The Annual Hon. Leroy R. Hassell, Sr., Writing Competition

About the Competition

The Hon. Leroy R. Hassell, Sr., Writing Competition is held every spring in memoriam of the esteemed Virginia jurist. Regent University Law Review sponsors this competition to foster and celebrate excellence in legal scholarship among the Regent University community.

The Spring 2026 Hon. Leroy R. Hassell, Sr., Writing Competition will open at 9:00 AM on February 28 and will close at midnight on March 1. The competition is limited to the first four student submissions received, so submissions will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

All submissions should be sent directly to the Notes and Comments Editor, Philip White, at philwh3@mail.regent.edu.

Papers will be evaluated by three judges based on the overall strength of the legal note, including the clarity and originality of the thesis, the quality and persuasiveness of the legal analysis, the organization and professionalism of the writing, and the effective and accurate use of legal authority and citations. Judges will also consider whether the paper reflects original student work and demonstrates genuine engagement with the legal issues and sources relied upon. Submissions must also comply with the competition’s formatting and citation requirements:

• Length: No less than 25 and no more than 30 pages

• Font: Century Schoolbook (12-point text; 10-point footnotes) • Formatting: Double-spaced; 1-inch margins

• Anonymous submissions: All references to the author must be removed

• Abstract: Include a short (no more than 500 words) abstract describing your argument

• Citations: 22nd Edition of the Bluebook

The winning submission will receive a $500 prize and will be expedited to the Article Committee for possible publication in the first edition of Volume 39 of the Regent University Law Review.

Any violation of the rules above is grounds for disqualification. Entry constitutes certification by the entrants that they are eligible to participate and that the paper conforms to the rules of the competition. 

Any full or part-time student of the Regent University School of Law is eligible to enter. Students from other schools within Regent University are welcome to submit a paper, but all papers must have a connection with the legal field. Students may enter more than one paper. Current Members of the Law Review may participate. 

The Regent University Law Review shall have the right to copy, reprint, or print all papers submitted. Entrants agree to hold the Law Review harmless from, and to indemnify it from, any and all damages and costs relating to copyright infringement, plagiarism, or similar loss.