Applying To Law Review: A Comprehensive Guide

Law Review is a prestigious student-run journal that publishes articles written by law professors, judges, and other legal professionals. It is an excellent opportunity for law students to boost their resumes and gain valuable experience in legal research and writing. The application process for Law Review typically involves a write-on competition and a review of first-year grades. Students are invited to join Law Review following their first year of law school, and the competition usually takes place after spring semester final exams. The competition may include writing an article, editing an article, or completing a Bluebook exercise to correct legal citations. In addition to the write-on competition, some schools may also consider personal statements, diversity of opinion, life experience, and writing quality when selecting candidates. While membership in Law Review is not a requirement for a career in law, it is highly valued by employers and can provide a significant advantage in the job market.

Understand the application process

The application process for joining a law review can be competitive and demanding. Membership is often considered prestigious and can be a significant boost to your academic pedigree and future career.

Most law schools have a "main" law review, such as the Harvard Law Review, which covers a wide variety of legal subjects. In addition, most schools also have several other law journals that focus on specific areas of law, such as the Stanford Environmental Law Journal or the Columbia Journal of Tax Law.

Each school's process for selecting law review staff differs, but generally, students join in their second year of law school, and applications take place towards the end of the first year. Some schools also allow third-year students to apply.

The application process typically involves a writing competition, sometimes referred to as "writing-on," which may include a casenote, an article analysing a discrete legal topic, or a Bluebook exercise, where students are required to correct legal citations. Some schools also consider first-year grades or a combination of grades and writing competition results.

The writing competition can be demanding and time-consuming, requiring serious research and analytical skills. It is important to pay close attention to detail, follow instructions, and manage your time effectively.

In addition to the writing component, some law reviews also require a personal statement and a voluntary personal information form as part of the application process. These allow applicants to share information about their life experiences, work experiences, and areas of legal interest.

Once the applications are submitted, they are graded anonymously by members of the law review or the editorial board. The highest-scoring applicants are then invited to join the law review.

It is important to note that the application process may vary depending on the law school and the specific law review or journal. It is advisable to check with your school and the particular law review you are interested in for specific application requirements and processes.

Prepare for the writing competition

The writing competition is a crucial step in the process of joining a law review. Here are some tips to help you prepare and maximise your chances of success:

• Familiarise yourself with The Bluebook: The Bluebook is a style guide for legal citation. It is essential to demonstrate your knowledge of The Bluebook during the editing portion of the competition. Familiarise yourself with the different sections and consider using colour-coded tabs or the online version to make it easier to navigate.
• Pay attention to instructions: Read the instructions for the competition carefully and follow them to the letter. Attention to detail is a crucial skill for a law review staff member, and graders will look for adherence to instructions when evaluating submissions.
• Review all materials before writing: Before you start writing, take time to read and understand all the materials provided. Take notes, highlight important sections, and create an outline to organise your thoughts. This will help you write a well-thought-out and organised piece.
• Proofread multiple times: Aim for perfection in your submission by proofreading your work multiple times. Focus on different aspects during each review, such as grammatical errors or footnotes, and consider taking a break before your final proofread to gain a fresh perspective.
• Start early: Don't leave your submission to the last minute. The writing competition process can be time-consuming, so manage your time effectively and plan your schedule accordingly. Treat it like a full-time job and set regular hours for yourself each day.
• Manage your environment: Ensure you have a quiet and distraction-free environment to work in. If necessary, consider changing your location or postponing other commitments to minimise distractions and give yourself the best chance of success.
• Have a backup plan: Technology can be unpredictable, so always have a backup plan in case of computer glitches or printer issues. Back up your work regularly and allow for contingencies in your schedule to avoid last-minute stress.

Know what to expect if accepted

If you are accepted onto a law review, you will be joining an elite club. Membership is a high honour and a coveted credential that future employers will look for. It is a major boost to your academic pedigree and a signal of your intelligence, perseverance, and keen legal abilities.

As a member, you will spend a lot of time doing legal research, writing, and editing. You will also be expected to contribute a 'note' or a lengthy essay arguing a legal point. This will be a hefty project, requiring serious work and commitment. You will also have to complete production assignments, which usually involve tedious tasks such as editing citations and finding sources. All in all, you can expect to spend around 10 hours per week on law review assignments.

The workload can be demanding, especially as you approach publication deadlines. However, it is important to remember that the skills you learn will be invaluable as a young attorney and will make you a much more attractive candidate for legal job opportunities.

Being on a law review also gives you the chance to work with other students in a team setting, which can be a great support system as you navigate the challenges of law school.

If you are ambitious, you may even consider running for a position on the Executive Board in your third year. This will give you added responsibility and variety, as well as the opportunity to mentor junior students.

Overall, while being on a law review can be challenging and time-consuming, it is an excellent opportunity to develop important skills, boost your resume, and connect with other students. It is definitely worth the effort!

Be aware of the time commitment

Joining a law review is a significant time commitment. The workload is heavy, especially in the fall semester, and it is recommended that students take a lighter course load to accommodate the demands of the review. Students are advised to avoid time-consuming academic activities such as externships, qualifying writing courses, clinics, and other similar activities.

Law review members are expected to put in a considerable number of hours each week, with most junior staff members working between 10 and 15 hours regularly and occasionally an additional 5 to 10 hours when deadlines are approaching. This will likely impact a student's ability to participate in internships or clinical programs. Additionally, law review members may be required to return to school earlier than their peers to attend orientation and training.

The application process for law review can also be time-consuming and intensive. At some schools, the application process includes multiple components such as a letter of intent, a personal statement, a written legal research memorandum, and a technical component relating to formal legal citations.

Once accepted, law review members have assigned weekly office hours in addition to their writing responsibilities. They are also required to write publishable articles, known as Case Comments and Notes, which must be heavily footnoted and adhere to specific formatting and style requirements. These articles can be lengthy, ranging from 20 to 55 pages, and are in addition to any other coursework or commitments.

It is important for prospective applicants to carefully consider the time commitment required for law review and ensure they can balance it with their other responsibilities. While it is a valuable experience that can enhance career prospects, it is crucial to be mindful of the demands and plan accordingly.

Learn about the benefits

Law Review membership is a prestigious credential that can give your legal career a significant boost. It is highly valued by employers and can make your resume stand out from the crowd. Here are some reasons why joining Law Review is worth considering:

• Improved employability: Law firms take Law Review membership seriously and often consider it a key credential when hiring. It demonstrates your writing and editing skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, commitment, time management, and legal knowledge.
• Networking and connections: Membership in Law Review provides opportunities to connect with other students, professors, judges, and legal professionals. These connections can be valuable throughout your career and may even lead to future job opportunities.
• Enhanced skills: As a Law Review member, you will spend a significant amount of time conducting legal research, writing, and editing. These skills are highly valued by employers and will make you a more competent and attractive candidate for legal positions.
• Personal development: Law Review challenges you to think critically about legal topics and develop your analytical abilities. It provides an opportunity to explore cutting-edge legal issues and contribute to the advancement of the law.
• Publication opportunities: As a Law Review member, you will have the chance to publish your own legal research and writing. This can be a rewarding experience and set you apart from your peers.
• Leadership roles: Law Review often offers leadership positions that allow you to gain valuable experience in managing a publication, mentoring junior members, and making strategic decisions. These roles can enhance your resume and provide valuable skills for your future career.
• Lifelong benefit: Law Review membership is often considered a lifelong affiliation. It remains relevant throughout your legal career and can be a valuable addition to your professional bio, even as a seasoned partner at a law firm.

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