Home · Judges
Judge at the Central Asian Rounds
Join the Bench
Every February, law students from universities across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan come together for the Central Asian Rounds. Over three days, they present oral arguments before panels of judges from Central Asia and beyond.
As Jessup participation grows across the region, we need more judges to join the bench. By judging, you help Central Asian students test arguments developed over months of preparation, strengthen their advocacy and compete for the opportunity to represent their countries at the International Rounds.
Dmitry Gusev, Abay Abylaiuly, Anna Arkhipova, Uzbekistan Final Round 2026.
Who can judge?
We welcome people with a law degree who work in private practice, academia, arbitration, government or an international organisation. Legally qualified doctoral researchers and former Jessup competitors are also encouraged to apply.
You do not need to specialise in public international law. You should, however, have sufficient familiarity with the field to follow the teams’ arguments, ask constructive questions and assess their responses fairly.
Judges must be comfortable working in English, as the pleadings, questions and panel deliberations are conducted in English.
First-time judges receive an orientation and are paired with experienced colleagues.
Former Jessup competitors
We are always pleased to welcome former competitors back to the Jessup—this time on the bench.
Expressions of interest are considered individually. As a general guide, we look for at least two years of professional legal experience. Former competitors with at least one year of experience may also be considered if they have coached a Jessup team for a full season or previously judged Jessup National Rounds in another jurisdiction.
If your experience follows a different path, we still encourage you to write to us.
What to expect
When
Every February
How many days
Usually three days, Friday to Sunday or Saturday to Monday
Language
English
Commitment
Usually at least two rounds
Preparation materials
Before the competition, judges receive the Compromis, bench memorandum and practical guidance. Judges are expected to read these materials in advance so that every team appears before a prepared bench.
We work around your availability
The Central Asian Rounds take place over three days. We work with judges according to their availability and generally ask each judge to hear at least two rounds.
Travel and accommodation
Judges ordinarily arrange and cover their own travel and accommodation.
Interested in judging?
Join Us at the Central Asian Rounds
We will reply with the dates, schedule and arrangements for the coming season.
admin@jessupcentralasia.comEmail us with:
- Your current position
- Your relevant legal experience
- The country you would travel from
- Any university affiliations
- Your expected availability
- Your CV