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Writing Competitions

Writing Competitions

Have you written a seminar paper?

What about a note, or some other legal manuscript?

Or, do you just love to write?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should consider entering a writing competition! Writing competitions offer an opportunity to augment one’s resumé, become a published author, and even earn prize money. And you may already have a document ready to go; don’t let that seminar paper you wrote last semester just sit around gathering dust. It could qualify for a writing competition and earn you recognition and money.

Moreover, you may, by entering a manuscript of publishable quality in a writing competition, satisfy the upper-level writing requirement.

This web page will show you how to become a competitor. You can view descriptions of numerous writing competitions by clicking on the Competition Listings. You can also link to application materials. For additional information on writing competitions, including competitions not listed in this web page’s database, click Useful Links.

You should also visit the Student Writing Competitions bulletin board, which is located on the first floor of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, in the hallway between the parking garage and the main elevators. The bulletin board answers frequently asked questions, or FAQs, displays a hard-copy version of the Master List, and lists competitions with forthcoming deadlines by topic.

When you’ve made the decision to throw your hat into the ring, arrange a meeting with Teresa Bruce. She can help you navigate the red tape involved in submitting your entry and, if permitted by competition rules, edit your paper. She also has competition literature, and applications, for many competitions. Remember, eligibility requirements vary. For example, some writing competitions don’t permit first-year law students to submit entries. Therefore, it’s very important that you contact Ms. Bruce, and ensure that you meet eligibility requirements, prior to taking any significant steps toward entering a writing competition.