Join the University of Glasgow’s Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition team

The UofG’s Glasgow Centre for International Law and Security is looking for five dedicated UofG Law students to represent the University of Glasgow at the Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in 2026. Applications from UG, LLM, and Diploma students are all welcomed.

Last year, the University of Glasgow reached the semi-finals in London, with students individually ranked 2nd and 3rd best oralists, and reached the knockout round of 48 in Washington DC, with one student ranking 2nd best oralist and receiving a Ved P Nanda prize. 

What is the Jessup?

Founded over 60 years ago, the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is the leading international law mooting competition in the world and is the largest international advocacy competition for law students of its kind, with over 700 teams participating from over 100 countries and jurisdictions. Organised by the International Law Students Association with the support of White & Case LLP, the competition requires students to submit written memorials and compete in oral proceedings in a national round at the inns of court in London in late February and qualifying teams will compete in international rounds held in Washington DC in April 2026.

The case for this year and further information about the competition can be found at https://www.ilsa.org/about-jessup/. 

Why should I take part?

Jessup offers a unique and unparalleled mooting experience. Students have the opportunity to gain in-depth, practical understanding of advocacy, international law and litigation. Students will receive weekly coaching to develop their knowledge of international law and oral and written advocacy skills from the team’s coaches and staff of the Glasgow Centre for International Law and Security more broadly.

Competitors will join the that vast network of lawyers that make up the global Jessup community. At the national and international rounds, students have the chance to meet other competitors and to connect with practising lawyers. And, it is common to find ex-Jessupers as government advisers, university professors and lawyers practising around the world.

There will be funding to cover travel and accommodation for the competition. However, students should be aware that they may need to cover other expenses, most notably any visa requirements for entry into the US. Students who would require a full visa to enter the US should note this in their application, so that coaches can seek additional funding and support for applications in good time for the international rounds in April. 

How to apply

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV and cover letter (max 250 words) to Joseph Crampin at uofgmooting@glasgow.ac.uk by 5pm Wednesday 24th September 2025.

In their application, students should highlight:

1. any prior mooting, advocacy or debating experience,

2. any prior experience in public international law,

3. academic ability,

4. amount of time available to dedicate to Jessup, and

5. motivation for participating in Jessup.

Applications will be assessed against these criteria. If students wish to be considered for a research position on the team, as opposed to an oral presenter, they should state this in their application.

Applicants will be told if they have been shortlisted by Thursday 25th September 2025.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview on Friday 26th September 2025. If you have any scheduling difficulties, please inform us at the earliest opportunity so we can try to accommodate.

Any further questions can be directed to uofgmooting@glasgow.ac.uk.

Watch the video testimonial from last year's Glasgow Jessup team.