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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at 91��Ƶ International Criminal Court Moot Court team achieved the best finish in program history at the 2026 International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition, advancing to the semifinal round in The Hague, the Netherlands, and finishing among the top nine teams out of 94 representing 48 countries and territories from around the world.

Building on last year's appearance in The Hague, the team returned for a second consecutive year and surpassed every previous Haub Law finish in the competition. In addition to the team's historic performance, Sophie Bacas (3L) earned the prestigious Ben Ferencz Award for Best Speaker for the Prosecution, recognizing her as the competition's top prosecution advocate.

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This year’s team was comprised of oralists Sophie Bacas (3L, Captain), Julia Jann (3L), and Sophia Querrazzi (2L), with research assistants Kayla Aranda (2L) and Jeanette Reatz (2L). They were coached by International Criminal Court Moot Court alumni Brad Gorson ‘13, Kristen Carroll ‘14, and Priscilla Holloway ‘25, who competed in The Hague last year.

"This team accomplished something truly extraordinary," said Louis V. Fasulo, Professor of Trial Practice and Director of Advocacy Programs. "To return to The Hague for a second consecutive year was an impressive achievement in itself. To advance to the semifinal round against the world's top advocacy teams and earn one of the competition's highest individual honors reflects the exceptional preparation, talent, and dedication of these students and their coaches. This latest accomplishment elevates our Advocacy Program to a new level. It is also a testament to the support of our entire Law School community, from our faculty and staff to Dean Horace E. Anderson, Jr., whose encouragement and commitment make achievements like this possible. We could not be prouder of what this team has accomplished."

The team first qualified for The Hague by competing in the North American Regional Round of the International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition, which is proudly hosted each year by the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. Advancing through the regional competition for the second consecutive year secured Haub Law's place among the select US teams invited to compete internationally. During the Regional Round, Julia Jann was also recognized as the Second Best Defense Oralist among all preliminary round competitors.

Hosted June 12–19 by the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies at Leiden University, in partnership with the International Bar Association and with the support of the International Criminal Court, the International Round brought together 94 teams from 48 countries and territories spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

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Reflecting on the experience, team captain Sophie Bacas emphasized both the competition's global impact and the team's accomplishment. "I'm fortunate to have been a part of the ICC team for two years now, and seeing this competition bring people from all over the world together to inspire global legal scholarship has been nothing short of incredible. I am so proud of my teammates for their tenacity, and am thrilled that the spirit of their advocacy will continue to inspire others."

For Julia Jann, the opportunity to compete before internationally recognized jurists made the experience especially meaningful. "It was an honor to represent Haub Law Advocacy on the international stage. Not only did our hard work lead us to the top nine, but we had the privilege of arguing before esteemed international law scholars, including an actual ICC judge. This was an unforgettable experience and a highlight of my law school career."

I loved being able to share this experience with people from many countries, who all have a passion for international human rights.
—Sophia Querrazi, Haub Law ICC Moot Court Team Member

Sophia Querrazzi reflected on the teamwork that defined the team's success. "It was amazing to see how the long days and hard work could turn into joy and pride of our work and our connection as a team. I loved being able to share this experience with people from many countries, who all have a passion for international human rights."

Research assistants Kayla Aranda and Jeanette Reatz also credited the experience with strengthening their advocacy skills while underscoring the value of collaboration.

"Being a member of a fiercely supportive and enthusiastic team has made me more excited to continue honing in on my advocacy skills and encouraged me to share this experience with future moot team members," said Kayla Aranda.

"Being part of ICC was one of the most meaningful experiences of law school," added Jeanette Reatz. "Seeing months of collaboration and preparation culminate in our team's historic success reinforced the value of dedication and teamwork. It strengthened the advocacy, teamwork, and resilience I'll carry with me throughout my legal career."

The International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition has deep roots at Haub Law. Established by the Law School in 2004, it was the world's first moot court competition based on the law and procedures of the International Criminal Court, the first permanent international tribunal dedicated to prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. In 2014, 91��Ƶ partnered with the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies and the International Criminal Court to create the global ICC Moot Court Competition, with the final round in The Hague judged by ICC judges and legal officers. Today, Haub Law continues to host the North American Regional Round, helping determine which US teams advance to international competition.

This year's case centered on a fictional armed conflict between the State of Essus and the Democratic Republic of Merine in the South Pacific. Teams argued complex issues of international criminal law arising from The Prosecutor v. Droganna Syrax, addressing questions involving war crimes, humanitarian assistance, head-of-state immunity, jurisdiction under the Rome Statute, and the admissibility of proceedings before the International Criminal Court. Competitors presented arguments as counsel for the Prosecution, Defense, and the Government of Merine before distinguished judges and international legal scholars.

“By combining outstanding advocacy, meticulous legal research, and months of preparation, the 2026 team not only represented Haub Law on the international stage but also established a new benchmark for excellence in one of the world's premier international law competitions,” said Professor Fasulo.