Indolawppower

When applying for an LL.M. program in the U.S., most candidates focus on grades, English proficiency, and the personal statement. But there’s another powerful way to make your application stand out—extracurricular activities, especially mooting.

In particular, if you’ve participated in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, you’re holding one of the most respected global credentials a law student can bring to the table. Empirically speaking, over the past ten years, with only two exceptions, Jessup alumni from Indonesia have been admitted to Harvard LLM program each year. This year alone, two Jessup alumni were admitted to Harvard LLM Class of 2026.

Why Extracurriculars Matter in LL.M. Applications

U.S. law schools don’t just want students who can get good grades. They want intellectually curious, engaged individuals who will bring diverse experiences and perspectives into the classroom. That’s where extracurriculars come in.

Activities like moot court, debate, student journals, and legal clinics show that you:

• Have applied legal reasoning in practice

• Can work well under pressure

• Thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment

• Take initiative outside the classroom

• Possess oral advocacy and legal writing skills—critical for success in U.S. classrooms

Why Jessup Moot Court Stands Out

The Philip C. Jessup Moot is the world’s largest and most prestigious public international law competition founded by Harvard Law School. Every year, thousands of law students from over 100 countries argue a fictional case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Here’s why Jessup experience is so valuable:

1. Substantive Legal Knowledge

Jessup deals with complex issues of international law—jurisdiction, treaty interpretation, human rights, state responsibility. This aligns perfectly with LL.M. specializations like international law, human rights, arbitration, and foreign relations law.

2. Legal Research & Writing

Preparing memorials for Jessup demands a deep dive into treaties, UN documents, ICJ jurisprudence, and academic commentary. These are exactly the skills you’ll use in an LL.M. program.

3. Oral Advocacy

If you’ve stood up and argued a Jessup case—especially at the national or international rounds—you’ve already done what many LL.M. students find intimidating: speaking persuasively in English on complex legal issues.

4. Prestige & Recognition

Admissions officers know Jessup. If you mention that you competed—or coached—on your resume or personal statement, they’ll take notice. Top U.S. law schools have long histories with Jessup and respect the level of skill it requires.

5. Demonstrated Commitment

Training for Jessup often takes months of hard work—balancing classes, writing submissions, and preparing for rounds. This kind of dedication reflects the maturity and work ethic LL.M. programs value.

What If You Didn’t Win?

You don’t have to have reached the international rounds or won an award for your Jessup experience to matter. Just participating—especially if you made it to the national quarterfinals, semifinals, or final—is already a strong indicator of potential.

If you were a coach, researcher, or team captain, mention that too. Leadership, mentoring, and strategic thinking all count.

How to Highlight Jessup in Your Application

Here’s where you can work it in:

• Resume: Include Jessup under leadership or moot court experience. Specify your role, the year, and how far your team progressed.

• Personal Statement: Reflect on how Jessup shaped your interest in international law or your desire to study in the U.S.

• Letters of Recommendation: A coach or faculty advisor can speak to your legal acumen, teamwork, and growth.

• Writing Sample (if required): Use your Jessup memorial—if allowed—as a legal writing sample.

Final Thoughts

For Indonesian applicants—especially from faculties like UI, UGM, UPH, Unpad, and Atma Jaya—Jessup participation is a serious asset in your LL.M. journey. It shows you’re not just academically capable, but globally engaged and professionally ready.

So if you’ve spent late nights editing memorials, lost your voice during national rounds, or coached a team to the finals—you’ve already proven yourself in ways that U.S. law schools deeply value.