Kara Sears
The Write-On Competition is a law school writing competition that provides students with the opportunity to develop their writing and editing skills, enhance their understanding of the law, and gain valuable experience in legal research. It is often viewed as a prestigious activity in law schools and can be a valuable addition to a law student's resume. The competition is open to students enrolled or accepted into a law school, with some variations in eligibility criteria across schools. For example, at SMU Dedman School of Law, participants must have completed all 1L courses, while Loyola Marymount University requires students to register for the competition by completing a form. The competition involves writing an essay or case comment based on provided sources and prompts, with a focus on legal topics. It is designed to be accommodating, allowing students to participate alongside other commitments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of the competition | Law students are called upon to write an essay or case comment based on a packet of information and complete a citation exercise. |
| Eligibility | Students enrolled or accepted at a law school who have completed their first-year courses. Transfer students may participate in a separate competition. |
| Time commitment | The competition takes place over the course of a week. Students are given 11 days, including two full weekends, to complete the write-on. |
| Preparation | Familiarity with the Bluebook is recommended, especially Rules 1–18, the tables, and the index. Past materials can be reviewed, but changes are made each year. |
| Submission | Submissions are blindly graded and identified by a packet number instead of a student ID. |
| Accommodations | Accommodations are available for students with disabilities. Formal accommodations should be approved by the relevant authority. |
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What You'll Learn
Transfer students can participate in the Write-On Competition
The Write-On Competition is open to transfer students from law schools outside of Texas, but it is important to note that Texas cases and statutes use a different citation format than the Bluebook. Therefore, transfer students participating in the competition should familiarize themselves with The Greenbook: Texas Rules of Form beforehand.
The competition typically involves writing an essay or case comment based on a provided packet of materials, including an assigned decision and supporting research. Students may also be required to complete a citation exercise, correcting law review footnotes with styling and formatting errors. While the competition can be challenging and time-consuming, it is possible to participate while also working, traveling, or fulfilling other obligations.
To prepare for the competition, transfer students should try to familiarize themselves with the structure of the Bluebook, particularly Rules 1-18, the tables, and the index. Additionally, they should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time on their submissions, with at least 3-4 hours recommended per section.
Overall, the Write-On Competition is a valuable opportunity for transfer students to enhance their legal knowledge, improve their writing and research skills, and gain experience in the field of law.
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Learn about a new area of law
Participating in Write-On competitions is an excellent way for law students to learn about a new area of law. Write-On provides an opportunity to gain exposure to legal academia and learn about a different area of law than what is typically covered in the first year of law school.
Write-On competitions are held by various law schools, including UCLA School of Law, SMU Dedman School of Law, and Loyola Marymount University. These competitions are open to students enrolled or accepted at the respective law schools, with some allowing transfer students to participate in a separate competition. The competitions typically involve writing an essay or comment on a given prompt, using provided sources, and completing a citation exercise.
While the specific topics and formats of Write-On competitions may vary from year to year, they often cover a wide range of legal issues or focus on particular areas of law. For example, journals like the SMU Law Review cover a broad spectrum of legal topics, while others, such as the Journal of Air Law and Commerce, focus on specific areas.
Participating in Write-On competitions offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows students to learn about a new area of law and develop their legal research and writing skills. Secondly, it provides an opportunity to engage with professors' scholarship, interact with fellow students, and think about new ideas in law. Additionally, the experience can enhance students' critical thinking abilities and analytical skills, which are highly valued in the legal profession due to the ever-evolving nature of laws.
Overall, Write-On competitions present a valuable opportunity for law students to explore new areas of law, develop essential skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the legal field.
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Improve your research and writing skills
The Write-On Competition is open to students enrolled or accepted at SMU Dedman School of Law who have completed their first-year courses. It is highly recommended to complete the Write-On as a rising 2L to receive the full benefits of journal membership. Transfer students may participate in either the normal Write-On Competition or the special Transfer Competition, but they may only participate once each year.
Write-On is a great opportunity to improve your research and writing skills. Here are some tips to help you enhance these skills:
Research Skills:
- Understand doctrinal research: This involves identifying the relevant law and applying it to the facts of a problem.
- Identify your sources: Establish a structured timeline to manage your research tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.
- Utilise legal databases: Popular options include Westlaw and LexisNexis, which provide access to case law, legislation, journals, and commentaries.
- Use keywords: Maximise the efficiency of your online research by using keywords and operators like "and", "or", and "not" to refine your searches.
- Evaluate sources: Consider the credibility and reliability of sources by assessing factors such as the reputation of the author or publisher, the recency of the information, and its adherence to legal standards.
- Stay updated: Law is a dynamic field, so ensure you stay informed about changes and advancements in legal research methods and technologies.
- Continuous learning: Successful legal professionals understand the importance of continuous learning and professional development. Stay abreast of developments in the law and continuously work on enhancing your legal research skills.
Writing Skills:
- Familiarise yourself with the Bluebook: While you don't need to memorise it, get comfortable with looking up sources and checking citations quickly.
- Write concisely: Legal writing should be precise and concise. Avoid getting too caught up in legal jargon and aim for plain language.
- Practice essay writing: Successful essay writing takes time and practice. Focus on answering problem questions and providing concise, accurate advice.
- Understand different assignment types: Be aware of the different types of law assignments, such as memos, policy advice, and essays, and their respective requirements and styles.
- Develop analytical skills: Law assignments aim to improve your analytical abilities and your ability to apply legal principles and theories.
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Understand the structure of the Bluebook
The Bluebook is a guide to a system of legal citation used by law schools and law journals. It is a significant time commitment, but most students find it rewarding as it allows them to engage with professors' scholarship, think about new ideas in the law, and improve their writing and editing skills.
To create a Bluebook citation, follow this six-step process:
- Identify the source type: Common types include cases, statutes, books and book chapters, journal articles, and web pages.
- Refer to the Quick Guides: Use the Quick Guides on the inside cover to identify the rules for major source types.
- Consult the index: If the source type is not included in the Quick Guides, use the index to find the relevant rules.
- Check for print or online sources: The Bluebook prefers citations to print sources. If you found a traditionally printed source online, review the rules for both print and online sources.
- Be consistent: Cite the same source or types of sources consistently throughout your work.
- Use the closest analogous rule: If you are citing non-traditional or non-U.S. sources, use the closest analogous rule to create your citation.
While the Bluebook is a comprehensive guide, it may not cover all types of sources. In such cases, you can refer to other citation guides and abbreviation dictionaries for foreign and international law sources. Additionally, some state courts have their own citation rules that take precedence over the Bluebook. For example, Delaware's Supreme Court has its own rules for citing unreported cases, which differ from the Bluebook standards. Therefore, attorneys practising in multiple states must be adept at using different citation styles.
To familiarise yourself with the structure of the Bluebook, focus on Rules 1–18, the tables in the back, and the index. You don't need to memorise these rules, but knowing how to quickly look up sources and check citations is essential.
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Receive class credits and scholarships
Participating in a law review or journal can be a great way to receive class credits and scholarships. For instance, at SMU Dedman School of Law, all journal participants receive three hours of class credit in their first year of participation and two hours in their second year. Additionally, some journals at the school offer scholarships or writing prizes.
Loyola Marymount University also offers a Write-On Competition, where students can access try-out materials online or request a printed copy. While they do not explicitly mention class credits or scholarships, they do provide accommodations for students with disabilities, ensuring an accessible and fair process.
UCLA School of Law's Write-On process is another opportunity. While class credits and scholarships are not directly mentioned, the school emphasizes the value of law review membership. Employers and judges often view it favourably, and it can be a significant prestige marker. The process allows students to learn about new areas of law and gain a workable writing sample, enhancing their employability.
Transfer students at SMU Dedman School of Law should be aware of the different citation formats used in Texas. Familiarizing themselves with The Greenbook: Texas Rules of Form is essential before the competition. Additionally, they can only participate in either the normal Write-On Competition or the Transfer Competition once a year.
Overall, participating in law reviews and journals offers valuable opportunities for class credits and scholarships, enhancing the academic and professional development of law students.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, transfer students may participate in either the normal Write-On Competition or the Transfer Competition, but they can only participate once per year.
To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled or accepted at the respective law school and have completed all 1L courses.
Yes, Write-On can be completed remotely, and many people have completed it while working, travelling, or visiting family.
