FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE JESSUP COMPETITION

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Q: What is the Jessup Competition?
Q: How does the Jessup Competition compare to other moot court competitions?
Q: Who is Philip C. Jessup?
Q: What is the International Court of Justice?
Q: When will the Compromis be released?
Q: When is the deadline for submitting Memorials?
Q: How do I start a new Jessup Team at my school?


II. THE JESSUP COMPETITION AND ILSA

Q: What is the relationship between the Jessup Competition and ILSA?
Q: What is the difference between a Jessup Team and an ILSA Chapter?
Q: What is the relationship between the Jessup Team and ILSA Chapter at my school?


III. ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

Q: Which schools are eligible to participate in the Jessup Competition?
Q: Which students are eligible to participate on a Jessup Team?
Q: Can a school have more than one Jessup Team?
Q. How are Team Members selected for a school’s Jessup Team?
Q: How many students may participate on each Jessup Team?
Q: Who may be a Team Advisor (coach or faculty advisor)?


IV: REGISTERING FOR THE JESSUP COMPETITION

Q: How can my Team register for the Jessup Competition?
Q: What is the deadline for Team Registration?
Q: How do I know that my Team’s 2009 Jessup Registration Form has been properly received?
Q: How do I know that my Team’s Registration Fee has been properly received?
Q: How much is the Registration Fee?
Q: What currency should I use to pay the Registration Fee?
Q: What form of payment should I use to pay the Registration Fee?
Q: How do Teams finance the cost of registration?
Q: How do I make changes to my Team’s Registration information, including adding or changing Team Members?
Q: How do I register a new Team Member or substitute a Team Member?
Q: When do Teams receive their Team Numbers?


V. COMPETITION FORMAT

Q: What is the schedule for the Jessup Competition?
\ Q: What is the official language of the Jessup Competition?
Q: What are the different levels of the Jessup Competition?
Q: What is a Qualifying Tournament?
Q: How many Oral Rounds will my Team compete in during a Qualifying Tournament?
Q: Does my nation or country have a Qualifying Tournament?
Q: How many Teams from each Qualifying Tournament advance to the International Tournament?
Q: How many Oral Rounds will my Team compete in during the International Tournament?


VI. PREPARING FOR THE COMPETITION

Q: What resources are available to assist my Team with researching and writing our Memorials?
Q: What is the best way to prepare for the Oral Rounds of the Competition?
Q: How and when do Teams get passwords to research databases such as LexisNexis, Westlaw, and HeinOnline?
Q: How do Teams finance the cost of traveling to the International Tournament?
Q: Does ILSA assist Team Members, Coaches or Judges in obtaining visas to attend the International Tournament in Washington, D.C.?
Q: What should my Team do to reserve a hotel at the International Tournament?


I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Q: What is the Jessup Competition?

A: The Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition is an advocacy competition for law students. Teams of law students compete against one another through the presentation of oral and written pleadings to address timely issues of public international law in the context of a hypothetical legal dispute between nations. The Compromis is the springboard for the Jessup Competition. Written by leading scholars of international law, the Compromis is a compilation of agreed upon facts about the dispute that is submitted for adjudication to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the primary judicial organ of the United Nations. After the Compromis is released, students begin researching and preparing arguments for both sides of the dispute, drafting and editing written pleadings, called “Memorials”, and practicing oral presentations. Each Team prepares two written Memorials and two 45-minute oral presentations, one for each party to the dispute (the “Applicant” and the “Respondent”). Teams argue alternately as Applicant and Respondent against competing Teams before a panel of judges, simulating a proceeding before the International Court of Justice.
Back to Top


Q: How does the Jessup Competition compare to other moot court competitions?

A: The Jessup Competition is the world’s largest moot court competition. It is also the oldest moot court competition dedicated to International Law. The Jessup is noteworthy because it is open to law schools all over the world. For a list of all International Law Moot Court Competitions with links to competition websites, click here.
Back to Top


Q: Who is Philip C. Jessup?

A: The Jessup Competition is named after Philip C. Jessup, the United States representative to the International Court of Justice, who was elected by the United Nations to serve a nine-year term in 1961. Judge Jessup had a long and distinguished academic, judicial, and diplomatic career. He practiced law and taught at several American universities until 1961. Jessup was an assistant to Elihu Root during the 1929 Conference of Jurists on the Permanent Court of International Justice. He attended both the Bretton Woods and San Francisco Conferences, and played a key role in the formation of the International Law Commission.
Back to Top


Q: What is the International Court of Justice?

A: The International Court of Justice, also known as the “ICJ” or “World Court", is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations. The ICJ was established under the Charter of the United Nations in 1945 to succeed the Permanent Court of International Justice, or PCIJ. The ICJ adjudicates contentious cases between States and provides advisory opinions to legal questions submitted by authorized organs of the United Nations and specialized agencies. The competence, composition and functions of the ICJ are governed by the Statute of the International Court of Justice. The Court is composed of 15 judges, each elected by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council to serve a term of nine years. The seat of the Court is at the Peace Place in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Back to Top


Q: When will the Compromis be released?

A: The anticipated release date of the 2009 Compromis is 30 September 2008. The Official Schedule for the 2009 Jessup Competition is available here.
Back to Top


Q: When is the deadline for submitting Memorials?

A: Memorials must be e-mailed to the ILSA Executive Office at jessup@ilsa.org and the Team’s National or Regional Administrator, if any, by 23:59 (11:59 pm) local time on 12 January 2009. If a Team is not in a country with a National or Regional Round, or has not received Administrator contact information by the deadline, then the Team is only required to submit its Memorials to the ILSA Executive Office at jessup@ilsa.org. More information about the Memorial submission process will be available the Jessup Rules and Schedule Page on ILSA’s website.
Back to Top


Q: How do I start a new Jessup Team at my school?

A: Before beginning the process of starting a new Team, you should check to make sure that your school does not already have a Jessup Team. Each school may only enter one Team in the Competition. Once you have verified that your school does not already have a Jessup Team, we recommend that you seek the advice of faculty members at your school who teach international law or who may be familiar with the Competition. Faculty advisors are useful because they can mobilize the resources of the school to support your team. Many Jessup Teams receive funding, advisory support, and academic credit from their schools. Your next step is to introduce the Competition to other students who may be interested in participating on a Jessup Team. Once the members of the team are organized, the last step is to contact the ILSA Executive Office at jessup@ilsa.org to register your team.
Back to Top


II. THE JESSUP COMPETITION AND ILSA

Q: What is the relationship between the Jessup Competition and ILSA?

A: The ILSA Executive Office is responsible for the global administration of the Jessup Competition. The ILSA Executive Director appoints Administrators to run national and regional qualifying tournaments. The ILSA Executive Director is the final arbiter in the implementation and interpretation of the Official Rules and National Supplements to the Official Rules.
Back to Top


Q: What is the difference between a Jessup Team and an ILSA Chapter?

A: The purpose of ILSA is to promote the study and understanding of international law. ILSA achieves this purpose through various programs, including the Jessup Moot Court Competition and local ILSA Chapters.

(1) Jessup Competition: The Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition is an international law advocacy competition for law students. Each law school, law faculty or institution with a law-related degree program may select one Jessup Team to represent the school in the Competition. A maximum of five students may participate on a school’s Jessup Team. Teams compete against each other by presenting both oral and written pleadings, which are evaluated by judges based upon advocacy skills and knowledge of international law.

(2) ILSA Chapters: ILSA Chapters are student-run organizations dedicated to the promotion of international law. ILSA Chapters are established locally at law schools as clubs or student groups, and are commonly known as International Law Societies (ILS). While only a maximum of five students may participate on a school’s Jessup Team, ILSA Chapter membership is open to all students interested in joining. The activities of ILSA Chapters generally include organizing conferences, contributing to student-edited journals and magazines, promoting an international law curriculum, supporting the school’s participation in international law moots, and providing networking opportunities to students in the field of international law. The ILSA Executive Office serves as the umbrella organization for the global network of ILSA Chapters and facilitates Chapter activities.
Back to Top


Q: What is the relationship between the Jessup Team and ILSA Chapter at my school?

A: Many schools have both an ILSA Chapter and a Jessup Team. ILSA chapters at some schools organize the selection process and provide support for their school’s Jessup Team, while ILSA chapters at other schools are less involved with their school’s Jessup Team. One of the benefits of having a registered ILSA Chapter at your school is a reduced Jessup Registration Fee. For more information about this reduced fee, please go to the Jessup Registration Instructions on ILSA's website. NOTE: Some schools may have an International Law Society or similar student group that is not a registered ILSA Chapter. In order to qualify for the Jessup Registration Reduced Fee, and other ILSA benefits, these groups must register as ILSA Chapters by submitting the ILSA Chapter Registration Form.
Back to Top


III. ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

Q: Which schools are eligible to participate in the Jessup Competition?

A: Any law school, law faculty, or institution with a degree program in international law is eligible to participate in the Competition. Each school may only enter one Team to compete, unless the Executive Director determines that extenuating circumstances justify the participation of multiple Teams from a single school. Please see the Official Rules (Rule 2.1) for more detailed information regarding eligibility.
Back to Top


Q: Which students are eligible to participate on a Jessup Team?

A: Students pursuing a law degree or a degree related to international law at an eligible school may compete on behalf of that school so long as they are enrolled at least part-time and have not engaged in the practice of law after graduating from another law degree program. Students must obtain the ILSA Executive Director's written permission to participate if he or she is (1) enrolled as a visiting or exchange student, (2) enrolled at more than one institution, (3) has or is studying to receive an advanced law degree such as a Masters of Law degree (L.L.M.) or Doctor of Laws degree (Ph.D., D.Phil) or (4) serving as an extern or apprentice. For detailed information regarding Team Member eligibility, please see the Official Rules (Rules 2.2.1., 2.2.2, and 2.2.3).
Back to Top


Q: Can a school have more than one Jessup Team?

A: Generally, each school may only enter one Jessup Team in the Competition. In extenuating circumstances, a tournament Administrator may petition the ILSA Executive Director to allow multiple Teams from a single school to compete. For more information, please see the Official Rules (Rule 2.1).
Back to Top


Q. How are Team Members selected for a school’s Jessup Team?

A: A school may determine its own method for choosing the members of its Jessup Team. A school may hold an intramural competition to determine the members of the school’s Jessup Team. However, the current Competition Problem may NOT be used in an intramural competition unless the written approval of the ILSA Executive Director has been obtained. In the United States, a school’s ILSA Chapter, if one exists, has the first right to administer the selection process for the school’s Jessup Team. For more information, please see the Official Rules (Rule 2.3).
Back to Top


Q: How many students may participate on each Jessup Team?

A: Each Jessup Team may have a maximum of five (5) Team Members. A Jessup Team may choose to have less than five (5) Team Members, but must have at least two (2) Team Members to constitute a Team. No more than five (5) individuals may contribute to the work product of the Team over the course of the competition year. For more information, please see the Official Rules (Rule 2.2).
Back to Top


Q: Who may be a Team Advisor (coach or faculty advisor)?

A: A Team Advisor is anyone who is responsible for organizing, advising, or training a Jessup Team, such as coaches and faculty advisors. Anyone may act as a Team Advisor, including professors, lawyers, graduate students, and former Jessup Competitors. Team Advisors are allowed to provide general advice and instruction regarding the basic principles of international law, but they are prohibited from doing any work for the Team. Jessup Teams are not required to have a Team Advisor, and as a general rule a Team should not have more Team Advisors than necessary to adequately prepare them for fair competition. For more information, please see the Official Rules (Rule 2.4.3).
Back to Top


IV: REGISTERING FOR THE JESSUP COMPETITION

Q: How can my Team register for the Jessup Competition?

A: To register for the Jessup Competition, a representative from your Team (a Team Member, Team Advisor, or Team Contact) must do the following:

1. Complete the online Jessup Registration Form. If you do not currently know the names of all the Teams Members who will be competing on your Jessup Team this year, add the names that you do know, and then submit the remaining names to jessup@ilsa.org as soon as you have them.

2. After submitted the online 2009 Jessup Registration Form, a Registration Invoice will be generated confirming your registration information and describing the payment options for the Jessup Registration Fee. Print the Registration Invoice Page and indicate the appropriate Registration Fee amount, the form of payment you will use, and your payment information. If you will pay the fee by bank transfer, please be sure to provide detailed information regarding your bank transfer so that we can identify the funds when received by our bank. Send the completed Registration Invoice to the ILSA Executive Office either by fax (+01-312-362-5073) or by mail (International Law Students Association; 25 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 518; Chicago, IL 60604 USA).

3. If you did not include the names of all Team Members when you submitted the online 2009 Jessup Registration Form, you must submit the remaining names to jessup@ilsa.org by 28 November 2008. Do NOT re-submit the 2009 Jessup Registration Form. The complete Team Roster, including contact information for each Team member, MUST be submitted by 28 November 2008. No new Team Members may be registered after this date.

4. Teams that are competing in a Qualifying Tournament must be sure to comply with the separate registration requirements of the Administrator of their Qualifying Tournament, if any.
Back to Top


Q: What is the deadline for Team Registration?

A: The registration deadline for Schedule I Teams (U.S.) is 3 November 2008. The registration deadline for Schedule II & III Teams is 28 November 2008. The deadline for all teams for submitting the Team Roster, Waiver Application, and requests for special permission is 28 November 2008.
Back to Top


Q: How do I know that my Team’s 2009 Jessup Registration Form has been properly received?

A: As soon as you click “submit” at the bottom of the online 2009 Jessup Registration Form, your Registration is received into the ILSA database of registered Teams. Once you have clicked “submit”, a Registration Invoice will appear on your computer screen confirming your registration information. You must print out the Registration Invoice and fill in your Registration Fee payment information, and then fax or mail the completed Registration Invoice to the ILSA Executive Office. Once your Registration Invoice has been received and the Registration Fee processed, your Official Team Contact will receive a receipt with your Team Number via e-mail.
Back to Top


Q: How do I know that my Team’s Registration Fee has been properly received?

A: Once the payment of your Registration Fee has been received and processed by the ILSA Executive Office, a receipt confirming payment and assigning your Team Number will be sent via e-mail to the Official Team Contact.
Back to Top


Q: How much is the Registration Fee?

A: The Registration Fee amount varies by country. There is also an early registration discount and a reduced fee for schools with a registered ILSA chapter. To determine your Registration Fee amount, after you have submitted the 2009 Jessup Registration Form, look on the Registration Invoice for your country’s name to see if you are a Schedule I, II, or III Team. Next, determine whether or not your school has an ILSA Chapter and whether you qualify for the Early Discount (registration submitted before 3 September 2008) or not (registration submitted after 3 September 2008).
Back to Top


Q: What currency should I use to pay the Registration Fee?

A: The registration fee must be paid in U.S. Dollars.
Back to Top


Q: What form of payment should I use to pay the Registration Fee?

A: Acceptable forms of payment include a check or money order from a United States bank, bank transfer, or credit card (Visa, Master Card, or American Express only).
Back to Top


Q: How do Teams finance the cost of registration?

A: Each team is responsible for funding the cost of registration. Teams that have limited financial resources may apply for a waiver or discount of the Registration Fee by submitting a completed Waiver Application Form by 28 November 2008.
Back to Top


Q: How do I make changes to my Team’s Registration information, including adding or changing Team Members?

A: Once your Team has submitted the online 2009 Jessup Registration Form, you may NOT submit it again, even if the Form was incomplete when it was submitted. Once this Form has been submitted, all changes of registration information, including the addition or change of an Official Team Contact or Team Member, MUST be submitted by e-mail to the ILSA executive office at jessup@ilsa.org.
Back to Top


Q: How do I register a new Team Member or substitute a Team Member?

A: Once your Team has submitted the online 2009 Jessup Registration Form, you may NOT submit it again, even if some or all Team Member names were not included on the Registration Form when it was originally submitted. Once this Form has been submitted, you may only register additional Team Members by e-mailing the ILSA Executive Office at jessup@ilsa.org by 28 November 2008. Substitutions of Team Members are not permitted after the release of the official Compromis except in extenuating circumstances and only with the written permission of the Executive Director. To request a substitution, send an e-mail to jessup@ilsa.org, making sure to include an explanation of the circumstances justifying the substitution.
Back to Top


Q: When do Teams receive their Team Numbers?

A: Teams receive their Team Numbers once the Registration Fee has been paid in full. Your Team Number will be included on the receipt confirming payment of the Registration Fee, which will be sent via e-mail to the Official Team Contact.
Back to Top


V. COMPETITION FORMAT

Q: What is the schedule for the Jessup Competition?

A: The Official 2009 Jessup Competition Schedule can be found on ILSA’s website. Schools may register for the 2009 Jessup Competition up until 28 November 2008. The Competition season officially begins in September, when the Jessup Competition Problem (Compromis) is released. Each Team’s written pleadings (Memorials) must be submitted to the ILSA Executive Office by 12 January 2009. Most countries with more than one registered Jessup Team hold Qualifying Tournaments (Regional and National Rounds) in January and February 2009. The Team or Teams representing each country travel to Washington, D.C. to compete in the International Tournament (Shearman & Sterling International Rounds) 22 - 28 March 2009.
Back to Top


Q: What is the official language of the Jessup Competition?

A: The official language of the Jessup Competition is English. All Memorials and oral pleadings must be in English, except under the following circumstances:

Memorials: A Team may write and submit its Memorials for a Qualifying Tournament in a language other than English only if permitted by that Qualifying Tournament’s National Rules Supplement. A Team that submits its Memorials in a language other than English and advances to the International Rounds must translate its Memorials into English and submit them to the ILSA Executive Office at least three (3) weeks before the start of the International Preliminary Rounds. For more information, please see the Official Rules (Rule 6.1.1).

Oral Rounds: A Team may present its oral pleadings for a Qualifying Tournament in a language other than English only if permitted by that Qualifying Tournament’s National Rules Supplement. A Team that wishes to present its oral pleadings in a language other than English at the International Tournament must inform the ILSA Executive Director at least two (2) weeks before the start of the International Preliminary Rounds, and must arrange and pay for an interpreter to translate their oral pleadings into English. For more information, please see the Official Rules (Rules 7.8.1 and 7.8.2)
Back to Top


Q: What are the different levels of the Jessup Competition?

A: The Jessup Competition consists of two levels: (1) the Qualifying Tournaments (Regional and National Rounds), and (2) the International Tournament (Shearman & Sterling International Rounds).

1. Qualifying Tournaments: If more than one Team registers for the Jessup Competition from the same country, the ILSA Executive Director will notify each Team that a Qualifying Tournament will be held to determine which Team(s) will represent the country at the International Tournament (see Jessup Official Rule 1.3). The Executive Director will also appoint a local Administrator to organize the Qualifying Tournament (see Jessup Official Rule 1.4). The Administrator may create a National Rules Supplement to the Jessup Official Rules that will regulate the Qualifying Tournament (see Jessup Official Rule 1.5). Each Team participating in a Qualifying Tournament will participate in four Preliminary Oral Rounds, arguing twice as Applicant and twice as Respondent. However, if four (4) or fewer Teams are participating in a Qualifying Tournament, the ILSA Executive Director may allow each Team to participate in less than four Preliminary Oral Rounds (Jessup Official Rule 8.1). For more information, please see the Official Rules and the National and Regional Rounds Page on ILSA’s website.

2. International Tournament: The highest level of the Jessup Competition is the International Tournament, called the Shearman & Sterling International Rounds, held each year in Washington, D.C. The International Tournament includes Preliminary Rounds, Advanced Rounds, and the Shearman & Sterling Jessup Cup World Championship Round. During the Preliminary Rounds, each Team will compete in four (4) Oral Rounds, pleading twice as Applicant and twice as Respondent (see Jessup Official Rule 9.2). The International Rounds last one week and coincide with the American Society of International Law’s annual meeting. For more information, please see the Official Rules and the International Rounds Page on ILSA’s website.
Back to Top


Q: What is a Qualifying Tournament?

A: When more than one Team from a single country registers for the Jessup Competition, a Qualifying Tournament will be organized to determine which Team or Teams will represent that country at the International Tournament (see Jessup Official Rule 1.3). Qualifying Tournaments are organized by a local Administrator, appointed by the ILSA Executive Office. The Administrator may develop a National Rules Supplement to the Jessup Official Rules that will regulate the Qualifying Tournament (see Jessup Official Rule 1.5). For more information, please see the Official Rules (Rule 8.0) and the National and Regional Rounds Page on ILSA’s website.
Back to Top


Q: How many Oral Rounds will my Team compete in during a Qualifying Tournament?

A: Each Team participating in a Qualifying Tournament will participate in four Preliminary Oral Rounds, pleading twice as Applicant and twice as Respondent. However, if four (4) or fewer Teams are participating in a Qualifying Tournament, the ILSA Executive Director may allow each Team to participate in less than four Preliminary Oral Rounds (see Jessup Official Rule 8.1). If there are any Advanced Rounds in the Tournament, and your Team advances, it will compete in one (1) additional Oral Round each time it advances. The Advanced Rounds in a Qualifying Tournament may include Quarterfinal, Semifinal, and Championship Rounds, depending upon the number of Teams competing in the Tournament and subject to the Administrator’s discretion. For more information, please see the Official Rules (Rules 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4).
Back to Top


Q: Does my country have a Qualifying Tournament?

A: The list of countries that hold Qualifying Tournaments (National or Regional Rounds) varies from year to year. Currently, approximately 45 participating countries hold Qualifying Tournaments. Countries and regions that have consistently held Qualifying Tournaments in recent years include: Argentina; Armenia; Australia; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; Chile; China; Chinese Taipei; Colombia; Czech Republic; France; Germany; Ghana; Greece; Hong Kong, China; India; Indonesia; Ireland; Israel; Japan; Kazakhstan; Malaysia; Mexico; Netherlands; Nigeria; Philippines; Poland; Russia; Serbia; South Africa; South Korea; Turkey; Ukraine; United Kingdom and United States. For a list of countries that held Qualifying Tournaments last season, please refer to the 2008 National Rounds Schedule. If you are unsure whether your country will hold a Qualifying Tournament, please inquire with the ILSA Executive Office via e-mail at jessup@ilsa.org.
Back to Top


Q: How many Teams from each Qualifying Tournament advance to the International Tournament?

A: Each Qualifying Tournament may advance at least one Team in the International Tournament of the Competition for every ten Teams that participate in its Qualifying Tournament. Therefore, if twenty Teams compete in a national Qualifying Tournament, at least two Teams may advance to the International Tournament. Beyond this minimum threshold, the ILSA Executive Director will determine the exact number of Teams that will advance to the International Tournament and the manner in which they are chosen. For more information, please see the Official Rules (Rule 1.2).
Back to Top


Q: How many Oral Rounds will my Team compete in during the International Tournament?

A: If your Team advances to the International Tournament, it will compete in four Preliminary Oral Rounds, pleading twice as Applicant and twice as Respondent (see Jessup Official Rule 9.2). If your Team advances to the Advanced Rounds, it will compete in one additional Oral Round each time it advances. The Advanced Rounds consist of Octafinals, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Shearman & Sterling Jessup Cup World Championship Rounds. For more information, please see the Official Rules (Rules 9.3, 9.3.1, 9.3.2, and 9.3.3).
Back to Top


VI. PREPARING FOR THE COMPETITION

Q: What resources are available to assist my Team with researching and writing our Memorials?

A: ILSA offers two batches of “basic materials” to help teams research the Competition Problem and prepare their written submissions (Memorials) and oral arguments. These materials are available to all Teams participating in the competition, and may be accessed free of charge on the ILSA website. The first batch of basic materials for the 2009 Jessup Competition season will become available in October 2008. The second batch of basic materials will be available in December 2008. In addition to the basic materials, ILSA has arranged for access to the research databases of LexisNexis, Westlaw, and HeinOnline. ILSA also recommends various citation systems for use in identifying the sources of research in the Memorials.
Back to Top


Q: What is the best way to prepare for the Oral Rounds of the Competition?

A: Most teams prepare for their Oral Rounds by holding practice rounds where one Team Member presents his or her oral pleadings while the other Team Member(s) serve as Judges. Some Teams also invite professors and legal practitioners to attend their practice rounds as guest Judges. Many Teams watch videos from the Final Round of past International Tournaments. These videos allow students to observe the general procedure and set-up of the mooting process, the types of questions asked by judges, and the speaking style of past winners. If you are interested in purchasing Final Rounds Videos, please visit the Merchandise Page on ILSA’s website.
Back to Top


Q: How and when do Teams get passwords to research databases such as LexisNexis, Westlaw, and HeinOnline?

A: Teams competing in the Competition may request a password to access LexisNexis, Westlaw and/or HeinOnline free of charge to assist with their research. A Team may request a password to one or all of these research databases by sending an e-mail to research@ilsa.org. Westlaw and HeinOnline passwords will be sent via e-mail to the Official Team Contact once your Team has been assigned a Team Number. LexisNexis passwords will be distributed once your Team has submitted its official Team Roster listing the names of ALL Team Members. No passwords will be given unless specifically requested in an e-mail to research@ilsa.org.
Back to Top


Q: How do Teams finance the cost of traveling to the International Tournament?

A: Each Team is responsible for funding the travel expenses of attending the International Tournament, including transportation to and from Washington, D.C., and accommodations, transportation, and food while in Washington, D.C. Many Teams engage in fundraising by reaching out to local or regional companies, law firms, or foundations. The ILSA Executive Office will provide a letter of support and recommendations for potential sponsors. For more information about fundraising, please contact the ILSA Executive Office at jessup@ilsa.org.
Back to Top


Q: Does ILSA assist Team Members, Coaches or Judges in obtaining visas to attend the International Tournament in Washington, D.C.?

A: ILSA will prepare a letter of invitation for those who need a visa to attend the week-long International Tournament in Washington, D.C. ILSA will provide letters only to those who are officially involved with the competition. Individuals who wish to obtain a letter of invitation must submit their Jessup affiliation details, passport information, and school name in a timely manner to the ILSA Executive Office at jessup@ilsa.org. If an individual qualifies for a letter of invitation, ILSA will send the letter of support to the applicant. The applicant is responsible for submitting the letter of support to the appropriate officials and completing the visa application process.
Back to Top


Q: What should my Team do to reserve a hotel at the International Tournament?

A: Jessup Teams may stay anywhere they like in Washington, D.C. Most teams stay at a hotel or youth hostel. Some Teams stay with friends or family. Other Teams make accommodation arrangements through their local Embassies. The ILSA Executive Office reserves a block of rooms at two hotels: the competition venue (the Fairmont Hotel) and an overflow hotel (in the past, the Carlyle Suites). All reservations at these two hotels must be made through the ILSA Executive Office. The ILSA Executive Office will send instructions for making reservations at these two hotels to all Teams advancing to the International Tournament. There are a limited number of rooms. All reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. If a Team is not able to make reservations at one of these two hotels, Teams must find other accommodations on their own. It is important that each advancing Team make its reservations as soon as possible. The Spring is a popular tourist season in Washington, D.C. and hotel rooms fill up quickly. Please contact reservations@ilsa.org with questions about hotel arrangements at the International Tournament.
Back to Top




**If you would like to see additional questions featured on this page, please send your suggestions to the ILSA Executive Office via email to jessup@ilsa.org.**