Law students are eligible to enter writing competitions sponsored by organizations around the country. Many of these competitions award scholarships or cash prizes to the winning students.
Here are some you may be interested in (in order of deadline):
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UT Austin School of Law Louis T. Pirkey Prize in Intellectual Property Law
For unpublished papers with a substantial focus on one more issues of property law and which reflect work done during the current academic year. Participation is limited to Texas Law students enrolled during the current academic year. (Award of $2000; deadline May 30, 2025.)
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Mercer University School of Law and the American Bar Association Commission on Disability Rights Adam A. Milani Disability Law Writing Competition
For submissions addressing any aspect of disability law, theory, or practice the contestant chooses. Other permissible topics include issues arising under any of the following statutes: Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Family and Medical Leave Act; or any state statutes or municipal ordinances prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. (Award will range from $300-$1000, depending on whether multiple awards are given; deadline June 13, 2025.)
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College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law Annual Law Student Writing Competition for 2025
For unpublished student-authored submissions on current and relevant topics of labor and employment law. JD students only; LLM students are not eligible. (First, second, and third-place awards of $3000, $1000, and $500 respectively; deadline June 15, 2025.)
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American Inns of Court 2025 Warren E. Burger Prize
For unpublished essays on a topic that addresses issues of legal excellence, civility, ethics, and professionalism. (Winning entry will receive unspecified cash prize; deadline July 1, 2025.)
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State Bar of Texas Consumer & Commercial Law section 2025 Annual Craig Jordan Consumer Protection Writing Competition
For essays on any topic within the broad scope of consumer protection. (First-place receives $4000 and may be published in the Journal of Consumer & Commercial Law; runner-up receives $1000; Deadline July 31, 2025.)
Collections of Writing Competitions
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American Bar Association
Writing Competitions for Young Lawyers and Law Students
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AccessLex Institute
Law School Scholarship Databank: Writing Competitions
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Suffolk University Law School
iCompete Writing: A Compilation of Legal Writing Competitions
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Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
A Guide to Legal Writing Competitions for Law Students