October 23, 2026

Halloween in the legal community is not just about spooky decorations and candy; it's also about showcasing creativity through costumes that make a statement. Above the Law (ATL) invites law students and legal professionals to break free from their hefty casebooks and flaunt their innovative ideas in the 17th Annual Legally Themed Halloween Costume Contest.
Over the years, ATL has celebrated the holiday with an array of imaginative and legally inspired costumes. Some of the notable past winners include the Donald J. Trump College of Law (2016), Brett Kavanaugh’s calendar accompanied by his beer (2018), and the adorable Ruth Baby Ginsburg (2020). More recent winners have included Warhol’s Soup Law (2023), RFK Jr. & Severed Whale Head (2024), and the futuristic Lady Justice, 2025 A.D. (2025). These entries not only entertained but also highlighted the participants' deep engagement with current and historical legal narratives.
This year, the competition promises to be as exhilarating as ever. Participants are encouraged to dive deep into their legal knowledge and popular culture acumen to create costumes that will impress and amuse. Whether it’s a pun-intended play on legal terms or a character portrayal of famous legal figures, the possibilities are endless.
To enter the contest, participants should email their costume photos to ATL or text them to the provided number. The community of readers, along with the ATL team, will then cast their votes to crown this year's winner. The excitement around the submissions grows each year, and the anticipation to see new creative costumes adds a fun, competitive spirit to the Halloween celebrations.
As the submissions begin to roll in, ATL looks forward to the innovative ways law students and professionals will interpret legal themes. It’s a refreshing break from the usual rigors of legal studies and work, providing a platform for artistic expression and light-hearted fun.
Remember, the deadline for submissions is fast approaching, so get your costumes ready. We can't wait to judge the ingenious ways you celebrate the spirit of Halloween and the law!