Becoming A Law Review Editor: Strategies For Success

Becoming a law review editor is a highly sought-after position that can be a stepping stone to a career in law. Law reviews are entirely student-run journals that publish articles written by law professors, judges, and other legal professionals. They are highly regarded in the legal community and can provide valuable experience and connections for those seeking a career in law.

The process of becoming a law review editor typically involves a combination of academic merit and a writing competition. Students who excel in their first year of law school may be invited to join the law review, while others may have to submit drafts and undergo a writing competition. The competition usually involves writing a casenote or a critical piece about a given topic within a specified time frame.

Being a law review editor is a prestigious position that requires dedication, time commitment, and strong writing and editing skills. Editors are responsible for selecting articles, assigning work to staff members, and ensuring the quality and accuracy of the content. It is a challenging but rewarding role that can enhance one's resume and open doors to various career opportunities in the legal field.

Understand the selection process

The selection process for joining a law review typically takes place towards the end of the first year of law school and relies on two main factors: your first-year grades and a writing competition. Some schools also consider personal statements.

Different law reviews weigh these factors differently. Some consider grades alone, while others focus on the writing competition. Many schools use a combination of these factors.

The writing competition, sometimes referred to as 'writing-on', typically involves producing an essay about a recent court of appeals judgment. This usually needs to be completed within a couple of weeks and requires an initial level of research to get to know the substantive law. The process is anonymous and assessed by members of the law review.

Some law reviews also offer membership to those who submit a note worthy of publishing.

Develop strong writing skills

Developing Strong Writing Skills

Writing is a crucial skill for aspiring law review editors. The ability to write clearly, effectively, and persuasively is essential for success in this role. Here are some tips to help you develop strong writing skills and increase your chances of becoming a law review editor:

Understand the Basics

Start by mastering the fundamentals of legal writing. Familiarize yourself with the structure and format of legal documents, including the proper use of legal citations and references. The Bluebook, a style guide for legal citation, is an essential resource for law review editors. Learn the conventions and rules outlined in the Bluebook to ensure your writing is accurate and conforms to the required standards.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Writing is a skill that improves with practice. Dedicate time to writing regularly, whether it's drafting legal briefs, memorandums, or analytical papers. Seek out writing opportunities within your law school, such as contributing to a law journal or participating in writing competitions. The more you write, the more comfortable you will become with the process, and the easier it will be to refine your skills.

Develop a Systematic Approach

Strong writing skills require a systematic approach to constructing an argument. Learn how to identify the key issues, conduct thorough research, and analyze relevant laws and precedents. Develop your critical thinking abilities to evaluate and interpret legal information effectively. Organize your thoughts in a logical and coherent manner to build persuasive arguments.

Edit and Revise

Editing and revising your work is an essential part of the writing process. Learn to review your writing critically and identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to grammar, syntax, and clarity. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives and suggestions for enhancement. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your writing.

Study Successful Examples

Read and analyze successful legal writings, such as published articles in reputable law reviews or journals. Study the structure, language, and arguments presented in these examples. Identify the techniques and strategies employed by experienced legal writers and incorporate them into your own work.

Write with Precision and Attention to Detail

Legal writing requires a high level of precision and attention to detail. Strive for clarity and accuracy in your writing. Avoid vague or ambiguous language, and ensure your arguments are well-supported by relevant legal authorities. Develop your ability to identify and address potential weaknesses in your arguments. Remember, law review editors are expected to produce work that meets the highest standards of quality and accuracy.

Developing strong writing skills is a continuous process that requires dedication and persistence. By following these tips and consistently working on improving your writing, you will enhance your chances of becoming a successful law review editor.

Learn about the role's time commitment

Learn about the roles and time commitment

The time commitment for law review is significant. Editors are expected to juggle their editorial duties with their regular law school workload, which can be demanding and time-consuming. It is important for editors to prioritise and maintain a balance between their law review responsibilities and their academic studies.

The role of editors in their first year as 2Ls often involves citation checking, a tedious but essential component of the editing process. Editors in their second year as 3Ls may take on more senior roles with added responsibility and variety, such as selecting pieces to be included in the journal and making substantial edits. These senior roles demand even more time and dedication.

The process of becoming a law review editor typically begins with a selection process at the end of the first year of law school. This process may include a writing competition, where candidates are given a court of appeals judgment and asked to produce an analytical essay within a specified timeframe. Those who are selected then join the law review staff in their second year. Editors for the following year are chosen by the current editorial staff, usually through an application and interview process.

The time commitment for law review editors can be overwhelming, but it is a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth. Editors gain experience in critical thinking, writing, editing, and collaboration. They also develop important skills such as attention to detail, time management, and coordination with others. The prestige associated with law review is recognised and valued by legal employers, making it a worthwhile endeavour for those aspiring to pursue a career in law.

Know the different editor positions

There are about fifteen elected positions on a law review, which comprise the executive board (or e-board). These include:

• Editor-in-Chief (EIC): Handles the big picture stuff, such as setting year-long priorities for the journal, making sure the journal's style guide is up to date, handling conflicts, and setting the publication schedule for the journal's articles. The EIC is a significant time commitment and candidates should have served in some masthead capacity in their 2L year.
• Managing Editor: Responsible for assigning source collections to Staff Writers and for checking every citation in an article. Their job is essentially one long Bluebook exercise.
• Executive Articles Editor: Read through articles submitted by outside authors and select the articles that will be published by the journal. They also supervise the edit of those articles.
• Articles Editor: The primary editors for articles submitted by outside authors. They ensure that citations are in the correct format, help find missing citations, and make sure the article conforms to the style guide.
• Senior Editor: Perform similar tasks to Articles Editors but for Staff Writers' Comments and Notes. They also provide bigger-picture recommendations, like moving paragraphs and addressing counter-arguments.

Other positions on a law review include:

• Line Editors (non-masthead)
• Article Editors
• Symposium Editor
• Digest Executive Editor
• Notes & Comments Editor
• Operations Editor
• Outreach Editors
• Speakers Editors
• Communications Editor
• Submissions Managers
• Production Editors
• Technology Editors

Be aware of the benefits

Being a law review editor has many benefits, from improving your writing skills to expanding your professional network. Here are some advantages to consider:

Improved Writing and Editing Skills

Law review editors gain valuable experience in writing, editing, and citation. The process of crafting lengthy analytical papers, notes, and comments enhances your legal writing abilities and critical thinking skills. You learn to apply a high level of precision, technical discipline, and attention to detail to your work. This level of precision is essential in legal writing and can set you apart from other applicants when applying for jobs.

Enhanced Employability

Law review experience is highly valued by legal employers, including prestigious law firms and judges looking to hire clerks. It demonstrates your commitment to improving your writing and citation skills and indicates that your work has been refined through a rigorous process. Many U.S. federal judges and partners at prestigious law firms have a background in law review, and employers recognize the value of this experience.

Expanded Professional Network

As a law review editor, you will have the opportunity to connect with judges, scholars, and practitioners in the legal field. These connections can be made through alumni of your journal or through interactions with those seeking to publish in your journal. Building a strong professional network can open doors to future career opportunities and mentorship.

Leadership Opportunities

Law review editorial positions, such as editor-in-chief, senior articles editor, and senior note & comment editor, provide valuable leadership experience. These roles require managing and coordinating the work of others, making strategic decisions, and resolving conflicts. Demonstrating effective leadership skills as a law review editor can enhance your resume and set you apart when applying for jobs or promotions.

Influence on Legal Scholarship

As a law review editor, you play a crucial role in shaping legal scholarship and contributing to the advancement of legal knowledge. You get to determine which articles and topics are published, ensuring that important conversations around equity, justice, and emerging legal concepts are brought to the forefront. This aspect of law review allows you to have a direct impact on the legal community and influence the direction of legal discourse.

Frequently asked questions