Griffith Law School is pleased to present the annual Legal Essay Competition
Do your Year 12 students have a strong case to make about a current legal issue? Year 12 students interested in the role of law and law reform to effect positive social change are encouraged to submit an essay in our competition. With cash prizes up for grabs, this is the perfect opportunity for Year 12 students to showcase their passion for law and social change in a fun, competitive environment.
About the competition
Submissions for 2026 are currently not open.
- The competition is open to Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Northern NSW Year 12 students.
- Entries can be either assessment items that students have completed, or new essays written for this competition.
- The essays must be based on a topic that raises legal questions or issues – the choice of topic is up to the student.
- Students must show evidence of research, analysis and evaluation.
- Word count must be between 800-2000 words including footnotes or endnotes, and a bibliography must be included.
Prizes
Winner
$300 cash prize and a trophy
from both Gold Coast & Brisbane competitions
Winner's school
a perpetual trophy
Two runner-up winners
$100 cash prize each
Awards presentation
The Griffith Law Schoool holds the High School Legal Essay Competition in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The award presentation nights are held at Brisbane City (South Bank) in Brisbane and at SPG Lawyers on the Gold Coast. The awards presentation is an opportunity to meet Griffith Law School staff, Lawyers and other students. Eligible entrants will receive an invitation to the 2025 awards presentation after the competition has closed.
2026 Gold Coast event
2026 TBA
5:30 to 7:30pm
2026 Brisbane event
2026 TBA
5:30 to 7:30pm