The Harvard Law Jessup International Law Moot Court Team participates in the annual Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, along with participants from over 500 law schools in more than 80 countries. The competition is a simulation of a fictional dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations. The Jessup team prepares oral and written pleadings, arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case.

The Harvard Jessup team continues to build on past successes. Over the past few years, Harvard students have consistently advanced within the New York regional rounds and received “Top Oralist” awards, recognizing superior oral advocacy.  Last year, the Harvard team submitted the highest scoring brief in the region, and received a “Top Oralist” designation.

The Jessup team is selected at the beginning of each academic year, writes the written brief during the fall semester, and competes in the Jessup tournament during the spring semester. The team represents a committed contingent of students dedicated to international law, and is an active member of HLS’s ILSA chapter.

This year the team was captained by Maia Lichtenstein (JD ’13) and Elinathan Ohiomoba (JD ’13).

Last year, the team reached the quarterfinals of the New York Regional Round, with Aaron Marcus and Brett Stark scoring in the top 20 for their oral argument performances.

This year, the team also reached the quarterfinals of the New York Regional Round.