We are delighted to celebrate Gregory Bains, Julliana Moitinho, Kirbi Jackson, Mia Gresty, and Nowira Yousaf, who represented the University of Sheffield at the 67th Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. Competing in the White & Case International Rounds held in Washington DC from 28 March to 4 April, the team ranked among the top 32 teams worldwide.
The team secured their place at the International Rounds following an outstanding performance at the UK National Rounds, where they competed against 22 UK institutions and finished among the top four teams that went on to represent the UK in Washington, DC.
This year’s Jessup Competition was the largest on record, with over 800 teams from more than 100 jurisdictions! Of the 164 teams that advanced to the International Rounds in Washington DC, Sheffield progressed to the elimination stages after four impressive preliminary rounds against the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, the Universidad de Buenos Aires, the University of St. Thomas, and the Universidad de La Sabana. Their strong performance placed them among the top 55 teams advancing to the advanced rounds—an exceptional and historic accomplishment!
In the elimination stage, the team secured a notable victory against Tashkent State University of Law, earning their place among the top 32 teams in the world. They then narrowly lost to Universidad Torcuato di Tella in a closely contested and high-quality round. Overall, their performance secured the University of Sheffield a place among the top 4% in the largest and most prestigious mooting competition in the world!
The team also excelled as oralists, continuing their impressive record from the UK National Rounds. Mia Gresty achieved an exceptional result, ranking among the Top 20 oralists in the world following strong rounds for the Respondent alongside Julliana Moitinho. Gregory Bains and Kirbi Jackson likewise delivered standout performances, leading the team through the elimination rounds as Applicant and earning high praise from judges and fellow competitors.
The team was coached by Dr Anna Ventouratou, Lecturer in International Trade Law at the University of Sheffield, with support from Sheffield alumna Ms Chantal Touma.
This achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of One Essex Court, whose ongoing commitment to junior advocacy is invaluable. We also extend our sincere thanks to the UK National Administrators of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court competition and the sponsors of the UK national rounds, to Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and Robert Moore, and to members of Park Square Barristers, including Jonathan Holsgrove, for their support and contributions.
We hope this success marks the beginning of a strong and lasting tradition for the University of Sheffield in the Jessup Competition and international mooting, highlighting the excellence of our students, the strength of our advocacy programmes, and our research and expertise in public international law.
Congratulations to the team and their coaches. We could not be prouder!
