How to Join Law Review
The staff of the Washington and Lee Law Review is made up of second and third-year law students. Second-year students are chosen after participating in the annual “Write-On” competition that is held at the end of their first year. All first-year students who wish to be considered for the Law Review must participate in Write-On.
Write-On consists of two submissions: the mini-Note and the Bluebook quiz. The mini-Note is an annotated memo that tests a student’s ability to analyze issues and present a legal argument. The Law Review provides the problem along with all supporting cases and other sources that the student is permitted to consult. The Bluebook quiz tests a student’s ability to identify and correct Bluebook errors. The submissions are anonymous and are graded by the Law Review’s editorial board.
The number of second-year students invited to join the Law Review as Staffwriters depends on the class size. Half of Staffwriters are chosen based only on their Write-On scores. The other half are selected based on their Write-On scores and statements. No positions are awarded to students based solely on their grades.
Write-On Dates
The Write-On Competition will begin at the end of the Spring Semester.
3L Publish-On
Rising third-year students may submit an academic writing to join Law Review the summer before their third year begins. They will join Law Review as a Lead Online Editor. The paper must be an academic writing between 25–40 pages that follows the Writing Guidelines, Bluebook, and Chicago Manual of Style. The paper must show exemplary mastery of academic writing and citation knowledge. Grades will not be considered in the Publish-On.
3L Publish-On Dates
The Publish-On Competition will begin in during the Spring Semester.
Transfer Students
At this time, transfer students are unable to participate in Write-On.
