2016 Howard C. Schwab Memorial Essay Contest Section of Family Law

Each year, the American Bar Association Section of Family Law conducts an essay contest to encourage law students to think about current issues in family law, and to encourage participation in the Section of Family Law. 

Subject Matter of Essay 
The primary focus of each essay should be an issue of law, although some interdisciplinary material may be useful in addressing a legal issue. Since winning entries may be published in Family Law Quarterly, entrants are encouraged to write on subjects of national interest. Essays on such subjects usually include citations to the law of several jurisdictions. However, if the law in one state reflects a significant development or trend, that too could be an appropriate subject for an entry. Essays should be limited to approximately 5,000 words (25 double-spaced, typewritten pages including footnotes). Longer essays will be judged unfavorably, and those longer than 28 pages will be disqualified. Essays scheduled to be published, and essays that have previously been published, are ineligible for consideration.

•  The essay format was selected to stimulate creativity of thought. Entries will be judged on the basis of originality, quality of analysis, quality of research, style and organization, and practicality and timeliness of subject.

Eligibility of Contestants

Contestants must be J.D. students at ABA-approved law schools who are:

•  second or third-year full-time students;
• second through fourth-year part-time students; or
• first-year students enrolled in schools where the subject of family law is part of the first-year curriculum;
• Citizens or legal permanent residents of the U.S.

Prize

First Place: $1,500

Second Place: $750.00

Third Place: $350.00

DEADLINE: All entries must be e-mailed and postmarked on or before April 29, 2016.  In order to be assigned a number, you must send your entry form by April 15, 2016. These dates must be strictly adhered to.

The ABA will confirm receipt of entries via e-mail.

For further details visit: http://www.americanbar.org/groups/family_law/resources/essay_contest/rules_and_entry_information.html

Questions regarding the contest should be directed to the ABA Section of Family Law at 312-988-5145.