Administering a Competition the size of the Jessup would be impossible
without support from volunteers and contributors from around the world.
Since its inception, the success of the Jessup Competition has derived
chiefly from the efforts of our volunteers, affectionately called "Friends
of the Jessup" (FOJs).
FOJs come from many walks of life. Many are former Jessup Competitors from
around the world, who remain involved in the Competition as judges and
administrators after law school. Many are law school faculty and staff or
practicing attorneys, who have discovered the Jessup through colleagues or
friends. Many FOJs serve among the ranks of the domestic and international
judiciary. Many others are not engaged in the practice of law, and support
the Jessup according to their own skills, background and interests.
FOJs provide support to the Competition in countless ways. FOJs form the
backbone of our Jessup judging corps, serving year in and year out as
preliminary- and advanced-round judges at our Regional and National
Competitions throughout the world and at the International Rounds in
Washington, DC. Several dedicated FOJs even travel from country to country
with the Competition, judging in several National Competitions in a single
year.
FOJs administer our National and Regional Competitions as well, and help to
find financial and material support for Jessup teams and participants. In
addition, FOJs serve to spread the word about Jessup, using their
professional and social contacts to bring new schools, new countries, and
new partners into the Jessup family.
The International Rounds of the Competition are staffed largely by FOJs.
All the major facets of the International Rounds -- including the scoring
room, the hospitality table, the judges' room, and the bailiffs' table --
are staffed and administered by volunteer FOJs. Several FOJs return each
year to reprise their administrative roles at the International Rounds.
This core group of volunteers ensures the consistent high quality of the
administration of the Competition.
To find out more about the FOJs, or to join this informal association of
Jessup volunteers and judges, contact the ILSA Executive Office.