A Productive Winter Break Activity – Writing Competitions!

by Eric Gelwicks
LCS Graduate Fellow

In the legal community, getting published in a law journal can be a significant step in bolstering your resume and furthering your career. While getting published in a law review or journal can be quite difficult; submitting an entry to a writing competition, or a number of writing competitions, can help to get your work read and considered. In addition to the potential reward of publication, writing competitions provide an opportunity to win cash prizes, trips to prominent law-related events and recognition on a national platform. At the very least, you will have a finely crafted writing sample to submit with future job applications.

Information about new, or renewed, competitions is published throughout the year, so conducting a web search for current information is advisable prior to embarking on the writing process. Additionally, it is important to look at the information for the correct year, as the assigned topic may change from year to year.

Lastly, you are encouraged to contact GGU professors who are experts in the areas of specific competition topics. In the past, professors have agreed to coach students on a paper, or "sponsor" students' submissions when necessary. If students are in doubt of whom to approach, please contact the Golden Gate University Law Student Services Office.

The following links are excellent resources for finding the writing competition that is right for you:

ABA Essays and Writing Competitions
University of Oregon Competition Links
University of Idaho College of Law Competition Links
UNLV William S. Boyd College of Law Competition Links
University of Denver Strum College of Law Competition Links
Legal Writing Competitions Blog