Keith Mack
The ranking of law reviews is a highly debated topic, with various factors influencing their perceived prestige. While some argue that the ranking of the law school closely correlates with the prestige of its law review, others assert that the quality of articles is the primary consideration. Authors often aim for publication in higher-ranked journals, leveraging offers to gain entry into prestigious journals. The impact factor, citation metrics, and circulation figures are also used to gauge the prominence of law reviews. Student involvement in the editing and publishing process is common in some countries, while others are predominantly managed by professors or publishing houses. Ultimately, the goal of a law review should be to publish exceptional articles that challenge conventional ideas and propose innovative solutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Authors want to be published by the highest-ranked journal | High-ranked journals are more attractive to authors |
| Authors leverage offers to get into higher-ranked journals | Authors submit articles to multiple journals and take the best offer |
| Authors use acceptance into a lower-tier journal to prompt interest with a higher-ranked one | Authors use acceptance by a lower-tier journal as a bargaining chip |
| More prestigious journals are often specialty journals | Specialty journals are more prestigious than general journals |
| Older journals have more clout with employers | Journal age is an indicator of prestige |
| Journals with higher impact factors are more attractive to students | Students aim to contribute to journals with high impact factors |
| Journals with higher circulation figures are more attractive to students | Students aim to contribute to journals with high circulation figures |
| Journals with more citations are ranked higher | Journals with more citations are considered better |
| Journals with more pages are ranked higher | Journals with more pages are considered better |
| Journals affiliated with higher-ranked schools are considered better | School ranking is a factor in journal ranking |
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What You'll Learn
Student-run vs. professionally-run law reviews
Student-run law reviews are the norm in many countries, including the US, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Iceland, Finland, and Australia. These reviews are typically edited and published by an organization of students at a law school, in close collaboration with faculty members. For example, the Harvard Law Review is a student-run law review based in Harvard Law School's Gannett House. Similarly, the Trento Student Law Review is a student-run law review based in Trento, Italy, and has been publishing since 2018. Ars Aequi, a Dutch general legal journal, has been edited by students from all faculties of law of Dutch universities since 1951. The Úlfljótur Law Review has been run by students at the University of Iceland since 1947, and the Helsinki Law Review has been edited by students at the University of Helsinki since 2007. In Australia, leading student-edited law reviews include the Melbourne University Law Review and the Monash University Law Review.
While student-run law reviews are prevalent, some countries, like Argentina, primarily have law reviews run by publishing houses or law professors, with minimal student involvement.
Student-run law reviews have their advantages and critics. Supporters argue that student-run law reviews provide valuable experience and opportunities for students, contributing to their academic and professional development. They also allow for diverse perspectives and fresh ideas to emerge in the field of law. For instance, Justice Stanley Mosk of the Supreme Court of California cited the Fordham Law Review, demonstrating the impact of student-run law reviews on jurisprudence.
However, critics question the competence and judgment of students in handling complex legal scholarship. They argue that law students, with limited experience, may not possess the necessary understanding of the law to critique, select, and edit scholarly articles effectively. Concerns have also been raised about potential biases in the selection process, with students favoring submissions from their professors. Additionally, the laborious task of editing and the historical precedent of student-reviewed journals may hinder the emergence of peer-reviewed alternatives.
Professionally-run law reviews, on the other hand, are managed by publishing houses, law professors, or legal practitioners. They are often associated with academic journals in other disciplines, which are typically peer-edited by professional academics. Proponents of professionally-run law reviews argue that they can maintain higher standards of article selection, editing, and interdisciplinary coverage.
In conclusion, while student-run law reviews are prevalent and valued for their contributions to legal education and jurisprudence, critics advocate for more professional involvement to ensure the quality and integrity of legal scholarship.
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Journal age and speciality
The speciality of a journal is another factor that influences its ranking. At many schools, the more prestigious journal is the speciality journal. A low-ranked general journal rarely attracts as much attention as a category-leading specialised journal. This is because authors and professors often care more about making an impact in a certain field and reaching a specific audience of lawyers and judges who understand the topic. For instance, in the United States, the Fordham Law Review is considered a prestigious speciality journal that has influenced the Supreme Court of California.
The age and speciality of a journal are closely linked to its impact factor, which is another measure of a law review's notability. The impact factor considers the frequency of citations to articles in a particular journal. Older, more specialised journals tend to have higher impact factors because they have had more time to establish themselves and gain recognition in their field. Journals with high impact factors are successful in showcasing the academic prowess of their student contributors, making them more attractive to potential employers.
However, it is worth noting that the relationship between journal age, speciality, and ranking is not always straightforward. Some newer journals, such as the Trento Student Law Review established in 2017, have gained recognition and respect in their field despite their recent inception. Additionally, the ranking of a law review is influenced by various other factors, including the number of citations, the quality of the articles, the reputation of the school, and the rigour of the article selection process.
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Impact factor and status
The impact factor of a law review is a measure of the frequency with which articles in a given journal are cited. This is calculated by comparing the number of citations to articles in a journal with the number of articles published by that journal. For example, the impact factor of the Columbia Law Review is 3.39, indicating that its articles are frequently cited. In contrast, the SMU Law Review has an impact factor of 0.52, suggesting that its articles are less frequently cited.
The impact factor is a significant indicator of a journal's status within its field. Journals with higher impact factors are generally considered more prestigious and reputable, and articles published in these journals may carry more weight. Authors typically prefer to publish in higher-ranked journals to increase the visibility and impact of their work.
However, it is important to note that the impact factor is not the sole determinant of a journal's status. Other factors, such as the age of the journal, the reputation of the affiliated school, and the novelty of the ideas presented, also contribute to a journal's overall status and influence. Additionally, some authors may be more selective about publishing in speciality journals that cater to their specific field of interest, rather than solely focusing on the ranking of the law review.
The impact factor of law reviews also has implications for the students involved in producing them. Students who contribute to high-impact journals can showcase their academic prowess and gain recognition from recruiters and potential employers. Law review experience on a resume indicates strong research and writing skills, making candidates more attractive to employers, including large law firms and judges.
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Law school rankings
Law reviews are publications typically edited and managed by students at law schools, often in collaboration with faculty members. These publications provide a platform for legal scholarship and contribute to the development of jurisprudence. The articles published in law reviews are selected by an editorial board, which ensures the quality and relevance of the content. Authors, including professors, practitioners, and sometimes students, submit their articles to law reviews, aiming for placement in highly ranked journals.
The ranking of a law review is influenced by several factors. One significant factor is the number of citations. Law reviews with higher citation counts, such as those affiliated with prestigious law schools, tend to be ranked higher. Additionally, the impact factor, calculated as the frequency of citations relative to the number of articles published, is another measure of a law review's reputation. Law reviews with high impact factors are often sought after by authors aiming to establish their academic prowess and gain recognition from recruiters and employers.
The age of the journal also plays a role in its ranking. Older, more established journals tend to hold more clout with employers, even if they are specialised publications. However, it is important to note that the content and quality of the articles remain the primary goal of a law review. The novelty of ideas, the intricacies of proposed solutions, and the up-and-coming nature of the topics discussed are essential factors that should influence the selection of articles for publication.
While law review rankings can provide a measure of the journal's impact and reputation, they may not always reflect the quality of individual articles. Authors often aim for publication in highly ranked journals, but the ranking alone does not guarantee the superiority of the content. It is common for authors to submit their work to multiple law reviews and then choose the most prestigious offer, or use an acceptance from a lower-tier journal to prompt interest from higher-ranked ones. Therefore, while law review rankings can provide a general indication of the journal's standing, the true value lies in the quality and impact of the published articles.
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Publication process
The law review publication process is a complex and often perplexing one, with many factors influencing the chances of a manuscript's acceptance. Authors, usually law professors, submit articles to the editorial boards of journals, which then select which articles to publish. The editorial staff of law reviews is typically composed of students, although some are run by practicing attorneys.
The first step in the publication process is writing a compelling article. Authors are advised to start by choosing a subject area that genuinely interests them, based on their legal studies, career, or personal experiences. Identifying gaps in existing literature by reading recent law review articles and noting areas where questions remain unanswered or scholars disagree is also recommended. Authors should also be mindful of the aims and scope of their article. For instance, if the paper focuses on a niche topic like the legal implications of pollutants in a specific US state, submitting to local law reviews or specialty titles focused on environmental issues may be more successful.
Once the article is written, authors can either submit to one law review exclusively or stagger their submissions to multiple target law reviews. Staggering submissions allows for more time to customize them for different law reviews, while submitting to multiple reviews simultaneously ensures the article reaches them early in their selection processes. Authors should review the article preferences and recent publication history of their target law reviews to tailor their submissions accordingly.
Submitting early in the season is generally advisable, as it can increase the chances of acceptance. However, submitting later can also have advantages, as law reviews still seeking papers will be keen for new submissions towards the middle and end of the main article selection period. Journals in the top 50 to 100 rankings may leave spots open for late submissions.
To increase the likelihood of acceptance, authors can submit expedited review requests, notifying their preferred law reviews that their article has received an offer from another review and asking for a decision before their response to the initial offer is due. While this strategy can be effective, it should be used judiciously. It is generally recommended to wait for an offer from a similarly ranked publication before sending an expedited request to a top law review.
If an article is rejected, authors should not be discouraged. Many editors are open to considering resubmissions, especially if improvements have been made. Authors can also try submitting their article to different law reviews or resubmitting to their original targets after refining their work.
While the law review publication process is challenging, authors can enhance their chances of success by writing compelling articles, strategically timing their submissions, and effectively utilizing tools like expedited requests and resubmissions.
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Frequently asked questions
The ranking of law reviews is important as it helps authors decide where to submit their articles for publication. Authors typically want to be published in the highest-ranked journals, and higher-ranked journals attract more attention and have a greater impact.
There are several methods for ranking law reviews. One commonly used ranking is produced by Washington and Lee University Law School, which takes into account factors such as the number of citations, page numbers, and the novelty of ideas presented. Other factors that may be considered include the reputation of the school, the quality of the writing, and the status of the authors.
A high ranking can lead to increased prestige and influence for a law review. It may also result in a larger readership and greater citation counts. Additionally, authors may be more inclined to submit their articles to higher-ranked journals, allowing the review to publish more notable and impactful pieces.
