International Law and Technology Writing Competition (annual) [note: there likely will be new "writing categories" in next year's competition]
- Sponsor: vLex
- Topics: "For the seventh consecutive year, the vLex International Law and Technology Writing Competition invites students from around the world to submit a 1000-word, blog-style article on one of three topics." The recently concluded Competition offered students a choice of three topic categories: immigration (linking to technology and law); large language models (and how they are shaping technology and the law); and industrial action (in relation to technology and the law). "
- Format Requirements in the concluded Competition stated: "Only submit original writing, that you have written for this competition. All entries will be subject to plagiarism checks."
- Eligibility requirements in the concluded Competition stated: "[S]tudents from around the world" "You must be over the age of 18 to enter the competition."
- Prizes in the concluded Competition were: "The overall winner will receive a grand prize of £1,500, alongside the publication of their entry to a global legal audience. Additionally, each runner-up will be awarded £250 each for Best in Category."
- Deadline for the concluded Competition was: Jan 1, 2024. Website states: "Follow vLex on social media to find out about next year's competition."
New York State Bar Association International Section: Albert S. Pergam International Law Writing Competition (annual)
- Sponsor: International Section of the New York State Bar Association
- Topic: "[A]n article concerning any area of public or private international law or practice."
- Format: "Article" Prior brochure for 2023 Competition stated: "40 page limit for the article including cover page and footnotes." "The winning article must not be previously published or under contract with any publication other than the New York State Bar Journal, the New York International Law Review, or the International Law Practicum."
- Eligibility requirements in 2023 competition included: "Submissions must be (a) be from current law students (J.D., LL.M., Ph.D. and S.J.D. candidates) at any law school in any country at the time of submission whether or not already admitted to a bar; or a professor may nominate their student's papers for the competition."
- Prize in 2023 Competition (closed) was: "The winner will receive —1) $2,000 USD; and 2) Publication of the article (subject to editorial approval) in the New York International Law Review."
- Deadline for submission in 2023 Competition was: November 3, 2023.
Rule of Law Writing Competition
- Sponsor: Beverly Hills Bar Foundation
- Topic: "Encourages law students to submit analytical writings on what the rule of law is, or should be, the interpretation or implementation of existing or suggested legislation or case law and whether or not it furthered the equal and fair regulation of civil and human rights. Submissions are accepted on an aspect of the Rule of Law, demonstrating how the Rule of Law affected the topic, defining the Rule of Law, criticizing the Rule of Law, or demonstrating the economic social or political effects of the Rule of Law."
- Limit on Entries: "Each author may submit one entry. Each law school may submit up to three entries."
- Format and Eligibility requirements in prior Competition Rules included: "This competition is open to Law Review Articles authors who are juris doctorate and LLM candidates enrolled at an ABA or California State accredited law school during the eligibility period and whose article is published during the period. The eligibility period is the year preceding the Due Date."
- Prize(s): "Winners receive scholarships to help pay for law school tuition." An April 11, 2024 email announcement about the 2024 Competition also stated: "Winning entries will be featured in BHBA’s online magazine, Modern Lawyer, and distributed to our email list of more than 60,000 recipients. Awardees are also invited to BHBF’s networking event on May 9th [2024], to receive their scholarship awards and be introduced to attorneys and judges in attendance. As an enhancement to the awards, recipients are offered the opportunity to take part in an online CLE webinar with each of this year’s ROL winners giving a 15 minute moderated presentation of their articles."
- Deadline: The typical deadline for entries is January 31.
Trandafir Writing Competition (annual)
- Sponsors: Transnational Law & Contemporary Problems, in conjunction with the University of Iowa College of Law International and Comparative Law Program
- Topic in 2024 Competition was: "A world affairs student writing competition" "Any contemporary international business or economic concern." Website provides examples of recent winning submission topics.
- Format requirements in 2024 Competition included: "Essay" "There is no minimum page requirement. The essay must not exceed 50 pages, including footnotes."
- Eligibility requirements in 2024 Competition included: "All students currently enrolled in law or graduate degree programs." "To be eligible essays must be standalone pieces which have not been published or have an outstanding commitment for publication." "All essays must be the work of an individual. Collaboration with others (other than the usual law review or seminar supervision) is prohibited."
- Prize in 2024 Competition was: "The winning essay will be published in Transnational Law & Contemporary Problems, a journal of the University of Iowa College of Law. TLCP reserves the right to work with the winner to edit the winning submission in order to meet the standards necessary for publication. "[A] $2,000 cash prize paid upon publication of the winning submission."
- Deadline was: "Transnational Law & Contemporary Problems must receive all essays no later than March 17, 2024."
UNIDROIT Essay Competition
- Sponsor: International Law Institute (ILI) & facilitated by the UNIDROIT Foundation.
- Topic in 2024 Competition was: "An essay in English ... examining the use of the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts in practice and their role in the development of the law." Essay's focus "should be the use of the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts in contract drafting and dispute settlement, as well as their influence on domestic laws and other international instruments, and their possible role in new frontiers of contract law."
- Eligibility note received: Received Feb. 23, 2024 reply email confirming "that participation in the competition is open to anyone. We would be delighted to receive submissions from Brooklyn Law School students."
- Format in 2024 Competition was: "Essay...between 2,000 and 3,000 words (excluding footnotes and references)"
- Prizes in 2024 Competition were: "The top five essays received will be rewarded in the following manner: 1st Position: 2,500 € + Publication opportunities. 2nd Position: 1,500 € + Publication opportunities. 3rd Position: 500 € + Publication opportunities. 4th and 5th Position: Publication opportunities."
- Deadline for submission in 2024 Competition was: April 2, 2024.
Virginia Journal of International Law Essay Competition - In future, check this website for announcements of future Essay Competitions.
- Sponsor: Virginia Journal of International Law (VJIL)
- Topic in 2024 Winter Essay Competition was: "Essays should address developments or challenges in international business. This topic may be interpreted broadly to include private dispute resolution, state action, or other issues arising from current global affairs."
- Format requirements in 2024 Winter Essay Competition included: "Essay submissions must be between 7,500-12,500 words including footnotes."
- Eligibility requirements in 2024 Winter Essay Competition included: "We encourage submissions from all law students and recent graduates who have written on topics related to the prompt."
- Prize in 2024 Winter Essay Competition was: "The winner of the competition will receive a $300 prize and VJIL membership."
- Deadline for submission in 2024 Winter Essay Competition was: February 16, 2024.
