The Recording Academy™, in concert with some of the nation’s most prominent entertainment attorneys, established the Entertainment Law Initiative® to promote discussion and debate about the most compelling legal issues facing the music industry today. Now in its 20th year, the program has grown to include a national writing competition, mentor sessions, and a GRAMMY® Week event.
ELI fosters future careers in entertainment law by seeking out the nation’s top law students and giving them invaluable networking and educational opportunities. The ELI writing contest challenges students to identify, research, and write an essay with a proposed solution on a compelling legal issue confronting the music industry. A national panel of music law experts will judge the papers in a blind process to select a winner and a runner up. This contest is open to juris doctorate candidates currently enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school.
The ELI event will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 in New York City and at this function the winner of the ELI Writing Competition will be recognized. This event also features recognition of a top music industry legal figure annually and serves as a key gathering of the industry’s legal and executive community during GRAMMY Week. Further details and ticket information for this event will be announced soon.
In the meantime, law students are encouraged to participate in the ELI Writing Competition to further their knowledge, better connect to the music and legal community and also to get a chance to attend the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards in New York City in 2018.
Paper Submission Deadline:
January 2, 2018, 10 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST).
Winner and Runner-Up Chosen:
January 10, 2018.
ELI Event & Winner Scholarship Presentation, New York City:
January 26, 2018.
Winner will receive (see official ELI Writing Competition rules for complete details):
- $10,000 scholarship
- Two tickets to and recognition on stage at the 20th Annual ELI event taking place January 26, 2018 in New York City
- Two tickets to MusiCares® Person of the Year honoring Fleetwood Mac taking place January 26, 2018 in New York City
- Two tickets to the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards® and official GRAMMY Celebration after-party taking place January 28, 2018 in New York City
- Round-Trip airfare to New York City and hotel accommodations for two to attend these events
One Runner-Up will receive a $2,500 scholarship.
For additional details, including official rules, see the website.