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 resume, 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 Searchable Competitions link, at the right side of this page. The link will send you to a database that you can search by topic, deadline, or prize money. You can also link to application materials. If you want, you can print a master list of competitions by clicking Master List. For additional information on writing competitions, including competitions not listed in this web page's database, click Links to Competitions.

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 entrance and the elevator bank. 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, click on Writing & Research Links and Tips for Writing & Winning. They will provide you with advice on how to create and perfect your manuscript. Then, arrange a meeting with Professor Teresa M. 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 do not permit first-year law students to submit entries. Therefore, it is very important that you contact Professor Bruce, and ensure that you meet eligibility requirements, prior to taking any significant steps toward entering a writing competition.