Bring the Constitution to life — in 90 seconds.

The Rights in Reel Time Challenge invites law students nationwide to create short, powerful videos that make constitutional rights clear, compelling, and relevant today.

Join our info session on 12/17
SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO TODAY!

About the Challenge

Hosted by Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), this nonpartisan national competition is designed to raise awareness about the rule of law through storytelling.

We’re looking for 60–90 second videos that explain civil liberties protected by the Bill of Rights — with special emphasis on the First and Fourth Amendments — and how those rights shape life in modern America.

Your video can be informative, dramatic, funny, or creative — as long as it’s accurate, accessible, and unforgettable.

📅 Opens: November 24, 2025
⏰ Deadline: January 5, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
💰 Prizes: 🥇$3,000, 🥈 $1,250, 🥉 $750

 

Who Can Enter

  • Open to law students currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. law school.

  • Teams of up to three students are allowed, but each team may only submit once.

  • Must be 18 years or older.

ENTER THE CONTEST!
 

Judging & Selection

All videos will be evaluated blindly by a panel of legal experts, journalists, and educators using a detailed rubric.

Judges will assess entries based on:

  • Constitutional Foundation – Understanding of key principles, amendments, or precedents

  • Accuracy – Factual correctness and credible sourcing

  • Educational Value – Clear and accessible explanation of legal concepts

  • Creativity & Engagement – Strong storytelling that keeps viewers interested

  • Clarity & Quality – Organized presentation, clear visuals, and audio

Finalists and winners will be announced publicly in late January 2026.

 

Why Participate

  • Win up to $3,000 in cash prizes

  • Get featured nationally on L4GG’s platforms and social media (125k+ lawyers, advocates, and students)

  • Contribute to public understanding of constitutional rights

  • Add to your portfolio with a professional, impactful project that blends law and storytelling

PARTICIPATE IN THE RIGHTS IN REEL TIME CHALLENGE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Submissions open November 24 and close January 5 at 11:59 pm.

  • Please see the official rules here.

  • Between 60 and 90 seconds. Videos longer or shorter may be disqualified.

  • No — phone cameras are fine! Focus on clarity, creativity, and substance.

  • All submissions are judged blindly using a comprehensive scoring rubric that evaluates constitutional understanding, accuracy, clarity, and creativity.

  • Yes — you may collaborate with up to two other law students on one submission.

  • Winners will be notified by email and announced publicly. Your video will be featured on L4GG’s website and social media channels.

  • No. The contest is completely free to enter.

  • Yes, if the content is original and meets all contest requirements.

 

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.

  • The Task Force for American Democracy is a nonprofit organization created to help halt our nation’s dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.  We work to activate America’s lawyers and bar associations to fulfill their oath to uphold the Constitution and defend the rule of law, freedom of the press, and democratic norms—in the courtroom and in their communities—so that everyone plays by the same rules.

  • Alliance for Justice (AFJ) stands as the premier nonprofit organization committed to fortifying the progressive movement through its unwavering focus on federal and state courts and building power by providing unique resources to maximize nonprofits’ advocacy capacity. With a membership of over 135 partner organizations, AFJ represents a diverse and powerful array of groups united in their dedication to progressive values and the transformative goal of reshaping the judiciary for the betterment of all. The recent election has only underscored the critical nature of AFJ’s mission, highlighting the urgent need for a fair and impartial court system and progressive nonprofit sector that upholds the rights and freedoms of all Americans.

  • The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) is the nation’s foremost progressive legal organization, with a diverse nationwide network that includes nearly 250 student and lawyer chapters, and progressive lawyers, students, judges, scholars, elected officials, and advocates. Our mission is to support and advocate for laws and legal systems that redress the founding failures of our Constitution, strengthen our democratic legitimacy, uphold the rule of law, and realize the promise of equality for all, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and other historically excluded communities.

📩 Ready to enter?

ENTER THE CHALLENGE TODAY