Competition Information

As of January 26, 2021, The Annual ABI Law Student Writing Competition will not be held this year. We hope to be able to resume the competition in future years.

The American Bankruptcy Institute ("ABI") is pleased to invite students to participate in its Annual ABI Bankruptcy Law Student Writing Competition. First, Second and Third Place prizes will be awarded. All participants will also receive a free, one-year ABI membership.  

Writing Topic

We invite papers on current issues regarding bankruptcy jurisdiction, bankruptcy litigation, or evidence in bankruptcy cases or proceedings. The paper may address business or consumer cases and may include matters such as bankruptcy sales, plan confirmation and other topics that involve jurisdiction, litigation or evidence in the bankruptcy courts.

Dates of Competition

ABI is not accepting submissions for 2021.  Papers must be submitted no later than April 20, 2021.  We encourage those professors teaching bankruptcy law classes during the semester to let students know about the competition so that they can prepare papers during their classes for submission. Our hope is that the competition will dovetail nicely with any legal writing or advanced bankruptcy courses so that students can satisfy one of their writing requirements while creating an entry for the competition.

Competition Rules

Papers must comply with the guidelines for submissions. Only one paper may be submitted per student. To qualify for the competition, papers may not have been published previously. By entering the competition, winners agree to have their papers edited by ABI staff and leaders prior to publication.

Submitting Your Paper

ABI is not accepting submissions for 2021.  Submissions must be received in PDF format, on or before April 20, 2021. Register for the competition and upload your paper by visiting the "Submit Paper" link below.