15 Law Competitions for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jul 30
- 13 min read
Engaging in academic competitions provides you with a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between secondary education and the rigors of college-level scholarship. For those interested in the legal field, these events offer vital exposure to practical skills like litigation, legal research, and persuasive oratory while facilitating connections with industry professionals. Participating in law competitions for high school students allows you to test your analytical capabilities in high-pressure environments, often mirroring the intensity of law school seminars. If you are focused on building a competitive college application profile, demonstrating success in a national or international arena showcases your intellectual curiosity and dedication. We have carefully curated a list of top law competitions for high school students by evaluating factors such as institutional prestige, historical rigor, and the quality of networking opportunities provided. This selection prioritizes contests with low acceptance rates, significant cash prizes, and hosting duties by world-renowned organizations to ensure you are considering the most impactful opportunities available.
Why should I participate in a law competition in high school?
Participating in a law competition during your high school years offers concrete benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. These contests allow you to develop a sophisticated understanding of jurisprudence and civic responsibility, often requiring you to dissect complex case law or draft legislative memos. Winning or even placing as a finalist in a prestigious competition serves as a powerful signal to college admissions officers, validating your ability to perform at an elite level among your peers. Beyond the resume boost, you gain access to a community of like-minded scholars and legal experts who can provide mentorship and guidance for your future career. The experience of presenting an argument before a panel of judges or collaborating on a legal brief hones your communication skills, ensuring you are well-prepared for the verbal and analytical demands of a legal education.
15 Law Competitions for High School Students
Location: Des Moines, IA
Cost/Stipend: $500 Tournament Registration Fee (plus $200 state membership fee)
Acceptance size/cohort size: 46 teams
Dates: May 7-9
Application Deadline: Mid-April (Finalist qualification)
Eligibility: State, territory, or international champion teams
This elite event serves as the premier venue for students to demonstrate their litigation skills after winning their respective state or regional championships. You will participate in a series of rigorous preliminary rounds where you take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a simulated courtroom environment. The experience allows you to engage directly with the American judicial system while receiving feedback from experienced legal professionals and judges. Beyond the courtroom drama, the schedule includes a team welcome reception and a pin exchange to foster connections with peers from around the globe. The culmination of the week is the championship round and an awards banquet held to honor the top-performing teams and individual legal scholars.
Location: Northwestern University Law School, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Contact for affiliation and registration fees
Acceptance size/cohort size: Limited to top performers from four online qualifiers
Dates: May 29-30
Application Deadline: April 13 (for the final qualifier)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
This competition focuses heavily on oral advocacy and constitutional law, challenging you to present legal arguments before a panel of simulated appellate judges. You will engage with a sophisticated case packet that delves into complex legal issues typically reserved for university or law school curricula. The structure allows you to participate in online qualifying rounds throughout the spring, ensuring the event is accessible regardless of your geographic location. If you qualify for the National Championship, you will travel to a prestigious law school to present your work in a high-stakes, professional environment. Throughout the rounds, you receive direct feedback from a diverse group of judges, including practicing attorneys and law students, to help refine your public speaking and reading comprehension skills.
Location: Various (including Yale University, Duke University, University of Georgia, and Virtual options)
Cost/Stipend: $80 – $120 per team for regionals; $150 for Nationals
Acceptance size/cohort size: 20 – 44 teams per regional event
Dates: January 31 – March 29 (Regionals); April 18-19 (Nationals)
Application Deadline: Varies by regional (Registration currently open for select sites)
Eligibility: High school students; specific "Beginner" division available for new competitors
As the national governing body for high school moot court, this circuit provides you with a structured introduction to the complexities of appellate advocacy. You will engage with a single, sophisticated fictional case (such as "Faizmart v. National Labor Relations Board") to argue constitutional issues before panels of experts. The circuit is designed to test your ability to think on your feet, as judges frequently interrupt oral arguments with probing questions regarding case law and legal theory. By participating in these law competitions for high school students, you gain a rigorous foundation in legal writing and public speaking that mirrors the experience of actual law school students. Top-performing teams at each regional site earn an invitation to the National Tournament to compete against the most elite speakers in the country.
Location: Washington, D.C. (National Finals) or Virtual (National Invitational)
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 team participation fee for the National Invitational
Acceptance size/cohort size: Varies; Includes state champions and wildcard selections
Dates: April 17-21 (National Finals); May 15-16 (National Invitational)
Application Deadline: Varies by state; February 11 (District of Columbia)
Eligibility: High school teams who qualify through state or regional competitions
This prestigious event centers on simulated congressional hearings where you act as expert witnesses testifying on constitutional principles. You will prepare a four minute oral response to complex historical and contemporary questions followed by a six minute session of spontaneous follow up questions from a panel of judges. The experience is designed to help you evaluate and defend legal positions while demonstrating a deep understanding of the American government and the Bill of Rights. As you progress from local classroom hearings to the National Finals in Washington, D.C., you gain significant exposure to public officials, scholars, and legal experts. The competition culminates in an awards ceremony that recognizes the top ten teams in the nation for their civic knowledge and rhetorical skill.
Location: San Francisco, CA (Local) and circuit wide locations
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: Open to all eligible high school students in the western United States
Dates: Winners typically announced in the spring; travel for the first place winner occurs during the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 through 12 in public, private, parochial, charter, or home schools
This competition invites you to explore the historical and contemporary significance of the Declaration of Independence through an essay or video submission. You must choose one of the three unalienable rights (i.e., life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness) and analyze its importance in 1776 alongside its impact on your community today. The prompt requires you to think critically about legal foundations and propose methods for protecting or improving these rights for future generations. By participating in these law competitions for high school students, you have the chance to win significant cash prizes at both the district and circuit levels. First place winners at the circuit level also receive travel and accommodations to attend the prestigious Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference to engage with federal judges and legal scholars.
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY (Online Submission)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: One winner, one runner-up, and several honorable mentions selected annually
Dates: Submissions typically open in the Spring; results announced in the Summer
Application Deadline: Check website in early 2026 for specific dates
Eligibility: Open to all high school students globally
This competition invites you to engage in high-level legal scholarship by responding to a prompt that explores the intersection of law, society, and government power. You must craft a rigorous legal argument using historical precedents, constitutional principles, and contemporary examples to support your thesis. Past prompts have challenged students to analyze the limitations of due process during national crises, the ethics of social media censorship under the First Amendment, and the legal frameworks surrounding gender justice. By participating in these law competitions for high school students, you have the opportunity to have your work recognized by an elite undergraduate publication at an Ivy League institution. Winners and runners-up see their essays featured on the official CULR website, providing a significant boost to your academic profile and demonstrating your capacity for university-level legal reasoning.
Location: Online Submission (London, UK)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: One senior winner per category; several runners-up and highly commended entrants
Dates: Results are typically announced a few weeks after the spring deadline
Application Deadline: April 3
Eligibility: Primarily Year 12 students (approx. 16-17 years old), but open to ambitious younger students and Year 13 re-applicants
This international competition invites you to engage in critical legal debate by addressing foundational questions regarding justice, equality, and the rule of law. You are required to submit an original essay of 1,000 to 1,500 words that demonstrates university-level research and a sophisticated, logical argument. Past prompts have challenged participants to consider whether international law should override national sovereignty or why judges are restricted from deciding cases based solely on personal fairness. By participating in these law competitions for high school students, you refine the analytical writing skills essential for law school admissions and interviews. Winners receive a £60 voucher for academic mentoring or resources, and their work is recognized for its depth of thought and evidence of wider legal reading.
Location: Essex Vicinage Superior Court, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: Multiple winners selected across essay and poetry categories
Dates: Activities typically take place during the first week of May
Application Deadline: Late fall or early winter (Registration typically opens in November)
Eligibility: Students attending schools in the Essex Vicinage
This localized competition invites you to reflect on the American legal system through the lens of a theme selected annually by the American Bar Association. You can choose to participate in the writing contest by submitting essays or poetry that explore the importance of the rule of law and the constitutional protections guaranteed to all citizens. The event is part of a broader suite of Law Day activities, including art and video contests, as well as a comprehensive Mock Trial program where you can interact directly with practicing judges and attorneys. By entering these law competitions for high school students, you have the chance to see your work published in the official Law Day Souvenir Booklet and attend a formal award ceremony. This experience provides you with a unique opportunity to connect with your local legal community while deepening your understanding of civic responsibility.
Location: Arlington, VA (Online Submission)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: Three primary winners (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place) and select honorable mentions
Dates: Winners are typically notified at the conclusion of the judging period in the spring
Application Deadline: Varies annually (The 2026 contest is currently closed)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) in the United States and its Territories
This national competition challenges you to explore complex legal and civic issues through a structured essay format. You are expected to address a specific prompt provided by the Federal Bar Association, often involving the analysis of current constitutional questions and applicable court cases. Your submission must not exceed 1,000 words and should demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of constitutional principles and clarity in expressing the chosen theme. By participating in these law competitions for high school students, you can earn significant scholarship prizes, with $1,500 awarded for first place. Furthermore, the association may choose to publish winning entries in its official media, providing you with a prestigious platform to share your legal insights with federal practitioners and judges.
Location: New York University School of Law, New York, NY (Finals)
Cost/Stipend: $25 Team Entry Fee (Covers Global Membership)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Top 64 teams advance to written rounds; Elite 8 advance to finals
Dates: October 31 (Top 64 announced); April 18 (Finals)
Application Deadline: October 15 (Qualifying essay submission)
Eligibility: Teams of at least three high school students (grades 9-12) worldwide
This global competition uniquely combines the rigors of persuasive writing with the high stakes of oral advocacy to address pressing issues of international law and public policy. You begin by submitting a 3,000 word qualifying essay on a specific resolution, such as the implementation of global taxes to support universal education. If your team advances to the single elimination bracket, you will engage in a blind judged, written debate exchange via email with opposing teams from around the world. The top eight teams earn an all expenses paid trip to New York City to compete in live oral debates at the NYU School of Law. The final rounds are presided over by a panel of experts from academia, journalism, and the legal profession, with the world champion receiving the Brewer Cup and a $10,000 grand prize.
Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC (National Championship)
Cost/Stipend: $175 – $250 School Registration Fee (Financial assistance available via NHSEBBridge)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Thousands of students participate annually; 24 top teams advance to the National Championship
Dates: April 10-12 (National Championship)
Application Deadline: November 1 (Early registration); January 15 (Final payment deadline)
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in a registered school team
This event emphasizes collaborative dialogue and systematic reasoning over traditional adversarial debate. You will work in a team to analyze complex moral dilemmas from an annually released case set, defending positions you find reasonable rather than assigned viewpoints. The format includes a unique commentary period where you provide constructive criticism to your peers and a judges’ period where you must respond to probing questions from a panel of experts. By participating in these law competitions for high school students, you develop vital skills in civil discourse, ethical awareness, and empathetic engagement. Top teams from regional competitions across the country gather at the University of North Carolina each spring to compete for the national title in a supportive environment that rewards intellectual curiosity and respectful disagreement.
Location: New York City, NY (with additional host cities like Chicago and Philadelphia)
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 registration fee for a team of 14 attendees (Need-based and local scholarships available)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Hundreds of students from over 38 states and 7 countries
Dates: October 15-19, 2026 (New York dates); other sessions in October and November
Application Deadline: Varies; scholarship applications typically open in early 2026
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) from public, private, or homeschool programs
Often referred to as the "World Championship" of mock trial, Empire NY is an elite, international invitational that challenges the most accomplished teams across the globe. You will litigate a complex, original case, often touching on pressing social issues like police brutality or environmental injustice. The competition features a rigorous four-trial format where teams must master the "Empirion" Rules of Evidence (modeled after the Federal Rules) and engage in pre-trial oral arguments. Beyond the courtroom, the "Empire Experience" emphasizes global citizenship through public service projects, guest witness programs, and social events in the heart of Manhattan. By participating in these law competitions for high school students, you gain direct feedback from legal professionals and join a prestigious network of alumni who go on to lead in law and public policy.
Location: Online Submission (Fairfax, VA)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: Open to all students globally; six "Most Compelling" honorees and dozens of "Exemplary" essayists selected
Dates: Honorees are typically announced in the months following the submission deadline
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 4 through 12 worldwide
This international competition encourages you to reflect on your personal character by writing about a core value that holds significant meaning in your life. You are tasked with producing a concise essay of 250 to 500 words that answers why a specific value (e.g., integrity, resilience, or compassion) is essential to your personal development. By participating in these law competitions for high school students, you engage in a global dialogue about ethics and character alongside peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. The contest is supported by The School for Ethical Education and provides a platform for your voice to be heard by a panel of volunteer judges dedicated to ethical inquiry. Winning entries are showcased as "Most Compelling" or "Exemplary" on the official Character.org website, serving as an inspiration to others and a testament to your commitment to becoming your best self.
Location: Varies Annually (2026 Nationals: Des Moines, IA)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by school; requires active NSDA institutional membership
Acceptance size/cohort size: Approximately 6,000 students qualify from across the United States
Dates: June 14-19
Application Deadline: Varies; students must qualify through district tournaments held between February and May
Eligibility: High school students who place at the top of their respective NSDA district tournaments
As the largest academic competition of its kind in the world, this event serves as the culminating tournament for the most elite speakers and debaters in the country. You can compete in a variety of categories, including Congressional Debate, where you simulate the legislative process of the U.S. Congress, or Lincoln-Douglas Debate, which focuses on competing ethical and philosophical values. The competition requires you to engage in extensive research and preparation to persuasively argue complex topics from multiple perspectives before panels of expert judges. By participating in these law competitions for high school students, you refine your ability to think critically and analyze important legal and social issues under intense pressure. The tournament offers a prestigious platform to connect with a global community of scholars and provides significant recognition for those who reach the final rounds on the national stage.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Varies by event (Includes breakfast for participants and hospitality for judges)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Large scale national field; waitlists are common for high demand divisions
Dates: February 14–16
Application Deadline: February 10 (Registration typically opens in early December)
Eligibility: High school students (Varsity, JV, and Novice divisions) and Middle School students
Held annually over Presidents' Day Weekend, this tournament is one of the most prestigious and long standing fixtures on the national circuit. You can compete in a wide array of categories, including Policy Debate, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional Debate, and various Speech events. The competition is known for its academic rigor and its unique setting across the Harvard campus and surrounding historic venues in Cambridge. By participating in these law competitions for high school students, you test your advocacy skills against the top ranked speakers in the country while earning qualifications for the Tournament of Champions. The event emphasizes high level research and sophisticated argumentation, providing a true collegiate level experience for motivated secondary students.
One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in doing university-level research in STEM or other subjects, which can become a topic to talk about in your college application, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.