On April 5, 2008 the National Center for Animal Law and the GW Law SALDF will host the fourth annual Legislative Drafting and Lobbying Competition at the The George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC.

The competition is meant to be a fun and educational opportunity for those students interested in influencing local, state, and federal legislation. Students need not have past experience, and will be provided all of the tools necessary to effectively and successfully participate in the competitions.

Registration will open on February 22, 2008.

Students will draft federal legislation based on a current animal law issue, and will submit their proposed bill and fact sheets via email by April 2, 2008 (at 5:00 p.m. PST).

Students will argue in three preliminary rounds and the top three contestants will move on to a final round, all taking place on Saturday afternoon. Judges will be lobbyists from national animal advocacy organizations with the final round judged by a member of Congress.

During the rounds, students will have to persuade legislators to either sponsor, co-sponsor, or vote for their proposed bill based on their presentations and fact sheets.

The cost of registration is $150 which includes light snacks throughout the day and an evening awards banquet.