Global law firm White & Case LLP announced today that the University of Amsterdam won the White & Case Jessup Cup, the top prize of the 2023 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.
The winning team members from the University of Amsterdam included Nataša Adžić, Clara Parry, Leopold Raab, Alia Squalli-Houssaini and Hannah Zigelski, who argued against students from Peking University in the Championship Round. This is the first time either team has advanced this far in the competition. The Best Oralist award in the final round was given to Alia Squalli-Houssaini.
The teams argued before two judges from sub-Saharan Africa: Judge Julia Sebutinde of the International Court of Justice and Judge Florence Mumba of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia hail from Uganda and Zambia respectively. They were joined by Judge Ronny Abraham from France, who sits on the International Court of Justice.
"The diversity of the Final Round was remarkable," said Melissa Butler, London partner and Global Citizenship Chair. "In addition to the two women judges on the Final Bench, five of the six oralists were also women."
Organized by the International Law Students Association (ILSA), the Jessup hypothetical case this year 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.
This year marked the first time in four years that the international Jessup community—consisting of more than 1,000 students, coaches and volunteer judges, gathered in one place for the International Rounds. One hundred thirty-five teams from 83 jurisdictions participated, the largest number of teams in Jessup history. These teams argued before 209 judges from 59 countries, with less than one-third of the judges coming from the United States.
"It was incredible to see so many students get together again after participating virtually for so long," said Elizabeth Black, Director of Global Citizenship. "The students' enthusiasm, as well as the entire Jessup community, is a testament to the extraordinary power of the competition."
As a way to celebrate and promote the Jessup and inspire the students who participate, Butler presented Judge Mumba with the 2023 White & Case Distinguished Jessup Alumni Award. This is the third time the award has been given and the first time in person. The 2021 Awardee was Brad Smith of Microsoft, and the 2022 Awardee was Judge Hilary Charlesworth of the International Court of Justice.
White & Case has been a Global Partner of the Jessup since 2007 and sponsor of the White & Case International Rounds since 2010.
For complete results of the 2023 White & Case International Rounds, please go to ILSA's website (www.ilsa.org).
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