The University of Sheffield has achieved a historic first: our team has progressed to the White & Case International Rounds of the 67th Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington DC. Jessup is the world’s largest moot court competition and the oldest in international law, bringing together around 700 law schools from more than 100 jurisdictions. The UK National Rounds of the Jessup are among the most competitive national moot competitions in the world, with 22 UK institutions competing — many of them world-renowned for their mooting excellence.
Our team of final year law undergraduate students — Gregory Bains, Julliana Moitinho, Kirbi Jackson, Mia Gresty, and Nowira Yousaf — delivered exceptional performances at every stage of the competition. Undefeated in the preliminary rounds, the team ranked 2nd overall, winning all four of their matches against teams from Queen Mary University of London, University of Liverpool, University of Oxford, and the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn. Their quarter-final victory secured our place in the top four and a break to Washington. The semi-final against the team from the London School of Economics was a fantastic and very closely matched round, which LSE narrowly won.
Throughout the competition, our advocates received exceptionally high scores and praise from judges across all rounds. These judges included barristers and practitioners from leading sets and firms such as One Essex Court, 11KBW, 39 Essex Chambers, White & Case, Freshfields, and Clifford Chance, alongside academics from the UK and abroad. Mia Gresty was ranked in the top 10 speakers in the preliminary rounds, with Gregory Bains in the top 15. The team also received the award for 3rd best memorial in the UK.
In Washington DC, our students will compete against approximately 140 teams from across the world — those that have prevailed in national rounds in their respective countries — for the world title.
The team was coached by Dr Anna Ventouratou, Lecturer in International Trade Law, with support from our alumna Chantal Touma as assistant coach. Several staff from the School of Law also supported the team, and we are very grateful for their contributions.
Sheffield’s achievement is particularly significant as it highlights excellence emerging outside the traditional centres of London and Oxbridge. For a university in the North of England to reach this stage is rare and underscores the talent, ambition, and dedication of our students.
The UK National Rounds that took place from 27 February–1 March 2026 at the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn in London were sponsored by COMBAR, One Essex Court, 3VB, Quadrant Chambers, Twenty Essex, and 4 New Square — all committed to supporting junior advocacy and providing opportunities for aspiring barristers.
The team’s trip to Washington represents a rare opportunity for firms and chambers to support junior advocacy and showcase talent in the North of England. We are currently seeking sponsorship and contributions to help cover travel and accommodation costs. If you are interested in sponsoring our team, you can reach out to the academic advisor of the competition, Dr Anna Ventouratou at a.ventouratou@sheffield.ac.uk.
Congratulations to Gregory, Julliana, Kirbi, Mia, and Nowira for their extraordinary achievement. They have made Sheffield history, and we look forward to cheering them on as they represent the University in Washington DC!