Virginia State Bar

An agency of the Supreme Court of Virginia

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Law in Society Award Competition Rules

Who may enter?

Entrants must be enrolled in grades 9–12 in a Virginia high school, and be aged 19 or younger. Home-schooled students at equivalent grade and age levels also are encouraged to enter.

Although teachers and other individuals can assist students in thinking about the essay, each essay must be written solely by the student named on the entry application.

What should my essay be about?

Your essay must be in response to the given hypothetical. Essays will be judged on presentation — including grammar and spelling — and how well students apply their own understanding and reasoning to the topic.

Students need not have a deep knowledge of legal concepts and theory, and no extra research is necessary. Students using additional research will not be given preferential treatment.

How long does my essay need to be?

The essay must be no longer than 1,000 words. Essays with more than 1,000 words will not be judged. Word count must be included on the entry form.

Entries must be typed and double-spaced. All essays must have a title.

Very Important: Your name and school name should appear only on your entry form. Do not include name on page headers or footers. The title should be the heading for the document.

What is the deadline?

The essay and entry form must be received at the offices of the Virginia State Bar by 4 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2008.

 

How will I know if I’m a winner?

You will be contacted by the VSB if you are an award winner. A list of winners will be available after April 4, 2008, at www.vsb.org/site/public/law-in-society-award-competition, or by written request.

Questions?

Call (804) 775-0594, e-mail , or visit the awards page.

Updated: November 13, 2007