Joe Russo '11 takes top prize in Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition

Joe Russo photoJoe Russo ’11 was named Best Oralist at the International Rounds of the 2010 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. He outperformed more than 500 other oralists from 127 teams around the globe to win the top prize.

Law students from 80 different countries compete at Jessup, the world’s largest and most prestigious moot court competition. Members of NYU Law’s International Rounds team this year included Julian Arato ’11, Andrew Michaels ’10, Russo, and Matthew Walker ’10, as well as coaches Brian Abrams ’10 and Sandeep Challa (LL.M. ’10).

The NYU Law Jessup team advanced to the International Rounds on March 21 in Washington, D.C., after a successful performance at the regional tournament in New York City in February. In addition to Russo’s recognition as Best Oralist, Arato, Michaels, and Walker were among the Top 100 Oralists of the competition. The team as a whole placed in the top half of the competition, while their memorial (the Jessup equivalent of a brief) was ranked 21st.

This is the first year that an NYU Law team has reached the International Rounds since 2002.  NYU Law Moot Court Board Competitions Editor Vincent Barredo said, “It’s amazing what this team has accomplished; I couldn’t be more impressed with their performance and work ethic. Joe and Julian are already looking forward to next year’s competition.”

Posted on May 14, 2010