Becoming Editor-In-Chief: Strategies For Law Review Candidates

Becoming an editor-in-chief of a law review is a highly sought-after position that requires dedication, hard work, and a strong understanding of the legal field. The editor-in-chief holds significant responsibility for the publication's operations, acting as the primary source of planning and the liaison between the law school's administration and student body. While the specific path to becoming an editor-in-chief may vary, it typically involves a combination of academic excellence, invitation or application processes, and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with peers. The role is often elected and entails overseeing the entire publication process, including editing, fact-checking, and ensuring timely publication.

Understand the role: Editors-in-Chief handle big-picture tasks, set long-term goals, and act as a liaison

Editors-in-Chief are responsible for handling big-picture tasks, setting long-term goals, and acting as a liaison. They are in charge of setting year-long priorities for the journal, keeping the journal's style guide up to date, handling conflicts, and setting the publication schedule for the journal's articles, among other tasks.

The EIC has ultimate responsibility for all of the Law Review’s operations and activities and is the primary source of short- and long-term planning. They act as the Law Review's liaison with the Law School's administration and student body. This involves managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Law School's administration, faculty, and student body, as well as external authors and publishers.

Editors-in-Chief are also responsible for setting the strategic direction of the journal. This includes setting year-long priorities, managing the publication schedule, and ensuring that the journal's style guide is up to date. They also play a key role in conflict resolution and are responsible for handling any disputes that may arise.

In addition to these big-picture tasks, Editors-in-Chief also oversee the work of the other editors and ensure that the journal is published on time. They work closely with the other editors, providing guidance and mentorship, and may also be involved in the editing process themselves.

Becoming an Editor-in-Chief typically involves a combination of demonstrating strong academic performance and gaining relevant experience through other editorial roles. At some schools, candidates must be invited to join the law review, with invitations based on academic merit. Other schools use a "write-on" process, where candidates submit drafts and work for the law review to gain experience.

The transition from invitee to Editor-in-Chief can take varying amounts of time, depending on the student's dedication and the specific requirements of the law review. It typically involves a combination of office work, cite-checking hours, and producing a high-quality draft law review article. The student's work will be edited and critiqued by more senior student editors, who provide guidance and feedback throughout the process.

Overall, the role of Editor-in-Chief requires a range of skills, including strong leadership, strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and the ability to manage relationships with various stakeholders. It is a demanding role that requires dedication and a strong work ethic, but it can also be a rewarding experience that provides valuable skills and enhances one's resume.

Know the requirements: At some schools, candidates must be invited, while others allow students to write on

The requirements to become Editor-in-Chief of a law review vary from school to school. At some institutions, candidates must be invited to join, while others allow students to "write on". Typically, schools that require invitations will only consider students who have demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, such as those in the top 10-20% of their first-year class based on grades. On the other hand, schools that allow students to "write on" take a more liberal approach, valuing legal and writing skills over grades.

The "write-on" process usually takes place at the end of the first year of law school and often involves several steps, including a memorandum of law, a Bluebook exercise, a personal statement, and an assessment of first-year law school grades. The memorandums and Bluebook exercises are graded by editors, and the personal statements are scored based on factors like diversity of opinion, life experience, and writing quality. Candidates with the highest overall scores are then invited to join the law review.

Once accepted, first-year students typically hold the position of Staff Writer, with responsibilities such as writing Case Comments, Notes, and source collections. In the third year, students may hold editor positions, including elected roles like Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, and Executive Articles Editor, as well as unelected roles like Articles Editor and Senior Editor.

The Editor-in-Chief has ultimate responsibility for the law review's operations and planning and acts as the primary liaison between the law review and the law school administration and student body. This role involves setting priorities, maintaining the journal's style guide, handling conflicts, and managing the publication schedule.

While the requirements and selection processes may differ, becoming Editor-in-Chief of a law review requires a combination of academic excellence, strong writing and legal skills, and the ability to manage a demanding workload.

Develop key skills: Editors must be able to collaborate, manage, and pay close attention to detail

Editors must be able to collaborate, manage and pay close attention to detail. These are key skills that will help you become an Editor-in-Chief of a law review.

Collaboration

As an Editor-in-Chief, you will be working with a variety of people, from your peers to legal academics, authors and student editors. It is important to approach each interaction as a collaboration, keeping in mind that everyone involved wants the best possible outcome for the journal. This means being responsive, meeting deadlines, and respectfully explaining your point of view when disagreements arise.

Management

The role of Editor-in-Chief requires strong management skills. You will be responsible for overseeing all Law Review operations, including setting and adhering to schedules and deadlines. You will also need to manage conflict and represent the Law Review to faculty, administration and outside interests. This means you must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and be highly organised and detail-oriented.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is crucial for an Editor-in-Chief. You will be responsible for the final blueline edit of all articles, which involves double-checking citations, spacing and punctuation to ensure they comply with the Blue Book and Style Manual. This level of precision and technical discipline is essential for producing a high-quality journal and will also help you become a better lawyer.

Developing these key skills will help you succeed as an Editor-in-Chief of a law review. It is important to remember that you will be working with a team of colleagues, and while you may be managing the process, you are all working towards the common goal of producing the best possible journal.

Get elected: Popularity is a factor; ensure your work is well-regarded and that you are well-liked by your peers

Popularity is a significant factor in becoming Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of a law review, as the role is often elected by popular vote. Here are some tips to help ensure your work is well-regarded and that you are well-liked by your peers:

Do Good Work

Produce high-quality work that demonstrates your capabilities and commitment to the role. This means going beyond what is expected of you and showing that you are willing to take on additional tasks and responsibilities. Be diligent, timely, and responsive when completing tasks and assignments. Show that you are a team player who is dedicated to the journal's success.

Be Likeable

In addition to doing good work, focus on being well-liked by your peers. Avoid being seen as difficult to work with or causing unnecessary drama. Be respectful and friendly to everyone, including your supervisors and the executive board. Remember, law school can be a lot like high school, and dynamics can be amplified in close-knit groups like law review. Be mindful of your words and actions, as gossip and negative perceptions can spread quickly.

Build Relationships

Make friends and build solid relationships with your peers, supervisors, and the executive board. Being well-connected and well-liked will work in your favour when it comes time for the EIC election. Attend social events, collaborate with others, and show genuine interest in getting to know your colleagues. Strong relationships will not only make you more popular but also help you navigate the law review process and gain support for your EIC candidacy.

Be Flexible

Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to take on different roles within the law review. During the selection process, express your interest in the EIC role but also show that you are committed to the journal itself and are willing to contribute in other ways if needed. Be open-minded and adaptable, as this indicates a collaborative spirit and a strong work ethic.

Understand the Process

Learn how the EIC selection process works at your school. Is it based solely on an election, or are there interviews and other factors involved? Understanding the process will help you navigate it effectively and make strategic decisions about how to position yourself as a strong candidate.

Seek Feedback

Ask for feedback from current and former EICs, as well as other board members. They can provide valuable insights into what makes a successful EIC and how you can improve your chances of being elected. They may also offer advice on the specific skills and qualities that are valued by the selection committee or voting body.

Remember, while popularity is a factor, it should be accompanied by strong work ethic and a positive reputation among your peers. Focus on building meaningful relationships, contributing high-quality work, and demonstrating your commitment to the law review.

Write a strong application: Stress your understanding of deadlines, big-picture thinking, and willingness to get work done

Writing a strong application for the role of editor-in-chief of a law review requires a demonstration of your understanding of deadlines, big-picture thinking, and willingness to get work done. Here are some tips to craft a compelling application:

Emphasize Time Management and Deadline Adherence:

• Highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively. Editors-in-chief need to juggle various responsibilities and ensure timely publication.
• Provide examples of your experience in meeting tight deadlines, especially in a high-pressure environment.
• Showcase your organizational skills and attention to detail. Editors need to keep track of various components, from source collection to citation checking, to ensure smooth publication.

Demonstrate Big-Picture Thinking:

• Editors-in-chief set year-long priorities, update style guides, handle conflicts, and manage the publication schedule. Emphasize your strategic thinking and ability to oversee the broader direction of the journal.
• Discuss your vision for the journal and how you plan to execute it. Show that you understand the journal's tradition and are committed to its prestige.
• If applicable, mention any experience in mentoring or supervising others. Editors-in-chief often guide and mentor junior editors, so highlight your ability to provide constructive feedback and support their development.

Express Willingness to Get Work Done:

• Editors-in-chief must be proactive and dedicated. Showcase your initiative, work ethic, and enthusiasm for the role.
• Provide examples of your perseverance and willingness to take on challenging tasks. Discuss a time when you went above and beyond to ensure the success of a project.
• Highlight your collaboration and teamwork skills. Editors-in-chief work closely with other editors, authors, and stakeholders to produce each issue. Emphasize your ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Remember to tailor your application to the specific requirements and values of the law review journal you are applying to. Showcase your unique experiences and skills, providing concrete examples whenever possible. Good luck with your application!

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