As a former History Prof, when I review writing contest entries, I am always impressed by a relevant and illustrative historical reference. Alex Lonnett, this year’s Writing Contest winner, began his paper on “Employee Waivers of the Right to Sue Third Party Tortfeasors” with this prefix: “Tales of trouble like these are worth telling, as they reveal the spirit of the people who suffered.”
That was a quote from Crystal Eastman, a progressive era lawyer whose 1910 report, “Work Accidents and the Law” on Pittsburgh labor conditions help set the stage for the first workers’ compensation law (which she drafted in New York state). Alex followed this eloquent beginning with a compelling argument that employee waivers were void as against public policy.
One of the symposium speakers at our annual conference posed this question: “Where will we find the next Crystal Eastman?” The answer, perhaps, is among our contest entrants (several of whom, by the way, are pursuing careers as workers’ compensation lawyers. I should also note that several winners, like Alex, are former students of Judge David Torrey, the College Board Secretary who also teaches Workers’ Comp at Pitt Law School.). So, on behalf of the College and the Writing Committee, I am pleased to announce the Law Student Writing Contest First Prize to Alex Lonnett. Alex received a $2000 prize, and his law school (Pitt) received $1000. In addition to posting on the College website, Alex’s essay will be published in the Work Injury Law and Advocacy Group national magazine Workers First Watch and the National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary Newsletter (edited by College Board member Luanne Haley) and an additional podcast posted by Board member Alan Pierce.
The Second Place winner was Zach Hadler of Missouri Law School. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who participated.
Tom Domer