged to keep an eye out for the upcoming Expression of Interest process.

Further details, including eligibility, selection and key dates, will be released in due course.

Jessup Moot FAQs

What if I am only a first-year student?

First-year law students are welcome to register an expression of interest. However, the Jessup is a demanding international law moot involving advanced legal research, written advocacy and oral submissions.

Students who have completed at least one or two years of law study may be better placed to manage the legal complexity and workload involved. That said, selection will be considered holistically, including a student’s research skills, commitment, written ability, advocacy potential and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the team.

What if I do not have any mooting experience?

Mooting or debating experience is valuable, but it is not essential. The Jessup is an intensive development opportunity, and students can gain significant advocacy experience through the preparation process.

Team members should expect to participate in practice moots and receive feedback as part of their preparation. Students who are strong researchers and writers are also encouraged to apply, as the competition includes a substantial written component. Each team prepares two written memorials, requiring detailed legal research, analysis and drafting.

While different students may bring different strengths, all team members are expected to contribute to research, drafting and oral preparation.

What if I have not studied international law?

Prior study of international law is helpful, but it is not a strict requirement for selection. Many students develop the necessary international law knowledge through the Jessup preparation process.

The Jessup problem is highly specialised and often requires research into areas that go beyond a general international law course. Students who have not studied international law should be prepared to undertake additional background reading and engage deeply with unfamiliar legal concepts.

How much work is involved, and when is the workload heaviest?

The Jessup requires a significant time commitment. Students should expect an intensive preparation period involving research, written submissions, team meetings, practice moots and feedback sessions.

The workload is usually heaviest over December and January, particularly in the lead-up to the memorial deadline, which is commonly in early January. There is also a further increase in preparation before the Australian rounds.

Students considering applying should carefully assess their availability across the summer period and their capacity to commit consistently to the team.

I am planning to do a summer clerkship. Is that compatible with Jessup?

A summer clerkship may be difficult to balance with Jessup participation, particularly if it falls during December or January when the Jessup workload is usually at its highest.

Students should consider the time commitment required for both opportunities before applying. The Jessup is a major undertaking and requires sustained availability, collaboration and preparation.

At the same time, Jessup participation can be highly valuable for students interested in advocacy, litigation, public international law, research and legal writing. It is widely recognised as a prestigious competition that develops skills which are highly transferable to legal practice.

Students who are considering both a clerkship and Jessup should be realistic about their availability and may wish to raise any potential scheduling issues during the selection process.

What should I consider before registering an EOI?

Before registering an expression of interest, students should consider:

  • whether they can commit to the preparation period from September to April;

  • their availability during December and January;

  • their capacity to contribute to both written and oral preparation;

  • their interest in international law, advocacy and legal research;

  • their ability to work collaboratively in a high-performance team environment; and

  • any competing commitments, including clerkships, work, study and personal responsibilities.

The Jessup is demanding, but it is also one of the most rewarding advocacy experiences available to law students.