Publication Law Review: Timing Your Application Perfectly

The best time to apply for publication law review is during the spring and fall seasons. The spring season typically runs from February to early April, while the fall season is from August to September. During these months, most law reviews are open and actively reviewing articles. It is important to note that each journal has its own variations on what it considers the start and end of the submission season. Additionally, some journals may have different requirements for submissions, so it is essential to check their websites for specific guidelines. To increase the chances of acceptance, it is recommended to submit articles on compelling, relevant, and timely topics that contribute something new to the field.

Submission timing

Timing is a key consideration when submitting your article for publication in a law review. While there is no definitive formula for a successful submission, understanding the annual legal scholarship cycle and following best practices can improve your chances of acceptance.

Law Review Submission Seasons

The law review submission process typically consists of two seasons: spring and fall. The spring season usually runs from February to early April, while the fall season covers August to September. These months tend to see the most law review openings, submissions, and decisions. Therefore, submitting during these peak periods could increase your chances of publication as most law reviews are likely to be open and actively reviewing articles.

However, it is worth noting that only about a third of acceptances happen in the fall. The spring season offers a more extended period for submissions and a higher likelihood of available slots in various journals.

Off-Peak Submission Opportunities

If you are unable to submit during the peak seasons, there are still opportunities for publication. Approximately 65% of law reviews using Scholastica remain open year-round and actively seek rolling submissions. Many law reviews also solicit articles for symposia and special issues outside the standard submission seasons.

Lower-ranked and specialty journals may be more receptive to off-season submissions as they tend to have more flexibility in their editorial cycles. They may remain open when not actively reviewing submissions to have a broader pool of articles to consider when they commence their selection process.

Submission Strategies

When planning your submission strategy, you can choose to submit to your desired law reviews in one bulk submission or stagger your submissions over time. Staggering submissions allows more time for customization and ensures your article reaches the law reviews early in their selection processes. On the other hand, bulk submissions can help you secure an early spot in multiple law reviews' consideration queues.

Submission Deadlines

It is important to keep track of submission deadlines, especially if you are pursuing an exclusive submission track, where you commit to publishing with a specific law review for a designated timeframe. Meeting submission deadlines demonstrates respect for the editors' time and resources and increases your chances of a positive response.

Expedite Requests

An essential aspect of submission timing is understanding when and how to use expedite requests. An expedite request notifies your preferred law reviews that your article has received an offer from another law review, and you request a decision from them before your response to the initial offer is due.

It is crucial to use expedite requests strategically. For instance, when targeting top-ranked law reviews, wait until you have an offer from a similarly ranked publication before sending an expedite request. Submitting an expedite request too early in the cycle or without an actual offer on the table may negatively impact your chances.

Responding to Editor Inquiries

Throughout the submission process, respond promptly to any inquiries from law review editors. Extend the same courtesies you expect to receive, such as timely communication and flexibility when necessary. For example, if you require an extension on an offer, be forthright and honest, and your request is more likely to be granted.

Staying Informed

To optimize your submission timing, stay informed about law review openings and updates. Sign up for daily law review opening emails, follow relevant hashtags on social media, and regularly check law review websites for the latest information. This proactive approach ensures you don't miss crucial submission windows and allows you to adapt your strategy accordingly.

Submission strategy

There is no definitive formula for a successful submission, but there are some best practices to follow. Firstly, it's important to write a compelling article on a relevant and timely topic. Show your connection to the subject matter and, if it's a widely covered topic, offer a novel argument.

Next, decide on your target law reviews. This is about quality over quantity, so be selective and narrow down your list to those that are the best fit for your article and publication goals. Consider factors like the aims and scope of your article, the reputation and impact of the law review, and its discoverability.

Once you have your shortlist, devise a submission strategy. You can either make one bulk submission or stagger your submissions. Staggering may allow more time for customization, but submitting in bulk ensures your article reaches the law reviews early in their selection processes.

If you're submitting to multiple law reviews, take advantage of group submission tools to help keep track of your submissions.

When preparing your submissions, ensure your article framing and title are attention-grabbing and succinctly communicate the punchline of your paper. Focus on the title, abstract, and introduction, as these are the first things editors will see.

Check your citations—law review editors are hyper-vigilant about referencing. Make sure all your legal assertions have complete and correct citations.

Finally, stick to the law reviews' submission guidelines. Read their author guidelines and adjust your article to adhere to their aims and scope, formatting requirements, and preferred submission method.

Article framing

The process of publishing in law reviews and journals can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is possible to increase your chances of success. This guide will focus specifically on article framing, a crucial aspect of the submission process. By following the tips outlined below, you can effectively frame your article to make it more appealing to law review editors.

Understanding Article Framing

Choose a Compelling Topic

Select a topic that is relevant, timely, and engaging. Avoid topics that are too time-sensitive as they may become stale by the time your article is published. Ensure that you have a connection to the topic and avoid speaking on behalf of marginalized voices. If you are discussing a widely covered topic, offer a novel argument or explore an emerging research area to contribute something new to the field.

Emphasize Timely Topics

Focus on current events and trending legal issues. For example, topics such as "abortion," "artificial intelligence," and "climate change" have been popular in recent years. Editors are more likely to be interested in articles that align with the latest developments and discussions in the legal field.

Craft a Strong Title

Create a title that is attention-grabbing and clearly communicates the main point of your article. Avoid awkward or vague titles that may confuse or turn away potential readers. A good title should be concise, creative, and indicative of the article's content.

Write a Compelling Abstract and Introduction

The abstract and introduction are crucial as they are often the first things editors will read. Make sure they are well-written, concise, and engaging. Clearly state the purpose of your article, its original contribution, and why it matters. Editors receive numerous submissions, so it is important to make a strong first impression.

Connect Your Article to Current Events

In your cover letter and introduction, explain how your article relates to recent legislation, case studies, or other relevant developments in the legal field. Editors are often looking for articles that are relevant to the current legal landscape.

Demonstrate Your Unique Perspective

Explain why you are uniquely qualified to write on the chosen topic. Editors want to see that you have a personal connection or expertise that adds value to your article. This can set your submission apart from others on similar topics.

Citations

Secondly, when it comes to the style of citations, most law reviews and journals follow specific guidelines. The Bluebook format is widely accepted and used by many publications. However, it is always a good idea to consult the specific guidelines of your target law reviews and journals, as some may have their own preferred citation style. It is also worth noting that while The Bluebook is the standard, other styles, such as APA or MLA, may be accepted in certain cases.

Additionally, the number of citations and the prominence of the cited sources can impact the perception of your article's quality. Editors and reviewers often consider the number of citations as an indicator of the depth and thoroughness of your research. Citing prominent sources, such as well-known scholars or respected publications, can also enhance the credibility of your work.

When preparing your article for submission, it is essential to adhere to the specific guidelines and requirements of your target law reviews and journals. Each publication may have its own unique preferences and requirements for citation style, number of citations, and formatting. Failing to follow these guidelines may result in your article being rejected or requiring extensive revisions.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that there are tools and resources available to assist with citation management. These tools can help with formatting citations, checking for completeness, and ensuring adherence to the required citation style. Utilizing these tools can save time and improve the accuracy of your citations.

Law review selection

The selection process for law reviews is highly competitive and often confusing. Here are some tips to help increase your chances of being selected:

Timing is Key

The law review publication process has two main seasons: spring and fall. The spring season typically runs from February to early April, while the fall season is shorter and usually goes from August to September. It is important to note that each journal has its own variations, and some may start reading submissions earlier or later than others. To increase your chances of being selected, it is advisable to submit during these peak periods as most law reviews will be open and actively reviewing articles.

Know the Journals

It is crucial to research and understand the journals you are targeting. Consider factors such as the journal's reputation, impact, and discoverability. Washington & Lee Law Journal Rankings is a good starting point for assessing a journal's prestige. Additionally, following law reviews on social media can provide insights into their latest updates and initiatives. When creating your list of target journals, aim for a balance between quality and quantity. Select journals that are the best fit for your article's topic and your publication goals.

Craft a Compelling Article

Your article should be well-written, relevant, and timely. Ensure that you can demonstrate a connection to the topic, especially if it involves marginalized voices. If the topic is widely covered, strive to offer a novel argument or explore an emerging research area to contribute something new to the field. A well-framed article with a catchy title and a concise, engaging abstract will help capture the editors' attention.

Submission Strategy

You can choose to submit to one law review exclusively or stagger your submissions to multiple journals. Exclusive submissions show a strong preference for a particular journal and can move your article to the top of their queue. However, staggering submissions allows you to customize your pitch to specific journals, increasing your chances of acceptance. Consider the pros and cons of each approach and decide which strategy aligns best with your goals.

Follow Guidelines

Before submitting, carefully read and adhere to the author guidelines of each law review. Ensure your article meets their requirements regarding length, style, citation, and anonymization. Pay attention to technical specifications to avoid automatic rejection. Most law reviews require adherence to The Bluebook for citations. A well-prepared submission that follows the guidelines will increase your chances of being selected.

Take Advantage of Resources

Utilize resources like Scholastica, which offers tools to help with submissions, such as group submission features, communication platforms, and insights into law review opening timelines. Additionally, take advantage of writing guides, such as "Academic Legal Writing" by Eugene Volokh, and "Scholarly Writing for Law Students" by Elizabeth Fajans and Mary R. Falk, to refine your writing and submission strategy.

Frequently asked questions