UP Law triumphs at 2024 Jessup moot court competition in Washington DC

Consul General Iric Arribas (rightmost) thanks the UP team for bringing honor to the country. Ignacio Villareal (center) has also secured the prestigious Best Oralist Award. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON – The University of the Philippines College of Law emerged as the world champion at the 2024 Jessup Cup, a prestigious moot court competition held in Washington DC on April 6.

The team showcased exceptional legal prowess and skill throughout the competition, ultimately clinching the championship title.

The team, consisting of UP law students Ignacio Villareal, Chinzen Viernes, Pauline Sagayo, Pauline De Leon and Regine Dadole – under the guidance of their coaches, professors Rommel J. Casis and Marianne Vitug – displayed exemplary performance and dedication throughout the competition.

Their comprehensive understanding of international law and persuasive advocacy strategies propelled them to success, earning admiration from judges and competitors.

“We are incredibly proud of the Filipino law students and coaches for their outstanding performance at the 2024 Jessup Cup,” said Consul General Iric Arribas, who congratulated the UP team. “Their hard work, dedication and exceptional legal acumen have brought honor to our country and reaffirmed our commitment to excellence in legal education in the Philippines.”

The distinguished judges presiding over the final round of the competition included international law experts (seated, from left) Ganna Yudkivska, María Teresa Infante Caffi and Sundaresh Menon. Image: Jessup White & Case/X

The team’s victory at the Jessup Cup not only highlights the exceptional talent within the UP law program but also underscores the university’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and preparing students for success on a global stage.

The Jessup Cup is the world’s largest moot court competition, bringing together law students from around the globe to simulate a hypothetical international legal dispute.

Organized by the International Law Students Association (ILSA), the competition challenges participants to apply principles of international law and advocacy skills in a simulated courtroom setting.

The team’s victory comes nearly 30 years after their last triumph in the same competition held in Washington DC.

“The entire UP community joins in celebrating this historic triumph, which not only underscores UP Law’s legacy of excellence but also inspires future generations of legal scholars and practitioners worldwide,” said the UP College of Law in a social media post.