American Bar Association Sponsors Numerous Writing Scholarships Annually

The American Bar Association sponsors several scholarship writing contests and essay competitions each year. Opportunities include:

The ABA Forum on Affordable Housing and Community Development Law Writing Competition is open to all current law school students. To apply, candidates must submit and essay that addresses a legal issue associated with community development laws or affordable housing. The writer of the winning essay will receive a scholarship to attend the Forum's Annual Conference (including lodging and airfare) and a $1,000 prize. Additionally, the winning essay may be published in the Journal of Affordable Housing and Community Development Law.

The William W. Greenhalgh Student Writing Competition is open to all law students who hold memberships in the American Bar Association and attend a U.S. ABA-accredited law school. The winner will receive a trip to the Criminal Justice Section’s annual meeting (including travel and accommodations) and a cash prize of $2,000. The winning submission may be published in Criminal Justice Magazine.

The American Bar Association’s Commission on Domestic Violence sponsors an annual writing contest for law students. To enter, students submit original articles on the subject of domestic violence and the law. First, second, and third place awards are given. The first place article will be published in Women Lawyers Journal, and the author will receive a $750 award. The second place prize is $500, and third place is $250. All three documents will be published on the ABA Commission on Domestic Violence website, and the winners will each receive resolutions from the commission.