(Please see the 2008 Official Jessup Rules for complete information.)

Q:  What is the Jessup Competition?
A:  The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, also known as the Jessup Cup, is a moot competition focusing on Public International Law issues. The Cup is named after Philip C. Jessup, the US judge to the International Court of Justice from 1961 to 1970. It is organized and administered by the International Law Students Association (ILSA). 

Q:  What is ILSA?
A:  ILSA, the International Law Students Association, is a non-profit association of students and young lawyers dedicated to the study and promotion of international law. Its main office is located in Chicago, IL. Click here to access the ILSA website.

Q:  What is Shearman & Sterling’s involvement in Jessup?
A:  Shearman & Sterling has been the exclusive sponsor of the International Rounds of the competition since 2003, of the French Rounds since 2001, and of the US Atlantic Rounds (now called the US Northeast Super Regional Rounds) since 2004. Shearman & Sterling supports the competition because it provides students around the world with a unique opportunity to develop their lawyering skills and expertise in Public International Law. In addition, Shearman & Sterling has an active Public International Law Practice, for example in the area of treaty law, which is at the core of investment disputes handled by Shearman & Sterling’s International Arbitration Group, and in the area of human rights in the context of pro bono initiatives. 

Q:  Who can participate?
A:  Any academic institution with an International Law-related degree program is eligible to participate in the competition. However, each school may only enter one team. Eligible students must be full- or part-time students pursuing an International Law-related degree and not be engaged in the practice of law in any jurisdiction. See the ILSA Rules for further details. 

Q:  How many people can be on a team?
A:  Teams are composed of a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of five (5) members. No more than five persons may contribute to the work product of the team over the course of the competition year. 

Q:  Who can act as a coach?
A:  Most teams are coached by law professors from their university. However, anyone with an interest in Public International Law may act as coach, including lawyers, graduate students or former Jessup competitors. The coach is allowed to provide general advice and support but is prohibited from doing any of the work for the team. 

Q:  What is the official language for the Jessup Competition?
A:  It is English. Memorials must be submitted in English. Teams are allowed to present their oral pleadings in a language other than English, but if they elect to do so, they must arrange and pay for simultaneous interpretation. 

Q:  How do teams finance their travel costs?
A:  Each team is responsible for funding its own travel costs. To that end, many teams engage in fundraising, reaching out to local companies or foundations. 

Q:  What is the competition schedule?
A:  The US Northeast Super Regional Rounds will be held in the New York office of Shearman & Sterling on February 15-17, 2008. The French National Rounds will be held in the Paris office of Shearman & Sterling on February 15-16, 2008. The Shearman & Sterling International Rounds will be held at The Fairmont Washington, DC on April 6-12, 2008. The full schedule of the competition is accessible here. 

Q:  When are the memorials due?
A:  Memorials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Monday January 14, 2008. Teams must submit memorials both for the Applicant and the Respondent. 

Q:  Who are the judges?
A:  All judging is done on a voluntary basis by professionals who are dedicated to cultivating international law relations. The pool of judges comprises lawyers from law firms and corporations, law professors, diplomats and real-world judges. The qualifications for a judge are decided by ILSA. 

Q:  Who do I contact for more information?
A:  For the US Northeast Super Regional or International Rounds, please contact Mary Hampton in Shearman & Sterling’s New York office. For the French Regional Rounds, please contact Sophie Wernert, Administrator of the French National Rounds. 

Q:  What is the deadline for entry?
A:  The deadline for entering the Jessup 2008 was November 2, 2007 for US teams and November 30, 2007 for non-US teams. Team members may not be changed after the deadline without the express written permission of ILSA. 

Q:  How can I register?
A:  Please see the registration form in the Competition Materials section. Registration fees are paid directly to ILSA by check from a US bank, money order or credit card.