James Boskey ADR Writing Competition

This competition is sponsored by the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution in association with Penn State Dickinson School of Law.

James B. Boskey — an intellectual, humanitarian, law professor, and mediator — became known and beloved world-over for his publication of The Alternative Newsletter, a resource guide on ADR published quarterly. It was in its tenth year when Jim died in 1999. The publication provided a comprehensive yet very accessible window into the diverse dimensions of the ADR field. In many respects, Jim Boskey — through the alternative newsletter — was the voice of the ADR community.

Purpose of the Boskey ADR Writing Competition

The purpose of the competition is to promote greater interest in and understanding of the field of dispute resolution and collaborative decision-making among J.D. students enrolled in ABA accredited law schools in the United States. Applications may be submitted by J.D. students participating in an ABA accredited study abroad program.

The essay may address any aspect of dispute resolution practice, theory or research that the contestant chooses. Essays must be limited to 15-25 typewritten pages, plus footnotes or endnotes. The text of the essay must be double-spaced, with twelve-point font and one-inch margins.

First Prize: The first prize winner will receive $1000, publication on the Web site of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution, and an invitation to publish in The Penn State Dickinson Arbitration Journal.

Entry Information

Entries for the competition must be submitted by Monday, June 16, 2008. One electronic copy and must be submitted in order to be considered. Electronic entries are to be sent to DSL-BOSKEYCOMPETITION@LISTS.PSU.EDU, with the subject header “Attn: Boskey Dispute Resolution Essay Competition.” Hard copies may be sent via mail to:

“Boskey Dispute Resolution Essay Competition”
c/o Emily Tucker
The Dickinson School of Law of
The Pennsylvania State University
303 Beam Building
University Park, PA 16802

Entries must be postmarked by U.S. mail or recognized commercial express service. All entries must have a Boskey Entry Form included and should not contain any identifying information except on the entry form.

For additional information: