Gavin Howe
Joining a law journal is a great way to expand your knowledge of legal scholarship and engage with the larger legal community. It can help you develop your writing skills and produce a writing sample that stands out. Joining a law journal can also give you a decided advantage in the legal job market. However, it is a significant time commitment, and the write-on process can be grueling. Law students must consider their other commitments and interests before deciding to join a law journal or review.
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of joining a law journal
Joining a law journal can be a great opportunity for students to get involved in legal discourse and gain experience in the field. However, it requires a significant time commitment and might not be the best option for everyone. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to join a law journal:
Pros:
- Experience and Skills: Being part of a law journal provides valuable experience in academic writing, critical thinking, and legal research. It also enhances your understanding of legal topics and improves cite-checking and Blue Book citation skills, which are highly valued by employers.
- Networking and Career Opportunities: Membership in a law journal, especially Law Review, opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities and allows you to build a network of contacts. It is well-regarded by employers and can give you an edge in the job market.
- Shaping Legal Scholarship: As law journals are typically student-run, being on the board gives students a voice in selecting and editing articles, thus influencing legal scholarship and discourse.
Cons:
- Time Commitment: The main downside of joining a law journal is the significant amount of time required, often 15-20 hours or more per week. This time could otherwise be spent on studying, other extracurricular activities, or internships. Balancing journal responsibilities with academic work can be challenging and may impact your grades.
- Competitive and Grueling: The process of joining a law journal, known as "the write-on" process, is highly competitive and demanding. It often involves writing sample articles, editing for citations, and submitting grades.
- Relevance to Interests: If you are not genuinely interested in the journal's topic, it may not be a wise use of your time. It is important to consider your passion for the subject matter and whether the journal aligns with your career path.
Ultimately, the decision to join a law journal depends on your personal circumstances, interests, and time management capabilities. While it offers numerous benefits, it is crucial to carefully consider the commitment involved and ensure it aligns with your goals.
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The write-on process
The write-on competition at Georgetown Law, for example, consists of a case comment and a Bluebook test. Journals also request a separate personal statement and/or resume. Students may only consult limited materials while writing their competition paper, which may include cases, statutes, and commentary. The SMU Dedman School of Law's write-on competition has similar requirements, with the addition of a casenote, which is a 10-12 page scholarly article, and a comment, which is a 40-55 page in-depth scholarly article.
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Time commitment
On average, a law student can expect to dedicate around 40 hours a week to classes, preparation, and attendance. Joining a law journal will typically add an extra 15 to 20 hours of work each week. This time is spent on tasks such as checking citations, editing, and writing articles. For those in leadership positions, such as Editor-in-Chief, the time commitment can be even higher, with an additional 10-20 hours a week.
The process of joining a law journal can also be time-consuming. At the end of their first year, students undergo a "write-on" process, which includes writing a sample article or editing a sample for citations. Students also need to submit their grades, and the grade requirements can be competitive.
While the time commitment is significant, it is important to consider the benefits. Joining a law journal provides opportunities for leadership and allows students to develop their writing skills and legal knowledge. It can also enhance job prospects, demonstrating to employers that the student is dedicated and capable.
Ultimately, the decision to join a law journal or a club should consider the time available, personal interests, and the potential benefits of each option. It is essential to carefully weigh the implications of both choices before making a decision.
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Leadership opportunities
While there is limited information on leadership opportunities in law school clubs, there are several leadership positions available in law journals. Law journals are student-run publications of scholarly articles on the legal system. They offer a great opportunity to learn about a particular area of law that interests you.
Leadership in law journals can also be demonstrated through the editorial process, where members engage with academic legal texts and case law, honing their legal writing skills and contributing to cutting-edge legal scholarship. Members can also take on roles such as Editor or other positions on the editorial board, which can vary based on the journal's structure and requirements.
Furthermore, law journals often provide an avenue for personal and professional development, with many journals offering substantive training and mentorship programs. For example, Harvard Law School's student journals offer mentorship from journal members in leadership positions, who can provide valuable feedback on editing and writing.
In addition to law journals, leadership opportunities can also be found in other law school organizations and clubs. For instance, affinity groups provide a space for students from underrepresented backgrounds to connect and receive mentoring from practitioners. Law schools may also offer pro bono organizations, allowing students to gain hands-on legal experience and make a positive impact while developing their leadership skills.
Outside of the academic setting, senior law firm leaders can enhance their leadership skills through programs such as Harvard Law School's Leadership in Law Firms (LLF). This intensive six-day program is designed for managing partners, department leaders, and C-suite executives to develop the skills and perspectives necessary for effective leadership in the legal profession.
Overall, law students have numerous opportunities to develop their leadership skills both within and beyond academic journals, including through mentorship, organizational strategy, and hands-on legal work.
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Benefits of serving on a law journal
Serving on a law journal can be a great advantage for law students. Firstly, it is an excellent way to gain experience in a particular area of law that interests you. There are hundreds of law journals published each year, covering a wide range of legal topics, from Criminal Law to International Law to Maritime Law. This allows students to explore their specific interests and gain in-depth knowledge in their chosen field.
Secondly, being a member of a law journal provides valuable academic and writing experience, as well as practice in critical thinking and analytical skills. Students can develop their research and writing abilities by writing notes, articles, and editing sample pieces, which can enhance their legal writing and help them stand out to prospective employers. The rigorous process of checking and editing citations, questioning ideas, and structuring arguments translates into improved legal practice.
Another benefit is the opportunity for leadership development and networking. Students can work their way up to editor or editorial board positions, gaining valuable leadership experience and demonstrating their dedication and initiative. Furthermore, law journals provide a platform to connect with other students, alumni, and legal professionals, fostering a sense of community and offering networking opportunities that can be beneficial for future career collaborations.
Lastly, serving on a law journal can enhance a student's resume and open doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Many employers in the legal field highly regard journal membership, and it is often considered second only to GPA in terms of importance when applying for legal jobs. It demonstrates a student's ability to juggle multiple tasks, a trait that is highly valued in the legal profession.
While serving on a law journal requires a significant time commitment, the benefits can be invaluable for personal and professional growth, providing a competitive edge in the job market and a deeper understanding of the legal field.
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Frequently asked questions
Joining a law journal can bolster your law school experience and give you an advantage in the legal job market. It can also help you develop your writing skills and produce a writing sample that stands out. Additionally, it can provide you with leadership opportunities and help you expand your knowledge of legal scholarship and engage with the larger legal community.
The main drawback of joining a law journal is the significant time commitment required. Most journals demand at least 15 to 20 hours of work each week, which could otherwise be spent studying, volunteering, or engaging in other law school activities.
The process of joining a law journal typically involves a "write-on" process, which includes writing a sample article or editing a sample article for correct citations. Some journals may also require you to submit your grades, with more competitive journals having stricter grade requirements.
