Jessup 2023/24 - Case Concerning the Sterren Forty
After seven months of intensive preparation and an exciting week of competition in Münster, LMU's Jessup Moot Court Team 2024, consisting of Liv Zinner, Maxim Kasolowsky, Madhavi Gerbitz and Maxima Hubbes, coached by Leona Wittig, Alexander Kopylov and Tabea Kuhlmann, has successfully returned from the national rounds.
The LMU team achieved third place in the ‘Final Ranking’ after the preliminary rounds and reached the quarter-finals in the knockout rounds. The team also placed two of its speakers in 4th and 13th place on the individual leaderboard and took seventh place in the ranking of best briefs. In addition, the team received an award for 1st place in the category ‘Best Applicant’ and achieved an award for 2nd place for the best Applicant Memorial. In the ‘Best Overall Performance’ category, the team was awarded 3rd place.
We would like to thank all our supporters who have stood by our side along the way.
In particular, we would like to thank the law firms Bird&Bird, CMS Hasche Sigle, DLA Piper, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Gleiss Lutz, Görg, Jones Day, Hengeler Mueller, Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek, Hogan Lovells, Noerr LLP and Seven Summits Arbitration for their financial and non-material support.
We would also like to thank the seminar course of the University of the Federal Armed Forces for their support during the competition.
We would also like to thank the Chair of International Law at the LMU and the association ‘Alumni und Freunde des Lehrstuhls für Völkerrecht der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München e.V.’ for the excellent co-operation.
Last but not least, our warmest thanks go to the Munich Jessup Alumni, especially Florian and Hanna Knerr, who prepared us excellently for the challenges ahead with numerous mock pleadings.
Liv Zinner, Applicant 1
Through my participation in the Jessup Moot Court I not only learned valuable advocacy and rhetoric skills but most importantly, to step out of my comfort zone. The training we received gave me the confidence to speak more freely and face new situations.
On top of that, I had the chance to meet new people that share the same interests as me and work on a fascinating case involving important and current issues of public international law.
Although challenging, the experience I gathered enriched my time at University and presented important lessons for my professional as well as my personal life.
Maxim Kasolowsky, Applicant 2
Participating in the Jessup Moot Court provided me with valuable advocacy skills and enhanced my grasp of public international law. The moot has been the most intellectually rewarding project of my law studies. The training increased my confidence, allowing me to speak more freely and handle new situations. I also greatly enjoyed perfecting written arguments. I worked on a fascinating case with highly contemporary issues regarding citizenship and the United Nations. Additionally, it offered invaluable connections and enriched my university years with essential lessons for both my professional and personal development.
Madhavi Gerbitz, Respondent 1
Participating in the Jessup Moot Court was a transformative experience that brought the study of law to life. Working on a fascinating case involving critical and contemporary issues of public international law allowed me to see the practical applications of my studies in a dynamic setting. Throughout the competition, I was forced to step outside of my comfort zone to develop my public speaking skills and learned handle new situations with poise. However, the Jessup was not just about honing rhetorical- and research skills; at its core it embraces the spirit of collegiality and while giving you the enriching opportunity of interacting with experts in the field. Though the training we received was invaluable, it was the camaraderie and shared dedication that made the journey unforgettable. The exchanges and friendships formed during the Jessup have left a lasting impact, illustrating the true essence of learning through collaboration and shared passion.
Maxima Hubbes, Respondent 2
Not only did the Jessup Moot Court provide me with an opportunity to delve into niche areas of public international law. Jessup also taught me how to transform abstract knowledge into coherent arguments, interact with an expert bench and make them sympathize with you, and – to my own surprise – that less Latin is sometimes more.
Most importantly, Jessup, for me, implied access to a unique network of like-minded students and academics who share a fascination for international law and a certain inclination towards intense, yet fruitful discussions.
Is Jessup a time-consuming undertaking? At first glance, it might seem so. However, maneuvering through the legal intricacies together with my teammates, in a joint endeavor and with a common goal in mind, made Jessup an affair I genuinely enjoyed and would never want to miss.