What We Do

The International Law Students Association is the home of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. As a non-profit association of students and lawyers who are dedicated to the promotion of international law, ILSA provides students with opportunities to study, research, and network in the international legal arena. The organization's activities include academic conferences, publications, the global coordination of student organizations, and the administration of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.

MISSION

The mission of the International Law Students Association is TO…

EDUCATE students and lawyers around the world in the principles and purposes of international law, international organizations and institutions, and comparative legal systems, through activities that include academic conferences, the publication of books, magazines, and other academic resources, the global coordination of student chapter organizations, and the administration of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition

ENCOURAGE COMMUNICATION among students and lawyers from different parts of the world in an effort to promote international understanding and cooperation in general, and the advancement of legal education in particular

CONTRIBUTE TO LEGAL EDUCATION, to foster mutual understanding, and to promote social responsibility of students and lawyers

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES for law students and lawyers to learn about other cultures and legal systems in a spirit of critical dialogue and international cooperation;

ASSIST LAW STUDENTS and lawyers to be internationally-minded and professionally skilled

ASSIST IN AND ENCOURAGE the development of international career resources and opportunities for internationally-minded students and lawyers

ENGAGE in other activities related to the development and promotion of international law, study, and practice generally

It's been nothing short of inspiring to be a first-hand witness to the way in which ILSA brings together international law students from all over the world, united in their passion for the international rule of law, and stepping onto the world stage for the first time. 

- Lesley Benn, ILSA Executive Director (2012-2022)

Jessup Competition

The Jessup 2023 Competition concerns 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.

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Get Involved with the Jessup

Whether you are a student, lawyer, law firm, or simply a friend of the Jessup, find out how you can get involved with the competition. Competitors, judges, volunteers, and sponsors are all an essential part of the success of the Jessup Competition.

Competitor

Students pursuing a law degree or a degree related to international law at an eligible school may compete on behalf of that school so long as they are enrolled at least part-time and have not engaged in the practice of law after graduating from another law degree program.

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Judge

The Jessup Competition is judged by an elite corps of volunteer attorneys. Judges are needed at all levels of the Competition (Qualifying and International) to evaluate and score the written and oral pleadings of the competitors.

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Administrator

Each year, Jessup Qualifying rounds take place in more than 50 countries thanks to the hard work of our volunteer administrators. Administrators organize the rounds and communicate with the teams in their country.

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Sponsor

The Jessup wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Learn more about how your firm or organization can support the work of the Jessup to promote international law in 100 countries.

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ALL RISE: Journeys to a Just World

How can international disputes be resolved in the courtroom rather than on the battlefield? ALL RISE brings this complex question into sharp and personalized focus through the journeys of seven passionate students of law from India, Israel, Jamaica, Palestine, Russia, Singapore, and Uganda to compete in the world championship of the Jessup Competition!

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