Above the Law Launches 17th Annual Legal Halloween Costume Contest
The legal publication invites students and professionals to submit creative law-themed costume entries.
1Annual Tradition Returns
Above the Law has officially opened submissions for its seventeenth annual legally themed Halloween costume contest. This long-standing tradition invites lawyers and law students to showcase their creativity by dressing up in outfits inspired by legal concepts or figures. The publication aims to highlight the lighter side of the legal profession.
2Historical Winning Themes
Past winners have featured diverse and topical subjects reflecting the cultural zeitgeist of their respective years. Notable past entries include the 2016 Donald J. Trump College of Law, the 2018 Brett Kavanaugh calendar, and the 2020 Ruth Baby Ginsburg costume. Recent winners include 2023's Warhol Soup Law and the 2024 RFK Jr. whale head.
3Submission Process Details
Interested participants are encouraged to submit their costume photographs as soon as possible to be considered for the competition. Submissions can be sent directly to the editorial team via email or through text message at 646-820-8477. The publication staff will then review all entries to determine the final contest winner.
4Target Audience Engagement
The contest specifically targets members of the legal community, including practicing attorneys and current law students. By encouraging participation from these groups, the platform fosters a sense of community and shared humor within a high-pressure industry. It serves as a creative outlet for those typically buried in dense legal textbooks.
5Editorial Team Oversight
Managing editor Staci Zaretsky, who has been with Above the Law since 2011, is overseeing the collection of entries. Zaretsky remains active across multiple social media platforms, including Bluesky, X, and Threads, where she engages with the legal community. She welcomes tips, questions, and critiques regarding the contest or general industry news.
6Professional Contextualization
While the contest focuses on holiday festivities, it operates within the broader context of the legal media landscape. The publication balances these lighthearted community engagement efforts with serious industry reporting, such as discussions on Biglaw firm management and operational inefficiencies. This blend keeps the audience engaged across various professional and social topics.
7Operational Efficiency Note
The publication also addresses technical challenges within personal injury law firms, specifically the issue of fragmented case management tools. They argue that purchasing new software often fails to solve connectivity problems. Instead, they advocate for unified systems that track cases from the initial accident report through to the final legal resolution.
8Significance of Participation
This annual event serves as a unique barometer for how the legal community perceives current events and pop culture. By transforming complex legal or political figures into costumes, participants engage in a form of social commentary. The contest remains a staple for the publication, reinforcing its role as a community-focused legal news outlet.
Original article: Above the Law — Above the Law Launches 17th Annual Legal Halloween Costume Contest