Global participation reaches new heights in 2026 Jessup Competition

Global law firm White & Case LLP announced that 806 teams from 99 jurisdictions are registered to participate in the 2026 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, marking another year of record global engagement.

Now in its 67th year, Jessup remains the world’s largest and most prestigious international moot court competition. A record 67 national and friendly rounds will take place around the world throughout February and March 2026. Participation in qualifying rounds has reached an all-time high, with notable increases in countries such as Egypt, India, Iraq, the Netherlands, Spain and Vietnam. Additionally, teams from several countries—including Kosovo, Oman, Sri Lanka and Switzerland—are returning to the competition after a period of absence, further underscoring the Jessup’s global reach and enduring appeal.

“Jessup challenges law students to think, argue and collaborate across legal systems and cultures. That experience is invaluable—not only for their professional development, but for the future of international law,” said White & Case Chair Heather McDevitt.

Melissa Butler, partner and Chair of the Firm’s Responsible Business Committee, adds: “Our longstanding support of the Jessup reflects our commitment to supporting legal education and talent development worldwide. Our people are deeply engaged in the competition, and the opportunity to work directly with students around the world is at the heart of why this partnership matters so much to us.”

The competition is administered by the International Law Students Association (ILSA) and challenges students to present oral and written arguments on a hypothetical international law case before a simulated International Court of Justice (ICJ). This year’s case addresses a range of timely international issues, including who may intervene in proceedings before the ICJ; the rights of Indigenous peoples in connection with rare earth minerals located on their lands; the scope and meaning of “general principles of law recognized by nations”; and the circumstances under which a state-owned enterprise may claim immunity from the jurisdiction of another state.

The winning teams from national and regional rounds will represent their respective jurisdictions at the White & Case International Rounds in Washington, DC this April, where they will compete for the competition’s top prize—the Jessup World Cup.

White & Case has been a Global Partner of Jessup since 2007 and a proud sponsor of the White & Case International Rounds since 2010. Each year, more than 150 lawyers and business services colleagues support the competition, serving as judges, grading briefs, coaching teams, hosting competitions and developing Jessup marketing materials.

This year, the Firm is sponsoring 21 qualifying and friendly rounds, listed below:

• Afghanistan: February 27 – March 1
• Australia: February 11 – 14
• Belgium: March 7 – 8
• Brazil: February 4 – 7
• Canada: February 19 – 21
• Central Asia Friendly: Feb 6 – 8
• China: February 25 – 28
• Egypt: February 6 – 7
• Finland: March 5 – 7
• France: February 26 – 27
• Georgia: January 31 – February 1
• Hong Kong: February 28
• Japan: February 13 – 15
• Kazakhstan: February 6 – 8
• Kyrgyzstan: February 6 – 8
• Poland: February 19 – 21
• Saudi Arabia: February 8 – 10
• Tajikistan: February 6 – 8
• Türkiye: February 21 – 22
• United Arab Emirates: February 6
• UK: February 27 – March 1

The White & Case International Rounds will take place March 28 – April 4 in Washington, DC.

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