Law essay writing competitions are a great way for law students and young legal professionals to showcase their legal knowledge and writing skills. Winning a prestigious law essay competition can open up opportunities for further education, scholarships, publication, and career advancement. here we will explore some of the top law essay writing competitions from around the world and provide tips for writing a successful competition entry.
One of the most well-known and prestigious international law essay competitions is the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. This competition is organized annually by the International Law Students Association (ILSA) and sees over 500 law schools from over 80 countries participate each year. The competition focuses on a contemporary problem in international law and tasks teams of student advocates with preparing memorials (written submissions) for both the applicant and respondent states. Regional and national knockout rounds lead to the Jessup World Cup where the top 16 teams face off. Winning the Jessup competition is considered a huge achievement and can lead to career opportunities in international law.
Within the United States, one of the oldest and most established law essay competitions is the contest hosted by the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation. This competition challenges law students to analyze a topical issue in civil or criminal procedure and write a 3,000-5,000 word original paper. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three submissions and winning papers may be published in litigation journals. A panel of judges from the ABA evaluate submissions based on the depth of legal analysis, quality of writing, and originality of ideas. While open to J.D. and LL.M. students, the ABA competition is a great option for those interested in careers involving litigation or procedure.
For the European market, the prestigious All European Law Essay Competition run by EDPL – European Data Protection Law offers law students and young legal professionals across Europe the chance to showcase expertise in data protection and privacy law. Submissions must analyze a pre-announced topic related to European data protection law and be between 4,000-6,000 words. As data protection laws become increasingly important, winning this competition demonstrates high-level knowledge that is valuable for careers advising on compliance. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three papers and exceptional entries may be considered for publication.
Some competitions target very specific areas of law. For example, the International Trademark Association (INTA) hosts an annual writing competition focusing on intellectual property and branding law. Entrants must submit an original paper between 3,500-5,000 words addressing a predetermined IP law question. As the leading global organization for trademark professionals, winning this competition shows strong understanding of trademark law. Similarly, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel sponsors the lucrative Williams Writing Competition for developing excellence in the field of wills, trusts, and estate planning law.
For those interested in legal history, the National History Center jointly organizes the Langum and Walter prize competitions each year. The Walter Prize targets original undergraduate work while the Langum Prize is open to graduate students and young scholars. Both require thorough research and analysis on an aspect of American legal or constitutional history. Winning awards public recognition and potential publication, cementing one’s expertise in this specialized field of law. Publications like the American Journal of Legal History may also directly solicit high-quality history submissions outside of competitions.
Regardless of the competition topic, there are some universal tips for crafting a standout law essay entry:
Carefully review the official rules, word count limits, submission guidelines, and evaluation criteria to ensure full compliance. Address all aspects of the prescribed question or problem.
Conduct extensive research beyond just case law, using law reviews, journals, books, and online resources to develop a robust understanding of the topic area. Demonstrate sophisticated, high-level analysis.
Adhere to strict formatting guidelines for citation style, structure, and layout. Edit meticulously for proper spelling, grammar, syntax and flow.
Take a clear position or thesis and support throughout with well-reasoned legal arguments backed by authoritative precedent. Anticipate counterarguments.
Introduce original, insightful perspectives or alternative solutions rather than simply rehashing established doctrine. Showcase critical thinking skills.
Review submission multiple times with fresh eyes to identify any errors or places for improvement before final submission deadline.
Standing out in law essay competitions requires diligent preparation, sophisticated analysis, careful execution, and passionate engagement with the topic. For ambitious legal scholars, winning a prestigious writing contest substantiates expertise and can open valuable doors in one’s career. Regularly identifying and entering suitable competitions is a smart strategy.
Law essay writing competitions provide an excellent avenue for law students and young attorneys to showcase their legal knowledge and skills through a substantive written work. Topics span international law, civil procedure, data protection, intellectual property, trusts and estates, and more. Leading contests worldwide like the Jessup, ABA, and INTA competitions offer prestige, career benefits, and sometimes cash prizes to winning entrants. Thorough preparation and meticulous execution are keys to crafting a standout entry with publishable quality. Participating regularly in suitable competitions is a wise career investment.
Andrew Stroud