Help shape how the public understands the Constitution.

We’re inviting leading voices in law and media to serve as judges for the Rights in Reel Time Challenge — a national video contest where law students transform constitutional principles into powerful, 90-second stories anyone can understand.

become a judge for the rights in reel time challenge

About the Challenge

The Rights in Reel Time Challenge is a nonpartisan national contest for law students. Participants create short videos that explain constitutional rights — particularly the First and Fourth Amendments — in ways that are accurate, engaging, and accessible to the public.

Our goal is simple: to help bridge the gap between the language of the law and the people it serves.

 

What JUDGES WILL Do

  • Evaluate the finalists — Watch and score about a dozen short (60–90-second) videos using an easy online form.

  • Offer insight — Judges may share brief remarks (on video or in writing) about what makes strong public legal storytelling.

  • Optional virtual finale — A one-hour online conversation where judges discuss the top entries and announce winners.

 

Time Commitment

We know your time is valuable — this role is designed to be focused, flexible, and efficient.

Total time: ~5–8 hours between January 7–26

  • Onboarding: One 45-minute briefing + rubric walk-through

  • Scoring: Review 12–18 finalist videos (60–90 seconds each) using an easy online rubric (~3 hours, on your own schedule)

  • Light social promo: Two short posts during the contest and one announcing winners — we provide all copy and graphics.

  • Finals panel (optional): One 45–60-minute live virtual discussion with fellow judges.

Everything else — logistics, judging portal, captions, and scheduling — we handle.

I'm interested in becoming a judge!
 

Visibility & Impact

Judges receive meaningful visibility across national, legal, and digital platforms.

  • Featured by name as a Head Judge or Judge in all press releases, website listings, social graphics, and post-event recaps.

  • Media kit + co-branded assets provided for easy sharing, with posts cross-promoted across L4GG’s channels (125k+ lawyers, 100k+ private FB community), partner networks, and student orgs.

  • Press lift: Our contracted PR team will pitch the initiative to national and legal media, including confirmed judges by name in embargoed press materials.

  • Uplifting judges’ work: We’ll spotlight judges’ books, podcasts, projects, and upcoming events through our network to amplify their broader impact.

The stories you help elevate will reach thousands of students, advocates, and everyday viewers learning about their rights for the first time. This isn’t just about a contest — it’s about strengthening how the nation understands its own Constitution.

Yes, I want to help shape this!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • As a nonprofit with limited resources, we’re unable to offer payment for being a judge, but we are offering visibility and impact. Judges will be featured in L4GG’s press outreach, social media, and our 125,000-member network — amplifying your work and your voice.

  • We anticipate that this role will take about 5-8 hours between January 7–26. The process is simple and flexible.

  • Yes. We’ll list you on the Rights in Reel Time Challenge webpage and in press materials. You’ll approve your title and photo before anything goes live.

  • Disclose it so that we are aware— for example, if you’re affiliated with a law school. However, all entries will be judged blind so that your conflicts will not be a problem.

  • We use a clear rubric covering constitutional grounding, factual accuracy, clarity for a general audience, and creativity in presentation.

  • Please do. We’ll send you social graphics and sample language to spread the word.

  • Yes. L4GG’s PR team will pitch the contest to national and legal outlets, and confirmed judges will be included in all press assets.

 

Contest Hosted By:

  • Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of 125,000 lawyers, law students, and advocates in the fight for justice. We identify where lawyers can make the greatest impact and mobilize them to defend democracy and the rule of law, protect civil and human rights, and advance environmental justice through coordinated legal action and advocacy efforts that create meaningful change for all Americans.

  • Tidal Water Consulting strengthens community through Restorative Justice practices and development of civic engagement programs and curricula.

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