Oxford team reaches new heights in Jessup Moot

In 2022, Oxford once again took part in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, the world’s largest and most prestigious international moot court competition. This year, over 600 teams participated in the competition from around the world. After winning the UK National Rounds in February, the Oxford team spent their Easter vacation preparing for the international rounds of the competition, which took place from 24 March to 8 April. This was the first time in several years that Oxford has contested the international rounds.

The team, consisting of Kristy Chan (Somerville), Luca Geary (Magdalen), Athena Kam (Pembroke), Joseph Khaw (Wadham), and Christopher McHugh (Keble), and coached by Sophie Ryan (Magdalen) reached new heights for Oxford in its outstanding results.

After qualifying for the elimination rounds of the competition (top 32 teams) as the 6th highest ranked team, the team made it to the Top 16 teams in the global rounds. Additionally, the team received the following accolades for their performance:

• The team won the award for the Best Overall Applicant in the international rounds;
• Luca Geary was named the 2nd best oralist in the preliminary rounds, and 15th best oralist in the advanced rounds; and
• Joseph Khaw was named the 5th best oralist in the preliminary rounds.

The World Championship Final Round took place on 8 April between Singapore Management University and Harvard University before Her Excellency Judge Charlesworth (of the ICJ), His Excellency Judge Nolte (of the ICJ), and His Excellency Judge Simma (of the Iran US Claims Tribunal and formerly of the ICJ). In an excellent moot, Harvard came away World Champions of this year’s competition.

The Faculty and the team would like to thank all those who supported the team throughout their participation in the competition for their unending encouragement and support.