Constance Baker Motley National Student Writing Competition -- $3,000

Sunday, February 10, 2019 - 10:30am • n/a

The American Constitution Society (ACS) and the University of Pennsylvania Law School ACS Chapter host an annual national student writing competition in honor of Constance Baker Motley’s legacy. As a civil rights attorney, first woman elected President of the Borough of Manhattan, and the first African-American woman appointed to the federal bench, Motley’s life-long commitment to equality for all aligns with ACS’s mission to ensure that law is a force to improve the lives of all people. The deadline for the 2019 Constance Baker Motley National Student Writing competition is February 10, 2019.

ACS welcomes all student papers furthering and promoting a progressive vision of the Constitution, law, and public policy. Entrants are encouraged to view this topic broadly, and we welcome submissions on a variety of substantive areas. Examples of possible topics include: census report, civil legal aid, civil liberties, constitutional convention, consumer rights, criminal justice, disability rights, freedom of speech, immigration, indigent defense, money in politics (including judicial elections), labor law, LGBTQ+ rights, privacy, protection of health, safety, and the environment, racial equality, religion, role of state attorneys general, second amendment and guns, separation of powers and federalism, women’s reproductive rights and reproductive freedom, voting and political process, and whistleblower protection.

Papers are judged on the quality of their analysis and writing. The judging committee will include federal judges and leading academics. The student authors of the top three papers will receive special recognition at the ACS National Convention in the summer of 2019 and a cash prize for their work. The winner will be awarded $3,000. Each of the two runners-up will receive $1,000. The top paper would be eligible for publication in the University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law.

For additional information, please visit: https://www.acslaw.org/get-involved/awards-and-competitions/constance-baker-motley-national-student-writing-competition/

Contact: American Constitution Society

New and Notable

Opportunities & Aid

Humor and Creativity in Law Competition -- $500

Friday, March 15, 2019 - 12:00pm • n/a

The 7th Annual Terence T. Evans Humor and Creativity in Law Competition

How is this for a footnote?

(1) The story of the creation of the world is told in the book Genesis in 400 words; (2) The world's greatest moral code, the Ten Commandments, contains only 279 words; (3) Lincoln's immortal Gettysburg address is but 266 words in length; (4) The Declaration of Independence required only 1,321 words to establish for the world a new concept of freedom. Together, the four contain a mere 2,266 words. On this routine motion to amend a civil complaint, [a Large Milwaukee Firm] has filed a brief (not the primary one, just a reply brief) that contains approximately 41,596 words spread over an agonizing 124 pages. In this case, the term reply “brief” is obviously a misnomer. Rather than impressive, the “brief” is oppressive.

Marson v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp., 87 F.R.D. 151, 152 n.1 (E.D. Wis. 1980)

Judge Evans was a funny guy. He knew humor is the best way for lawyers and judges to keep a proper perspective on the law, and on life. Now it’s your turn to keep Judge Evans’ spirit alive – give us a laugh-worthy law-related piece, and you will have a chance to win money, fame, and the best traveling trophy in Wisconsin. 

RULES

  • Must be original written work
  • Anything goes - brief, prose, poem, song, text
  • Must relate to the law, at least a bit
  • No longer than nine 10 Commandments
  • One entry per person
  • Open to law students and lawyers
  • Email entries to kborowski@milwbar.org no later than March 15, 2019
  • At least one footnote required*

*This rule will be enforced mercilessly.

PRIZES

  • $500 for funniest Law Student
  • Traveling Trophy for best Lawyer
  • Winners lauded at EDWBA Annual Meeting
  • Publication in EDWBA Newsletter
  • Colleagues and friends will love you
  • Guaranteed win in next 7th Circuit appeal*
  • Guaranteed 7th Circuit clerkship*
  • Guaranteed conversation-starter on your resume

* Not really “guaranteed,” but it can’t hurt.

Contact: Katy Borowski
General News

Parking Reminder: What To Do If Parking Credentials Are Not Working

Eckstein Hall Parking: When entering the Eckstein Hall parking garage, students should not pull a ticket unless they intend to pay for visitor parking. If student parking credentials are not working, the driver should back up and go to his/her assigned lot until the issue with their credentials can be resolved. If unable to back up due to other cars in line, driver should exit vehicle and ask other drivers to back up.  If that is not possible, please use the intercom for assistance. If you do pull a ticket, which is only possible on the 11th St (P2) level, you have seven minutes to leave or you will have to pay $30 for parking.  (Please be a courteous driver and back up when asked or if you see someone blocked.)

Students having parking issues need to email University Parking Services with their name, MUID number, and the type of permit they purchased for the semester, or they can report the issue to office 244B. (414) 288-6911 or muparking@marquette.edu.

Contact: Christine Wilczynski-Vogel, Associate Dean for External Relations, Events, and Facilities