Young lawyers across Australia are being offered the opportunity to have a legal article published in a special centenary issue of the Australian Law Journal (ALJ).
The May 2027 issue will mark 100 years since the Journal’s first publication on 5 May 1927, when its inaugural editor, Bernard Sugerman, was just 22 years old. Sugerman went on to become Sir Bernard Sugerman, President of the NSW Court of Appeal.
To celebrate the Journal’s centenary, the ALJ Editorial Committee is inviting young legal scholars and practitioners to submit articles for consideration for the special issue.
Up to five articles will be selected, with authors required to be no more than 30 years of age on 5 May 2027.
The initiative continues the ALJ’s long-standing tradition of publishing the work of emerging members of the legal profession, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, practitioners and academics.
For successful authors, the opportunity comes with more than publication. With the support of publisher Thomson Reuters, the ALJ will award a total of $10,000 in prizes, comprising cash prizes and Thomson Reuters book vouchers.
Submissions can address any topic concerning Australian law, or international law as it relates to Australia, and should be written for a generalist legal readership. Articles must demonstrate a high standard of legal scholarship and original thinking and be no more than 10,000 words, including footnotes.
Entries will be assessed by a distinguished judging panel nominated by the ALJ General Editor and chaired by ALJ Assistant Editor Professor Katy Barnett of Melbourne University Law School.
For young lawyers considering developing their writing and research credentials, the centenary issue presents an opportunity to contribute to one of Australia’s leading legal journals while gaining recognition for their article.
Submissions close on 11 December 2026.
Intending authors should review the terms and conditions for the ALJ Centenary Prize before submitting their article.
