| Summary |
Law review is a common opportunity for law students to gain experience in legal writing, research, and diversify their resume. Gaining experience through law review is one of the best ways for law students to hone and develop their legal writing and research skills, stand out from other candidates in the job market, and gain access to a network of professionals in the legal field.
In Part II of this series, we will dive deeper into the advantages of joining law review, including gaining access to professional contacts, developing stronger research, writing, and analytical skills, and earning potential rewards.
By joining law review, participants gain access to a powerful and extensive network of contacts, often with esteemed legal professionals. This can be especially beneficial to students not having direct access to clerkships, legal research jobs, or other opportunities to refine their research and writing skills. Additionally, law review provides an opportunity to interact with other law students and even established legal professionals in the field.
Law review also gives students the opportunity to advance their research, writing, and analytical skills. These skills are invaluable for any law student and are the foundation for a successful legal career. Law review provides the opportunity for law students to practice and hone these skills in a more structured and detailed manner than through a simple legal writing class.
Finally, a law review membership often has the potential to earn rewards from the law school, employers, and even law journals. These rewards can be anything from a fee waiver to a full scholarship to assist with the financial burden of law school.
In summary, joining a law review is one of the best ways for law students to gain access to contacts and resources, refine research, writing, and analytical skills, and even receive rewards in the form of scholarships, fee waivers, and other benefits. Participating in law review can truly set a law student apart in the job market, making it an advantage well worth taking advantage of.
Sharpening Your Writing Skills
One of the primary advantages of joining the Law Review is the opportunity to improve your writing skills. Writing for the Law Review is no easy feat; even the most experienced writers often face a steep learning curve. In addition to participating in the editing process, members write articles and notes which are published in the Law Review's periodic releases. This process is valuable, as it helps sharpen writing skills and encourages members to think more deeply about relevant legal topics and theories. The critique and feedback members receive in response to their work is invaluable, creating a unique and productive learning environment.Developing Professional Connections
The professional connections that Law Review members gain are another major advantage. As members of an esteemed legal organization, Law Review members have access to an abundant source of networking opportunities. Their connections not only include fellow Law Review members, but also various attorneys, prominent legal professionals, and other Law Review alumni. Having access to an expansive network of highly qualified individuals can be beneficial for a variety of reasons- from career opportunities to helpful advice.Building Your Resume
In addition to the benefits provided while actively participating in Law Review, joining the organization can also provide substantial advantages to future legal professionals. Law Review membership is an impressive addition to any resume. Participation in an elite organization such as the Law Review can indicate to prospective employers that an individual is exceptionally well-rounded, dedicated to their craft, and highly qualified for the position. These qualities are highly valued by legal employers, and can provide Law Review graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.Opportunities for Upward Mobility
Law Review members also have the ability to climb the ranks within an organization. Depending on the size and structure of a Law Review, members may have the opportunity to serve in various administrative positions such as Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editor, or writing editor. Taking on a leadership position can showcase an individual's potential, and help them develop valuable skills, such as project management, delegation, and problem solving. To gain a leadership position within the Law Review may open the door to numerous future opportunities.Access to Scholarship
Members of Law Review also enjoy certain scholarships that are unavailable to the general public. Most law schools will offer scholarship opportunities to Law Review members, as these students often come with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Moreover, Law Review members may also be eligible for other forms of financial aid, such as grants and awards. These scholarships and awards can be quite useful for law students who may need financial assistance for completing their degree. Additionally, members can also take advantage of other resources, such as utilizing the Law Review library for research purposes.
In contrast to judges and practicing attorneys who are quick to note the positive work ethics of students with law review experience, current law students addressing the advantages of serving on law review often accentuate the stimulating legal environment that surrounds them on a daily basis. Ian Millhiser, a 2L serving on the Duke Law Journal, said he especially values two aspects of his membership on law review. ''I like the camaraderie of being part of a community 'in the trenches together,' and I appreciate the chance to review many of the articles that come in which address some of the hottest ideas in current legal scholarship.''
Thiru Vignarajah, a 3L currently serving on The Harvard Law Review said,
''I think I've derived three main sets of benefits from serving as an editor of The Harvard Law Review. First and most important, the Law Review is a vibrant intellectual and social community. We regularly discuss a wide range of topics ranging from reality TV to presidential politics. Second, Law Review offers a series of opportunities to engage in substantive writing projects; editors are given three distinct opportunities to select topics of interest to them and turn their ideas into law review articles of their own. In fact, our own student-written articles are submitted to a dozen editors who provide collaborative and constructive feedback. Finally, Law Review work gives its members a sustained opportunity to really develop their editing skills.''
Mr. Vignarajah added, ''Editorial work on law review [also] exposes members to cutting-edge legal scholarship. We receive nearly 2,000 articles each year, although we are only able to publish a fraction of those pieces.''
Upon graduation, Mr. Vignarajah will serve as a law clerk for Judge Guido Calabresi of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
What does all this tell you, the already over-worked student? Get ready for more ork, because from the practicing attorney, judge, and student points of view, it might be wise to try to join a law review. On a personal level, it helps develop core legal skills, builds personal relationships, and exposes you to the latest legal ideas. The nice part for you is that no matter what you end up doing with your degree, you will increase your personal value. In addition, employers see membership on a law review as a good indicator that the potential employee possesses traits and skills they want.
Still, be sure that you can commit to the endeavor. Doing so will ensure that you enjoy the extra work or at least have not fooled yourself into thinking you can sign on, do the smallest amount necessary (which is still quite a bit), and receive a gold star to impress future employers. Remember, lawyers ask questions, and if they probe and then think you were merely a ''joiner,'' all that work will have been for nothing. So be honest with yourself about the tremendous benefits to joining a law review, the many hours of hard work needed to gain those benefits, and your personal goals as an attorney. From there you will be better able to make the decision that is right for you.
