Two Harvard Undergraduate Moot Court members writing at counsel table in a courtroom.
Now open

Legal Essay Contest

A writing competition for high school students in grades 9–12. Entries close October 2, 2026, or at 100 entries — whichever comes first.

The contest

Analytical writing, judged and recognized

High schoolers respond to our official prompt in 850 words of original work. Entries are read and scored by members of the Harvard Undergraduate Moot Court team.

  • Eligibility High school students, grades 9–12
  • Length 850 words, your own original work
  • Prompt Our official prompt, published with the entry form
  • First prize $100 cash and a certificate
  • Judging Members of the Harvard Undergraduate Moot Court team
  • Mentorship Top scorers may be offered optional college application mentorship
  • Deadline October 2, 2026
  • Entry cap 100 entries
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