From the academic year 2013-14 onwards, Cambridge will be the first university in the United Kingdom to give full course credit to LL.M. students participating in the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition. This innovative LL.M. course will count as one of four papers for the LL.M.
As part of this dedicated Jessup course, up to five LL.M. students will research, draft and present submissions in relation to a fictitious case before the International Court of Justice. Through this active method of learning, students acquire an excellent understanding of various areas of international law and procedure. Simultaneously, they hone their legal writing and advocacy skills as well as their ability to craft creative legal arguments and litigation strategies.
Each year Cambridge attracts a significant number of the brightest young international lawyers to undertake their LL.M. degree. Many of these students aspire to practice in international law and international arbitration, and the Jessup Moot is a recognised and challenging testing ground. For many Jessup alumni, Jessup has been a springboard for a successful career in international law. Cambridge’s new Jessup course will allow students to prepare for the Jessup in the best possible conditions.
Ph.D. Candidate Odette Murray (Jessup World Champion 2007) and Dr Michael Waibel will coach the Cambridge Jessup team in 2013-2014.
In 2012-13, the Cambridge Jessup Team represented the United Kingdom at the International Rounds in Washington DC, where it competed in the Advanced Rounds of the Competition.