How to Write a Law Review Article or Comment

Writing a law review article or comment is both time-consuming and rewarding. If you are successful, your article will be published and stored in Westlaw and Lexis for generations to come. A published comment or law review article also offers prestige and a sense of accomplishment, as well as a resume booster. Write a publication quality law review article or comment by using a few suggestions.

Things You'll Need

  • Westlaw or Lexis
  • Word processor
  • Faculty advisor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Come up with a good topic to begin. Look for circuit splits or controversial areas of law. Argue for a change in the law or the way you feel the law should be. In looking for a topic, make sure you search Westlaw and/or Lexis to see if someone else has already written on it. You want an article that is new or one that adds significant material, or a new twist, to an old article. Find something you are interested in, as it will make it easier to write.

    • 2

      Start doing research. This is time-consuming, but you need to find enough material to get you started. Try finding secondary sources first -- other law review articles, CJS, AmJur -- and build on from there with cases.

    • 3

      Start writing. Begin with an introduction if possible. If your law journal has not given you something to go off of, such as a form, check online at other law journals. Many law journals have published student pieces online, giving you a way to get a sense for what you are up against, as well as the proper form to use.

    • 4

      Once you are finished writing your comment, start proofreading, or get another set of eyes to proofread. Go back and double-check your citations. Make sure the content flows naturally and there are topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph, as well as a coherent theme. Use transitions, and avoid a lot of legal jargon.

    • 5

      Submit your article for review.

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