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Not Waving, Drowning
Only a year ago it seems I was already thinking about what I would do if I found that law school sucks. Unfortunately, the helpful comments I linked to on that day over at Nikki, Esq. are gone (scroll down to Feb 7 to see where they were), because Nikki has closed up shop. The problem with relying on blogs (or any web site, really) to save information -- they can disappear any time and without notice. Will ai one day just be a bunch of links to nowhere?
But I'm not finding that law school sucks, exactly, I've just been trying to get some perspective on it. Perhaps that perspective is too much to ask at this point, while I'm in the middle of it, juggling obligations and, to borrow a metaphor from the inimitable Famous P., waiting for the train. So meanwhile, here are two point five questions for anyone with experience in this stuff or an opinion or a thought:
1. Should a 1L really try to write on to law review, or would my time be better spent trying to get a note published? (Part of the context of this question is Stay of Execution's argument that law review is a waste of time, and Legal Underground's counterargument that it's worth it.)
1.5. Can anyone recommend a good online source for journal notes so that I can read some examples before making the decision on #1, above?
2. Do all 1Ls compete in all these damned competitions (ADR, Client Counseling, Mock Trial, Moot Court, um, what else?), or am I just at an insane school? Another option: Am I just insane?
Posted February 10, 2004 06:50 AM | law school
1) Law Review is definitely worth it, especially at GW. Why? Because of jobs. For us to compete with the dreaded G-Town, and the other hot shots from out-of-town schools for the good summer jobs, you need to be on Law Review. Sad, but true. If you're not interested in pursuing a career at a big law firm, then it doesn't matter - spend your time doing something else worthwhile, like a clinic.
1.5) No. I would just search Westlaw for notes or comments. By the way, it's next to impossible for a law student who isn't on a journal to just write a note and get it published somewhere. Just something to chew on. If you want to prepare for the writing competition, read the D.C. Circuit Review issue that our Law Review publishes every summer. It should be in the library.
2) Not all of them. And those who do are insane. Do the ones you think look interesting. Everyone has a different experience (e.g. I love Moot Court, my friends are more of the Mock Trial type).
Posted by: Scott at February 10, 2004 08:51 AM
I plan to try for Law Review, because I think I'll like it.
I currently don't have any plans to enter any other competitions, but that may change.
Posted by: transmogriflaw at February 10, 2004 09:34 AM
AI, I think someone with your background and writing ability should try for law review simply because of the prestige involved. I wrote on and, although I feel a bit like the bastard child of the review, I think it was worth it for me to have this particular credential in our credential-crazy profession. Whether we like it or not, certain words in bold print on our resumes are important. The words "Law Review" will stay with you forever. And although the bureaucracy of law review and law school as a whole is frustrating, I think you of all people should take it as a challenge and not as a reason not to jump in...law school is really nothing more than a huge rite of passage, right? That said, only do it if you want it and think you would be happy: no amount of prestige is worth compromising your sanity.
As far as advice for you if you do decide to write-on: READ THE DIRECTIONS! You would be surprised how many people mess up on the most mundane details. Don't read the entire packet. Focus on relevant cases and articles. Be concise. And write me if you want more advice...
Good luck!
Posted by: Bekah at February 10, 2004 11:14 AM
If you do make it on a journal, you will get to write a note anyway (and if you make Law Review, a case note as well). If what you want to do is write, you've probably got a better chance competing against a closed pool of people for guaranteed spots in a volume. And, if your note doesn't get published, I would imagine that you can attempt to shop it around to other law reviews.
Posted by: Sam at February 10, 2004 07:14 PM
Thanks for the helpful responses everyone. In light of this quality advice:
1: I will attempt to write on to law review, but I won't hold my breath. I would certainly like to write, but I have no desire to work in a firm, so I'd mostly be doing it because I think I'd be good at it and enjoy it a little. I've been called crazy before. We'll see.
1.5: In a comment here (scroll down) Carolyn Elefant claims "it's incredibly easy to get published in a law review." I dunno...
2: I'm insane. So far in law school I haven't met a competition I didn't compete in. Perhaps that explains why I constantly feel unable to keep up with everything. A jack of all trades is master of none and all that. Thankfully, mock trial will be over in 1.5 weeks, and the only thing after that is Moot Court, which we're prepping for via our LRW classes, so it would seem silly not to give it a whirl...
Posted by: ambimb at February 10, 2004 09:19 PM
