Keith Mack
A law review note is a work of legal scholarship written by law students, generally during their second year of study and their first year as a member of a law journal. Notes are typically between 10,000 and 20,000 words long, including footnotes, and they can be on any topic as long as it is related to the law and has not already been published. The length of a note may vary depending on the law school and its specific guidelines, but generally, notes should be around 35-40 pages in double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font. It is important to focus on the originality of the note and ensure that it moves legal discussion forward, even if it has been examined by other scholars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum word count | 10,000 |
| Maximum word count | 14,000-20,000 |
| Average word count | 12,000-17,000 |
| Page count | 33-40 (double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font) |
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What You'll Learn
Law review notes are typically 10-20k words
The length of a law review article can vary, ranging from 20,000 to 45,000 words, with an average length of 25,000 to 30,000 words, including footnotes. However, a law review note typically falls within the range of 10,000 to 20,000 words. This length is much more manageable for students, who usually write these notes during their second year of law school.
While the content and quality of a note are the most important factors, its length can also play a role in its effectiveness. Notes that are too lengthy may lose the interest of readers, especially given the abundance of legal scholarship available. Therefore, it is generally recommended that notes stay within the 10,000 to 14,000-word range, including footnotes. This translates to approximately 35 to 40 pages of double-spaced text in 12-point Times New Roman font, a common formatting requirement for law journals.
It is worth noting that different law schools and journals may have varying definitions and expectations for "notes" and "articles". Some schools may use these terms interchangeably, while others may differentiate between them based on factors such as word count, author affiliation, or the depth of literature review. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the specific guidelines and formatting specifications of the target law journal, including margins, spacing, font, font size, and required number of pages.
To ensure a note's effectiveness, it is crucial to focus on its structure and content. A well-structured note typically includes an introduction, objective portion, subjective portion, and conclusion. The introduction is particularly important as it sets the tone and captures the selection committee's interest. Additionally, the note should aim to advance legal scholarship, make detailed arguments, and provide persuasive evidence for each conclusion. By following these guidelines and seeking feedback from editorial boards and advisors, students can improve their chances of successful note submissions.
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Notes should be original, advancing an area of legal scholarship
The length of a law review note varies across institutions, but generally, they range from 10,000 to 20,000 words. The Yale Law Journal defines a Note as a work of legal scholarship that "should advance a particular area of legal scholarship beyond its current state". Advancing an area of legal scholarship involves making a detailed argument and providing persuasive evidence for each conclusion.
To ensure that a note advances legal scholarship, it is important to choose a unique and current topic. While it is not necessary to find a completely unexplored topic, it is crucial to approach a chosen theme from a fresh perspective. For instance, Hayden Johnson's note in the Georgetown Law Journal discusses "the recent applications of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act to a certain subset of election laws". This topic addresses a current issue and advances legal scholarship by delving into a specific aspect of the law.
When selecting a topic, it is advisable to conduct thorough research on recent developments, such as lower court cases, scholarship from top academics, and discussions on social media. This preliminary investigation will help in evaluating the viability of the topic and ensuring its relevance. Additionally, seeking guidance from professors or advisors can provide valuable insights and direction.
To advance legal scholarship, it is also essential to have a solid understanding of the existing legal authorities and scholarship related to the topic. This foundation will enable the identification of gaps or areas that require further exploration. For example, Ari B. Rubin, another author published in the Georgetown Law Journal, likely conducted extensive research on "the President, the Final Three Months, and Emergency Powers" before writing their note. This deep understanding of the subject matter allowed them to contribute original insights to the existing body of knowledge.
In conclusion, advancing an area of legal scholarship involves a combination of selecting a current and unique topic, conducting thorough research, and building upon existing legal authorities. By following these steps, law students can create meaningful contributions to the field of law and enhance their academic experience.
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Notes are works of legal scholarship written by law students
The process of writing a note is a valuable experience for law students, allowing them to develop their academic writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of the law. It can also be a highlight of their law school experience, providing an opportunity to work closely with respected professors and engage in academic discussions.
When writing a note, it is essential to choose a relevant and original topic that contributes to the existing legal scholarship. While the topic should be unique, it is more important to approach it from a fresh perspective and ensure that it helps move the legal discussion forward. Early-stage topics can be a good option, but students should be aware that finding support for their arguments may be more challenging.
The length of a law review note can vary, but it is generally recommended to be between 10,000 and 20,000 words, including footnotes. Some publications strongly discourage notes longer than 14,000 words, while others set a maximum length of 15,500 words without prior approval. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and formatting specifications of the target law journal or publication.
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Notes are generally written during a student's 2L year
Notes are generally written by law students during their second year of study, when they are also first joining a law journal. Notes are works of legal scholarship that should advance a particular area of legal scholarship beyond its current state, make a detailed argument, and provide persuasive evidence for each of their conclusions.
The process of writing a note can be a long one, with one student at Georgetown Law, Hayden Johnson, taking two and a half years to publish their note. Johnson's process involved reading and compiling detailed notes on relevant Supreme Court cases and scholarship from top academics in the field. They also followed relevant blogs and practitioners/academics on Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest discussions. Johnson's note was selected for publication in the law journal for which they were a member.
Students interested in writing a note should be aware that the process can be challenging but rewarding. It is important to choose a topic that is of general and current interest, and to approach it from a unique angle. While it is not necessary to find a completely original topic, it is crucial to ensure that your note advances legal discussion and is not a "knockoff" of another paper.
The length of a note can vary, but it is generally recommended to be between 10,000 and 14,000 words, including footnotes. Some sources suggest that notes can be longer, up to 20,000 words or more, but it is important to check the specific guidelines of the law journal or review to which you are submitting.
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Notes should be submitted electronically and in hard copy
When submitting a law review note, it is important to adhere to the guidelines specified by the journal to which you are submitting. Most law reviews prefer or require electronic submissions, with some also requesting a hard copy in addition to the digital version. This ensures that your note can be easily accessed and reviewed by the editorial team.
Submitting your note electronically is often the first step in the process. Law reviews usually provide specific instructions on their websites or submission portals regarding the accepted file formats, commonly including Word or PDF documents. Following these guidelines is crucial to ensure your note is properly received and considered for publication.
The hard copy submission is typically a supplementary requirement to the electronic version. This involves printing out your note and submitting a physical copy, often accompanied by a cover letter and any other required documentation. This step may vary depending on the law review's preferences, as some might request multiple hard copies, while others might not require any at all. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the submission guidelines of your target law review before submitting.
By providing both electronic and hard copy submissions, you increase the accessibility and visibility of your work. The electronic version allows for easy sharing and reviewing by the editorial team, while the hard copy ensures a tangible presence and adherence to traditional academic practices. This two-pronged approach demonstrates your flexibility and willingness to cater to the journal's preferences, increasing the chances of your note being considered and published.
In summary, when submitting a law review note, it is important to follow the specific instructions provided by the law review. By submitting your note electronically and in hard copy, you ensure that your work can be easily accessed and considered, adhering to modern digital practices while also respecting traditional academic procedures. This demonstrates your professionalism and adaptability as a contributor.
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Frequently asked questions
The recommended length for a law review note is between 10,000 and 14,000 words, including footnotes. However, some sources suggest that a law review note can be anywhere between 10,000 and 20,000 words.
Yes, notes longer than a certain word count may require prior approval. For example, the Virginia Law Review discourages notes longer than 14,000 words and requires approval for notes longer than 15,500 words.
It is important to focus on the originality of your note and ensure it moves legal discussion forward. Avoid redundancy and aim for a unique angle or perspective. Additionally, follow the formatting specifications of your law journal, including margins, spacing, font, and font size, to ensure your note adheres to the length requirements.
