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:
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American Bar Association Section of Public Contract Law Public Contract Law Journal Writing Competition
For papers addressing a topical issue of interest to the public contract and grant law community. The competition is open to both J.D. and LL.M students; each division will be judged separately and separate prizes will be awarded to the winners of each division. (First, second, and third-place awards of $2000, $1000, and $500 respectively; deadline September 30, 2024.)
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New York State Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section Dr. Emanuel Stein and Kenneth Stein Memorial Law Student Writing Competition
For articles focusing on any timely, compelling aspect of public or private labor or employment law. (First place award of $3000 and publication in Section newsletter; second and third place awards of $2000 and $1000 respectively; deadline October 31. 2024.)
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American Bar Association Standing committee on Lawyers’ Professional Liability Edward C. Mendrzycki Award
For scholarly essays on a hypothetical involving multiple ethical and professional liability concerns that arise when a law firm adopts an artificial intelligence software platform to assist its lawyers in providing legal services to its clients. (Award of $5000 and travel to spring 2025 National Legal Malpractice Conference in Charlotte, NC; deadline February 1, 2025.)
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NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund 2025 Law Student Second Amendment Research and Writing Competition
For articles addressing a specific Second Amendment Issue. (First, second, and third-place awards of $10,000, $7000, and $3000 respectively; deadline March 1, 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