The Road To Becoming Editor Of The Harvard Law Review

The Harvard Law Review is a prestigious student-run law journal, independent of Harvard Law School, that has been in publication since 1887. It is one of the top-ranked law reviews in the United States, and having an article published in it is a significant achievement for any legal scholar. Editors of the Harvard Law Review are selected from second- and third-year Harvard Law students, based on a combination of their first-year grades and performance in a rigorous annual writing competition. In this article, we will explore the process of becoming an editor of the Harvard Law Review, including the selection criteria and the various roles and responsibilities involved. We will also hear from former editors about their experiences and gain insights into the benefits of joining a law review.

Perform well in the 'Write-On' competition

To become an editor of the Harvard Law Review, you must be a Harvard Law School student and participate in the annual Write-On competition. This competition is held over six days at the end of the academic year and is open to all students, with first-year students being particularly encouraged to enter.

The Write-On competition consists of two parts: Subcite and Case Comment, each worth 50% of the competition score. In the Subcite section, you will be required to perform a technical and substantive edit of an excerpt from an unpublished article. This portion tests your ability to work with existing material and make effective revisions. It is important to note that this task is not about rewriting the excerpt but rather enhancing its quality through careful editing. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of legal concepts and your ability to apply technical skills accurately.

The Case Comment section involves describing and analysing a recent case. Here, you will need to showcase your analytical skills, legal knowledge, and ability to provide insightful commentary on a current legal matter. Make sure to structure your analysis logically and support your arguments with relevant legal principles and precedents.

To excel in the Write-On competition, you should aim to demonstrate exceptional writing, editing, and analytical skills. Your submission should reflect a strong understanding of legal concepts and an ability to apply them critically. It is also essential to manage your time effectively during the competition, as you will have limited time to complete both tasks. Familiarise yourself with the competition format and requirements beforehand, and consider attending preparation sessions or seeking advice from previous participants.

Additionally, pay close attention to the specific guidelines and restrictions provided by the Harvard Law Review. For instance, the use of any form of artificial intelligence during the competition is prohibited. The competition materials will be provided to you, and no additional outside research is allowed. Your submission will be graded anonymously, so ensure your work stands out through the quality of your arguments and writing.

Get good grades in your first year

Getting good grades in your first year is essential if you want to become an editor of the Harvard Law Review. While grades are no longer the primary basis for selection, they are still a significant factor. Fourteen out of 46 editors are selected based on a combination of their first-year grades and their performance in a writing competition.

So, how can you ensure you get good grades in your first year? Here are some tips:

• Stay organised and manage your time effectively. Law school can be demanding, so it's important to stay on top of your work and avoid procrastination. Create a study schedule that works for you and stick to it.
• Seek help when needed. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification from your professors or classmates if you're struggling with a concept. Form study groups with classmates to collaborate and learn from each other.
• Develop good study habits. Find a quiet place to study where you can focus without distractions. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and set realistic goals for yourself.
• Take care of yourself. Getting good grades doesn't mean sacrificing your health or well-being. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthily, and make time for relaxation and social activities. A well-rested and energised mind will be better equipped to handle the rigours of law school.
• Start early and be consistent. Don't leave your studying to the last minute. Review your notes regularly and stay on top of your readings. Consistency is key to retaining information and performing well in exams.
• Practice and refine your writing skills. As an editor of the Harvard Law Review, you'll need excellent writing abilities. Work on your writing technique, including structure, grammar, and legal citation formats. Seek feedback from professors or peers to identify areas for improvement.

By following these tips and maintaining a strong work ethic, you'll be well on your way to achieving good grades in your first year, which will put you in a competitive position for becoming an editor of the Harvard Law Review.

Win the election for Editor-in-Chief

To become the Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Law Review, you must first be elected by the other editors. The role of Editor-in-Chief is to handle the big picture, such as setting year-long priorities for the journal, ensuring the journal's style guide is up to date, handling conflicts, and setting the publication schedule.

• Gain Experience: Before running for Editor-in-Chief, aim to join the Harvard Law Review as an editor. This will provide you with valuable experience and allow you to demonstrate your skills and dedication. Participate in the "write-on" competition, which involves editing legal scholarship and authoring a case comment.
• Build Relationships: Get to know your fellow editors and build strong relationships. The editors will be the ones electing the Editor-in-Chief, so it's important that you foster a positive and engaging attitude. Be a team player, show that you care about your fellow editors, and actively contribute to their writing and the journal's work.
• Demonstrate Leadership: Take on leadership roles and initiatives within the Harvard Law Review. Go beyond the basic expectations and show that you have a passion for legal scholarship and the direction of the law. This will help you stand out as a potential leader.
• Stay Organized: The role of Editor-in-Chief requires excellent organizational skills. Demonstrate your ability to manage multiple tasks and stay on top of deadlines. Show that you can handle the workload and have a clear vision for the journal.
• Communicate Effectively: Effective communication is key to being a successful Editor-in-Chief. Practice clear and concise communication with your fellow editors and authors. Show that you can provide constructive feedback and handle conflicts professionally.
• Seek Feedback: Continuously seek feedback from your fellow editors and be open to improvement. This will demonstrate your commitment to growth and your ability to take criticism, which are important qualities for a leader.
• Highlight Your Vision: When running for Editor-in-Chief, present a clear and compelling vision for the journal. Show that you have a deep understanding of the field and that your ideas are innovative and aligned with the journal's goals.

Remember, the key to winning the election is to demonstrate your leadership skills, passion for the law, and commitment to the Harvard Law Review. Show that you have the ability to handle the responsibilities of the Editor-in-Chief role and that you have the respect and support of your fellow editors.

Be selected for one of the 12 discretionary slots

The Harvard Law Review is a student-run organisation that publishes a journal of legal scholarship. It is independent of the Harvard Law School, and student editors make all editorial and organisational decisions. Membership is offered to select Harvard Law students based on first-year grades and performance in a writing competition held at the end of the first year.

The 12 discretionary slots are part of the selection process for editors of the Harvard Law Review. Fourteen editors are selected based on a combination of their first-year grades and their competition scores, and 20 editors are chosen based solely on their competition scores. The remaining 12 editors are then selected on a discretionary basis.

So, how can you be selected for one of these 12 discretionary slots? Unfortunately, there is no clear answer. However, we can make some educated guesses based on the information available.

Firstly, it is important to note that the law review's webpage states that "some of these discretionary slots may be used to implement the Review's affirmative action policy." This suggests that factors such as diversity, equity, and inclusion may play a role in the selection process for these slots.

Secondly, the writing competition is a key component of the selection process, and it includes two parts: an edit of an unpublished article and an analysis of a recent Supreme Court or Court of Appeals case. While the competition scores are not the sole basis for the selection of the 12 discretionary slots, doing well in the competition is likely to increase your chances.

Additionally, the selection process may consider other factors such as life experience, diversity of opinion, and writing quality. These factors are considered in the personal statement portion of the writing competition, so it is crucial to put your best foot forward in this aspect of the application.

Finally, it is worth noting that the selection process for the Harvard Law Review is highly competitive, and even if you are not selected for one of the 12 discretionary slots, there are other opportunities to get involved with the journal. The law review also has a staff writer position, which is open to second-year students, and there are various other editorial positions available in the third year.

Perform well in a writing competition

To perform well in the writing competition to become an editor of the Harvard Law Review, there are several key steps and considerations to keep in mind. The writing competition is a crucial aspect of the selection process, and here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate it successfully:

Understand the Process:

The writing competition is held annually at the end of the first year of law school. It consists of two main components: editing an unpublished article and analyzing a recent Supreme Court or Court of Appeals case. The submissions are graded anonymously, and your performance will be evaluated based on the quality of your writing, your analytical skills, and your ability to follow the Bluebook style guide for legal citations.

Develop Strong Writing Skills:

Focus on honing your writing abilities. The competition will test your ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Practice writing legal memos, essays, and case comments. Develop your unique style while ensuring your writing aligns with the rigorous standards and conventions of legal scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your work.

Familiarize Yourself with the Bluebook:

The Bluebook is the essential style guide for legal citation in the United States. It contains hundreds of pages of rules for legal writing and citations. During the competition, you will likely be asked to correct and format legal citations using the Bluebook. Familiarize yourself with its structure, rules, and conventions. Knowing how to navigate this comprehensive guide efficiently will give you an advantage during the competition.

Analyze Cases Effectively:

As part of the competition, you will need to analyze a recent Supreme Court or Court of Appeals case. Develop your analytical skills by studying past cases, identifying the key legal principles, and understanding how courts interpret the law. Practice identifying the relevant facts, legal arguments, and precedents that influenced the court's decision. This skill will not only help you in the competition but is also a fundamental aspect of legal practice.

Manage Your Time:

The writing competition is a time-bound exercise, and time management is crucial. Allocate your time effectively to complete all the required tasks. Prioritize sleep and take breaks when needed to stay focused and energized. Create a structured schedule for the competition days to ensure you can submit your best work within the given timeframe.

Seek Support:

Don't hesitate to seek support from peers, mentors, or alumni who have gone through the process. They can provide valuable insights, advice, and encouragement. Reach out to them, ask questions, and learn from their experiences. Additionally, consider collaborating with fellow candidates to form a study group or practice analyzing and providing feedback on each other's work.

Remember, the writing competition is an opportunity to showcase your legal writing, analytical, and editorial skills. Stay focused, work diligently, and trust in your abilities. By following these steps and continuously refining your skills, you will be well on your way to performing well in the writing competition and increasing your chances of becoming an editor of the prestigious Harvard Law Review.

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