Jessica Moore ’26, a student in the Loyola Justice for Atrocities Clinic (LJAC), traveled to New York to serve as one of only 10 appointed student ambassadors at International Law Weekend (ILW), hosted by the American Branch of the International Law Association. ILW — one of the nation’s largest and most influential international law gatherings — offered Moore a front-row view of the field’s most pressing issues and emerging ideas. She was nominated by Professor Rajika Shah, LJAC’s director, and selected from a competitive applicant pool.
Over the three-day conference, Moore supported the operational side of ILW — assisting panelists, coordinating rooms, managing technology, and answering attendee questions. The theme, “Crisis as Catalyst,” invited speakers and participants to explore how moments of disruption can transform international law, whether through environmental challenges, conflict, or global governance.
In addition to her ambassador responsibilities, Moore connected with practitioners from international tribunals and attended panels addressing topics such as climate impacts on vulnerable states, customary international law in contemporary crises, and the future of seabed governance. As someone deeply interested in both environmental and international law, these discussions resonated strongly with her. What felt most meaningful, however, was seeing the real-world application of issues she has worked on through LJAC:
“It is one thing to understand international treaty law and customary international law through the lens of a textbook, classroom, or even a Jessup [International Law Competition] team. It is another entirely to be immersed in it, to see speakers discuss topics you have worked on, or are currently working on.”
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Moore reflected on how her experience in LJAC prepared her for the fast-paced demands of the conference. Clinic work is rigorous, requiring careful time management, confident decision-making under pressure, and the ability to navigate complex issues.
Through LJAC, Moore has engaged in hands-on projects across multiple regions, tackling matters ranging from human rights violations to reparation law and serving as a trial monitor to ensure accountability.
These experiences gave her both the practical skills and the substantive knowledge to stay calm and professional when others at ILW looked to her for support. She returned to LLS energized by the experience and eager to apply new insights to her work:
“I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to work hand in hand with esteemed professors, lecturers, practitioners, and fellow students and will add all the knowledge and skills I gained from this weekend to my legal toolbox in my future practice.”
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Learn more about the work of our Loyola Justice for Atrocities Clinic.
Learn more about International Law Weekend.