Ryan Martin, a 2023 graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law, has been awarded the 2024 Burton Award for his paper "The Sincere Parody: Analysis of the Copyright Implications of an Emerging Trend in Musical Theatre." The prestigious award will be presented to him on May 19, 2025.
The Burton Awards annually recognize outstanding legal writing by selecting the top 15 law school writers nominated by leading U.S. law schools. These awards are organized in collaboration with the Library of Congress and co-sponsored by the American Bar Association and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.
Martin served as notes and comments editor for the Chicago-Kent Law Review and was part of the winning team in Chicago-Kent’s Moot Court Honor Society. He also gained experience through an externship with Associate Judge Allen P. Walker at the Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County.
Currently, Martin is practicing with Sidley Austin LLP's Labor, Employment, and Immigration team, focusing on employment-related advice and counsel. Before attending Chicago-Kent, he studied theatre at Northwestern University School of Communication.
The Burton Awards were founded in 1999 by William C. Burton from Sagat | Burton LLP to honor significant achievements in law across various categories including writing, reform, public service, military service, executive government roles, and lifetime accomplishments.
This marks the first time a Chicago-Kent alumnus has received this award.