Strategies To Become President Of Harvard Law Review

The Harvard Law Review is a student-run organisation that publishes a journal of legal scholarship. The journal is entirely edited by students and has the largest circulation of any law journal in the world. Editors are selected from second- and third-year Harvard Law students after an annual writing competition. Each year, 92 student editors elect their president. Apsara Iyer, the current president, is the 137th person to hold the position and the first Indian American woman to do so.

Impress your peers with your intelligence, humility, and advocacy

Impressing your peers with your intelligence, humility, and advocacy is key to becoming the president of the Harvard Law Review. The president is elected by the 92 student editors, so it's important to demonstrate your abilities and character to your peers.

Intelligence is a key factor in gaining the respect of your fellow editors. The role requires a deep understanding of legal scholarship and the ability to keep up with the rigorous demands of the position. Demonstrate your intellectual prowess by actively participating in discussions, offering insightful contributions, and showcasing your knowledge. Be proactive in sharing your insights and ideas with your peers, and don't be afraid to speak up and voice your thoughts.

However, it's important to balance intelligence with humility. Be open to learning from your peers and acknowledge their contributions. Listen to different perspectives and demonstrate your willingness to collaborate and consider alternative viewpoints. Show gratitude and appreciation for the work of others, and avoid any signs of arrogance or superiority. Be approachable and accessible to your fellow editors, creating an environment that fosters mutual respect and camaraderie.

Advocacy is also a crucial aspect of the role. The president of the Harvard Law Review should be a passionate advocate for the organization's values and goals. Demonstrate your commitment to service and the advancement of legal scholarship. Get involved in initiatives that align with the Review's objectives, and actively contribute to its success. Show that you are dedicated to the development and growth of the organization, and be an ambassador for the Review's mission and vision.

In addition to impressing your peers, it's important to remember that the role of president also entails significant responsibilities and a strong work ethic. The president oversees the publication process, manages deadlines, and ensures the smooth operation of the Review. Demonstrate your dedication by actively contributing to the editorial and organizational tasks, going above and beyond to support your fellow editors, and maintaining a consistent and reliable work ethic.

Finally, don't underestimate the power of building strong relationships with your peers. Cultivate a network of connections within the Review and foster a collaborative and supportive environment. Be a team player, offer help when needed, and demonstrate your reliability and commitment to the community. By gaining the respect and trust of your peers, you will increase your chances of being elected president.

Be a second or third-year Harvard Law student

To become President of the Harvard Law Review, you must be a second or third-year Harvard Law student. The first step to becoming President is to apply to become an editor of the Law Review at the end of your first year. Students are selected through a combination of grades and scores in an annual writing competition.

The Harvard Law Review is a student-run organisation that publishes a journal of legal scholarship. It is independent of the Harvard Law School, with all editorial and organisational decisions made by student editors. The Review is published monthly from November through June and includes a special Supreme Court issue each November and a Developments in the Law issue each April. The journal includes articles, essays, and book reviews by academics, judges, and practitioners, as well as pieces by student editors. All student writing is unsigned.

Once you are an editor, you can be elected President by the other 91 student editors. As President, you will oversee the publication of articles and manage the editorial process. You will also represent the Law Review and be responsible for maintaining its reputation for high-quality work.

Past Presidents of the Harvard Law Review include Barack Obama, who was the first Black leader, and Apsara Iyer, the first Indian American woman to hold the position.

Develop your writing skills

Developing strong writing skills is essential for anyone aspiring to become President of the Harvard Law Review. The Review is a student-run organisation that publishes a journal of legal scholarship, providing an opportunity for its members to enhance their writing abilities. Here are some tips to help you develop your writing skills and increase your chances of becoming President of the Harvard Law Review:

Understand the Selection Process:

The first step towards becoming President of the Harvard Law Review is to understand the selection process. Students apply to become editors at the end of their first year at Harvard Law School and are chosen based on a combination of grades and their performance in a writing competition. This "write-on" process involves rigorous fact-checking of a document and providing commentary on a recent State or Supreme Court case. Aspiring candidates should familiarise themselves with this process and work on developing their analytical and writing skills to stand out.

Hone Your Writing Abilities:

To become a strong writer, practice is key. Write regularly and seek feedback from peers and mentors. Develop a clear, concise, and persuasive writing style. Focus on structuring your arguments logically and supporting them with relevant legal precedents and analysis. The ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a coherent and accessible manner is highly valued. Additionally, work on your editing skills—learn to revise and refine your writing to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

Engage in Legal Research:

Deepen your understanding of the law by engaging in comprehensive legal research. Explore a variety of legal topics, from case law to legislative history. Develop your research skills to navigate through legal databases, case studies, and scholarly articles efficiently. The ability to conduct thorough legal research will not only enhance your writing but also demonstrate your proficiency in the field. Familiarise yourself with legal citation formats, as proper citation is crucial in legal writing.

Broaden Your Legal Knowledge:

Aspiring to become President of the Harvard Law Review means you should strive for a strong foundation in various legal subjects. Broaden your legal knowledge by enrolling in diverse courses, attending guest lectures, and participating in legal workshops. Seek out opportunities to engage in legal discussions, join debate teams, or contribute to legal blogs and journals. By doing so, you will expand your legal vocabulary and gain exposure to different perspectives, which will reflect in your writing.

Collaborate and Seek Mentorship:

Engage with your peers and seek mentorship from experienced lawyers, professors, or alumni who have served on the Harvard Law Review. They can provide valuable insights, feedback, and guidance on improving your writing skills. Collaborating with others can also help you develop your ideas, challenge your thinking, and refine your writing style. Consider joining study groups or legal writing workshops to receive constructive criticism and support.

Write for Publications:

Seek opportunities to get your written work published in reputable legal journals or blogs. The Harvard Law Review itself accepts submissions from outside authors, including academics, judges, and practitioners. Getting your work published will not only enhance your writing skills but also demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality, publishable content. It shows initiative and a strong understanding of the field. Additionally, it can help you build a positive reputation among your peers and faculty members.

Remember, becoming President of the Harvard Law Review requires exceptional writing skills, a deep understanding of the law, and a dedication to continuous improvement. Start early, set clear goals, and consistently work towards refining your writing abilities.

Participate in the annual writing competition

Aspiring to become the president of the Harvard Law Review is an ambitious goal. The Harvard Law Review is a student-run organization that publishes a journal of legal scholarship. It is independent of the Harvard Law School, and its editorial and organizational decisions are made by student editors. To become the president of the Harvard Law Review, one must first become a member, and to become a member, one must participate in and succeed in the annual writing competition.

The annual writing competition is open to second- and third-year Harvard Law School students. It is a rigorous process that tests students' legal analysis, writing, and editing skills. While the specifics of the competition may vary from year to year, there are some general components that you can expect.

The competition will likely involve a fact-checking and commentary exercise on a recent State or Supreme Court case. This aspect of the competition tests your ability to analyze and critically evaluate a legal document, identify any factual inaccuracies or inconsistencies, and provide thoughtful and well-reasoned commentary. It is essential to demonstrate a strong understanding of legal principles, attention to detail, and clear and concise writing.

In addition to the fact-checking and commentary portion, you may also be asked to submit a written piece on a specific topic or within a particular theme. This could be an essay, a note, or a comment on a legal case or development. This part of the competition allows you to showcase your legal research, analysis, and writing skills. It is important to demonstrate a strong command of legal concepts, effective communication, and a unique perspective or insight.

To prepare for the annual writing competition, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the format and expectations beforehand. Review past issues of the Harvard Law Review to understand the type of writing and analysis that is typically published. Develop your legal writing skills by practicing with sample prompts or past competition questions, if available. Seek feedback from professors, mentors, or peers to refine your writing and analytical abilities. Additionally, stay informed about current legal developments, particularly those related to the focus areas of the Harvard Law Review, such as recent court cases, legislation, and legal trends.

Participating in the annual writing competition is a challenging but rewarding experience. It provides an opportunity to develop and showcase your legal skills, gain recognition for your talent, and potentially secure a position as a member of the Harvard Law Review. Remember that the competition is not just about demonstrating your legal knowledge but also your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute unique insights to the publication.

Get elected by the 92 student editors

To become the president of the Harvard Law Review, you'll need to get elected by the 92 student editors. Here are some steps to help you achieve that:

Impress your fellow editors:

Previous presidents of the Harvard Law Review, such as Apsara Iyer, Priscila Coronado, and Hassaan Shahawy, have been described by their peers as impressive, intelligent, thoughtful, humble, and passionate. They have also been recognised for their advocacy, management skills, and commitment to building inclusive communities. It is essential to actively engage with your fellow editors, showcase your unique strengths, and make a positive impression on them.

Develop strong relationships:

Building solid relationships with your fellow editors is crucial. Get to know them, understand their interests, and find common ground. Be collaborative, supportive, and approachable. Strong relationships will not only help you during the election process but will also be beneficial when leading the team if you get elected.

Demonstrate your academic excellence:

Academic credentials play a role in establishing your credibility. Ensure that you excel in your grades and showcase strong writing skills. The editors are more likely to elect someone who has consistently demonstrated intellectual prowess and a deep understanding of the law.

Engage in extracurricular activities:

Get involved in extracurricular activities, such as joining relevant clubs or societies, participating in moot courts, or contributing to legal journals. These activities will not only enhance your legal knowledge and skills but will also demonstrate your passion for the field and your commitment to personal growth.

Showcase your unique perspective:

Offer a fresh and diverse perspective to your fellow editors. For example, Apsara Iyer's interest in the relationship between communities and the management of cultural heritage, informed by her background in archaeology, set her apart. Find ways to bring your unique experiences and interests to the table, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic Law Review.

Seek feedback and advice:

Don't hesitate to seek feedback from your peers and mentors. Ask for their opinions on your strengths and areas for improvement. They may provide valuable insights that can help you tailor your approach to better suit the expectations of your fellow editors.

Remember, getting elected as the president of the Harvard Law Review is a highly competitive process. It requires a combination of impressive academic credentials, strong relationships with your peers, and a unique perspective that sets you apart. Start early, be proactive, and continuously work on developing yourself both personally and professionally.

Frequently asked questions