Wayne Law Students Take Home Solo Prizes at Jessup Competition
The Wayne Law team competing in the 2023 Phillip C. Jessup International Law moot court competition brought home two prizes at the competition’s Mid-West regional tournament this past weekend. The Jessup is the world’s oldest and largest moot court competition. Competitors represent countries in simulated cases before the World Court, formally known as the International Court of Justice.
“The Wayne team put on a remarkable performance,” said Professor Gregory Fox, faculty advisor to the team and Director of Wayne Law’ Program for International Legal Studies. Their excellent showing was the result of incredibly hard work. I’m really proud of their showing.”
This is the first year the Jessup has been in person since 2019.
Second-year student Celina Grimes won 5th best speaker in the regional tournament and 3L Chelsea Smith was third best speaker. Other team members are 2L Eli Ravid and 2L Sarah Khan. Rising 3L Blythe Collins serves as the Chancellor and the team leader.
The Wayne team compiled a 3-1 record in the preliminary rounds, ranking third out of the 14 teams that participated, finishing just Case Western Reserve University and the University of Michigan. The Wayne team then lost a close quarter-final round to Notre Dame Law School
The Jessup 2023 Competition concerned the interpretation of a peace treaty, deadly attacks in allegedly occupied territory, unilateral economic sanctions, and the legal consequences of failing to dispose of hazardous waste properly.
Wayne teams have a remarkable record of success in the Jessup. The top two teams in the regional tournament qualify for the international rounds in Washington. The first Wayne team went to the international rounds in 2012. In the ten years since, Wayne teams have gone to internationals six times, often after winning the regional tournament.
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is presented by The International Law Students Association which provides students with opportunities to study, research, and network in the international legal arena.
Mark Luz, a Senior Associate in the New York and. Moscow offices of White & Case LLP practicing international arbitration, litigation and corporate law said of the Jessup Competition, “The Jessup is one of those incredibly rare experiences that transcends law school and impacts your life for decades thereafter. It will undoubtedly provide you with the skills necessary to become a great lawyer, but it is the Jessup competition’s teaching of reason, civility, empathy, compromise and respect for others which will make you a better person and the world a better place.”