2026 Lincoln Award Legal Writing Contest Winners Announced

The 2026 first place winner of the Lincoln Award Legal Writing Contest is Caroline A. Veniero, Washington, DC, who wrote “Deposing the Top Dog: The Apex Doctrine in Illinois Federal and State Courts.” Her article appeared in the February issue of the Illinois Bar Journal.

In second place is Cis Jake A. Leahy, Chicago, who wrote “Artificial Intelligence Concerns: Confidentiality, Work Product, and Waiver. Are Lawyers and Non-Lawyers on an Even Playing Field?”

Third place goes to Mohini Lal, West Chicago, for “Karina’s Law: Information and Advice for Civil Practitioners.”

The first, second, and third-place winners received $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000, respectively. They were among 29 manuscripts submitted in the 2026 contest, which was sponsored by the ISBA Young Lawyers Division and open to YLD lawyer members.

Contest judges included Justice Debra B. Walker, Chicago; Hon. Joseph C. Pedersen, Sycamore; Hon. Andrew J. Gleeson, Belleville; Mark R. McKenna, Chicago; and Jennifer L Hansen, Northbrook.

Details about the 2027 Lincoln Award Legal Writing Contest have been announced on the Contest's webpage.

Congratulations to the 2026 Lincoln Award Legal Writing Contest winners!