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August 26, 2008

Chapman Law Review “The Importance of Writing a Publishable Note or Comment” Professor Donald J. Kochan. August 26, 2008. Why Write #1: First, the Simple Stuff. Because you have to . . . To get law review credit To satisfy substantial writing requirement To stay on law review

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August 26, 2008

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  1. Chapman Law Review“The Importance of Writing a Publishable Note or Comment” Professor Donald J. Kochan August 26, 2008

  2. Why Write #1:First, the Simple Stuff Because you have to . . . • To get law review credit • To satisfy substantial writing requirement • To stay on law review BUT, THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT REASONS . . .

  3. Why Write #2:You Learn • You learn how to write in a serious style • Improve your researching skills • You learn bluebooking which you will need in any area of practice • You learn intensely a specific area of law ALL OF THESE WILL BE SALEABLE ASSETS IN YOUR JOB SEARCH AND EVENTUAL PRACTICE

  4. Why Write #3:Product • Your Comment or Note will be a product you display to the world – a writing sample • LRW writing samples are simply of less value to employers sifting through hundreds of applications – just as law review membership itself is used as a proxy for candidate quality, so too is the mere existence of a serious scholarly writing sample

  5. Why Write #3:Publish • Obviously not everyone will be published, but the ones that really aim for it and put in the effort have a chance, especially with the increased number of issues • Think about alternative publishing forums as well

  6. Why Write #4:Better Grades in Other Classes • Practice, Practice, Practice – That is how you become a better writer and it will be reflected in your grades when writing exams or papers in other classes • Some anecdotal evidence . . .

  7. Why Write #5:Getting to Know the Legal Community • Chapman Professors • Outsiders – reach out! And make connections as you research • Contact people you read and want to cite while writing then send them drafts and the finished product

  8. Topics • Pick something that will keep your interest while researching and writing • Identify an audience/relevance • MOST IMPORTANTLY – UNIQUENESS – i.e. say something NEW • Avoid saturated topics

  9. Timing • Start Early • Have you ever read a law review article? Read a few to get an idea of style and presentation • Don’t be afraid to change direction • BUT, commit as early as possible – you have far less time than you think • This is NOT like writing a term paper the night before it was due in undergrad – been there, done that; but you’re in a different game now

  10. Template: Make it Look Like a Law Review Article [Pithy and unique but relevant title]: [Explanatory Subtitle] [Your Name]* Abstract Introduction First textual reference to a footnote[1] Other advice: Be sure you Bluebook Use full justification *J.D. Candidate, Chapman University School of Law, expected 200_. [undergrad degree and any relevant professional credentials and any acknowledgements] [1]

  11. Concluding Thoughts • Whether you get published or not, there are tremendous benefits to have a “publishable” product under your belt • Tap all resources along the way • Make a Unique contribution to legal scholarship and analysis

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