The 66th Jessup sees record participation around the world

Global law firm White & Case LLP announced that 805 teams representing 104 jurisdictions are registered to participate in the 2025 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, setting an all-time record for participation in the competition’s 66-year history. Jessup is the world’s largest moot court competition, bringing together law students from different parts of the world to engage with pressing international legal challenges.

This year’s competition features teams from three countries participating for the first time—Angola, Maldives, and São Tomé & Príncipe—as well as first-ever National Rounds in five countries: Finland, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Vietnam. A record number of teams are registered from 15 countries, including Bangladesh (45 teams), Egypt (14 teams), India (53 teams), Pakistan (45 teams), the Philippines (34 teams) and the United Kingdom (27 teams).

White & Case has been a proud Global Partner of Jessup since 2007.

White & Case Chair Heather McDevitt said, “The unprecedented level of participation in Jessup this year makes me even more hopeful for the next generation of lawyers dedicated to the peaceful resolution of disputes and cross-cultural understanding. Jessup equips students with invaluable advocacy skills and provides an incredible global network of peers.”

This year’s case concerns the rights and obligations of the international community when two persons claim to be the legitimate president of a nation state; the possibility of immunity for government officials accused of grave violations of human rights; the legal consequences of receding coastlines for the maritime zones; and the interpretation of the compromissory clause in a treaty creating a regional organization.

Students will present written and oral arguments on these topics before a simulated International Court of Justice (ICJ), with winners of qualifying rounds advancing to the White & Case International Rounds in Washington, DC during the first week in April, where they will compete for the coveted Jessup World Cup. White & Case has sponsored the International Rounds since 2010.

The White & Case International Rounds will culminate in the Championship Round judged by sitting ICJ judges, providing a unique and invaluable experience for participants.

More than 150 White & Case lawyers and staff are involved annually, serving as judges, coaches and organizers, demonstrating the Firm’s commitment to supporting the next generation of lawyers.

This year, the Firm is sponsoring 18 national and regional Jessup competitions, listed below:

• Afghanistan: January 24 – 26
• Belgium: March 8 – 9
• Brazil: February 20 – 22
• Canada: February 20 – 22
• Central Asia Friendly: February 15 – 17
• China: February 15 – 18
• Egypt: February 21 – 22
• Finland: February 27 – March 1
• France: February 28 – March 1
• Georgia: January 31 – February 1
• Hong Kong: February 19 – 22
• Japan: February 14 – 16
• Latin American Friendly: March 10 – 16
• Poland: February 10 – 13
• Saudi Arabia: February 12 – 13
• Türkiye: February 22 – 23
• United Arab Emirates: February 24 – 25
• UK: February 21 – 23

The White & Case International Rounds will take place March 29-April 5 in Washington, DC.

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