As you wrap up finals, the last thing you probably want to think about is another writing assignment. Well, here it is: the Journal Write-On Competition. And while it might not be the most fun way to start the summer, you absolutely should do it.

It might be tempting to dismiss the Competition as optional or something you’ll do “next year.” But if you are even considering participating on a Journal, you should complete the Write-On. You can always turn down an invitation. That said, you should not turn down the opportunity to join the Law Review or Journal of Legislation and Public Policy.

Why journal membership matters 

Journal membership is among the most prestigious and professionally meaningful extracurriculars you can pursue in law school. Its benefits extend well beyond your time on campus, offering an experience that resonates throughout your career:

• Professional Distinction: Employers across all sectors—law firms, government agencies, judges, and public interest organizations—take Journal membership seriously. It signals diligence, discipline, and superior research and writing skills
  
  
• Master of Legal Writing: The rigor of Journal work, especially the process of editing articles and writing a student Comment, develops precision in legal writing and analysis. These skills are central to every legal practice area. If your Comment is ultimately published, it’ll be linked in your biography for the rest of your career.
  
  
• Proficiency in Citation: Through source-checking and editing, members develop fluency in Bluebook citation. You’ll learn how to actually use the Bluebook, not just fear it.
  
  
• Academic Credit: Journal work counts toward your AWR requirements, easing your course load in subsequent semesters. You’ll get one credit per semester for the first year of journal membership.
  
  
• Scholarly Engagement:  Journal offers the chance to engage deeply with legal scholarship. You’ll read and edit articles by professors, practitioners, and peers, gaining exposure to emerging legal theories and contemporary issues.
  
  
• Community and Mentorship: You’ll join a network of intellectually driven peers, faculty, and alumni who share your interest in legal development. Being on Journal is a great way to meet upperclassmen and build your relationships at school.

As Julia Landi, Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review, puts it:

“Being a part of Journal gives you a unique experience as a student to engage with legal scholarship. You improve your writing and research skills and you get to be part of a community of students similarly curious about the law.”

understanding the write-on process

The Write-On Competition typically begins the week following final exams and runs for two weeks. During that time, students must complete the following:

1. Note on a designated topic,
2. Bluebook Excercise,
3. Chicago Manual of Style Excercise, and
4. Holistic Review Consideration Statement

No outside sources are permitted. Editors can easily identify submissions that include them, and you’ll be instantly disqualified. The packet will include everything you need, from relevant case law, statutes, and secondary sources. The goal is not to present a groundbreaking legal theory, but rather to assess your ability to synthesize legal authority, construct a coherent argument, and cite properly.

key strategies for success

1. Plan Ahead and Start Early
   The Write-On will take more time than you expect. While you should rest after finals, you should begin reviewing the packet within a few days. Avoid delaying the process, especially if you are starting your summer job soon. Balancing Journal work and professional obligations is difficult, but getting a head start helps.
   
   
2. Read, Reflect, Then Write
   Do not rush into drafting. Read the materials thoroughly, reflect on the arguments, and outline your structure before you begin writing. A well-organized submission grounded in the packet materials is far more effective than a rushed or overly ambitious draft.
   
   
3. Prioritize Clarity Over Complexity
   We are not looking for the most original argument. We are evaluating your ability to communicate clearly, apply the law logically, and organize your analysis effectively. Prioritize clarity, conciseness, and adherence to the prompt.
   
   
4. Cite Carefully and Accurately
   The citation exercise is not a formality. It is a key part of the evaluation. Proper citations reflect attention to detail and the ability to follow complex formatting rules. Bluebooking is critical to Journal work.
   
   
5. Revise Substantively and Line-by-Line
   Once you complete a working draft, step away from it. Give yourself time to return with a clear mind, and then revise with care. Typos, grammar mistakes, formatting issues, and structural inconsistencies do not go unnoticed, and can overshadow otherwise strong writing.
   
   
6. Print and Proofread
   Reading on paper often reveals errors that are easy to overlook on a screen. Before submitting, print your draft and review it closely.
   
   
7. Approach It as a Learning Experience
   Unlike final exams, the Write-On won’t impact your GPA. While it is competitive, it also provides an opportunity to reinforce the skills you developed in Lawyering. Use it to grow, not just to compete.

final thoughts

Participating in Journal is a serious commitment, but one that brings substantial academic, professional, and personal rewards. The Write-On Competition is your entry point. For many students, it’s the beginning of one of the most formative experiences in law school.

Do the work. Take it seriously. And submit your best possible effort. Remember, this is one of the few things in law school that can shift your career trajectory in a single summer.

Regardless, the Write-On process alone will strengthen your legal writing, your time management, and your marketability.

Good luck! We’re excited to read your work.