About the Law Day Essay Contest​

The Second Annual Law Day Essay Contest is open to all Spring 2026 Sophomores and Juniors who attend school ​ in Kane County. We are delighted to have this occasion to showcase Kane County student talent. The best submissions will be rewarded with a certificate given to each finalist and, for the winners, a Law Day “swag bag" and cash awards generously donated by the Kane County Bar Foundation​.

Cash prizes in the amount of $500 for first place and $250 dollars for second and third place will be awarded for each of the Sophomore and Junior categories.

Submission period: Monday, March 2 - Friday, April 10, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.

What is Law Day?

Law Day is the American Bar Association's annual opportunity to celebrate the rule of law, as well as understand how law and the legal process protects our liberty, strives to achieve justice, and contributes to the freedoms that all Americans share. The 2026 Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”​

Law Day Essay Contest Rules and Submission Guidelines​

For more information about our 2026 Law Day Essay Contest, please see the following:

2026 Law Day Essay Contest Flyer​​

2026 Law Day Essay Contest Rules and Submission Details​​

2026 Chief Judge Villa's Letter to High School Guidance Counselors

For more information, contact:

Ellen Schmid, Judicial Communications Manager