Submissions for the James Wilson Law Journal are
now open
About the Journal
The James Wilson Law Journal is the online law journal published by students
at the University of Pennsylvania in association with the James Wilson Law
Society. It publishes original, accessible and relevant articles by
undergraduate and postgraduate students from all universities on topics
reflecting contemporary ideas and relevant discussions on the law, both
American and international. The Journal aims to serve as an open and
accessible platform of interaction by connecting students with their peers,
leading academics and legal professionals across America.
Submissions
Students are encouraged to write about the contentious legal issues that
they’re passionate about and to explore the people and events that shape the
law. At this stage, the editorial team envisions three sorts of content:
Feature Articles (1200-1500 words): In a objective manner investigate a
particular contemporary legal issue, examine all the sides, and offer a
journalistic opinion. The focus should be on educating and reporting in an
engaging manner.
Opinion Piece (600-800 words): A subjective article professing and
advocating for a particular viewpoint on some legal issue or debate. The
emphasis should be on solid arguments and advocacy over merely presenting
information.
In The Law Today (150-300 words): These are just short and engaging pieces
on something interesting that has happened in the legal world. It can range
anything from summarizing an important recent Supreme Court decision, to
the bizarre, such as a particularly curious case or piece of legislation passed.
It doesn’t have to be relevant to national debate, only engaging to the lawminded
reader.
Style
The Journal’s content is to be written in a journalistic style. We believe this is
a more readable and engaging format for our audience. That means, no
lengthy footnotes or references – just interesting and relevant content.
Going Forward
Pitches (100-150 words) should be sent to pennlawsociety@gmail.com,
ideally containing what you plan to write about, what angle you intend to take,
and how to intend to argue the angle. We’ll get back to you as quickly as
possible, with whether we are interested in publication, and if so, the direction
we would like you to take the article. We will then provide a deadline for the
first draft and keep you involved in the editing process.
