"In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be
expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an
education."
The Write-on Information
Second and Third year J. Reuben Clark Law School students are offered two opportunities to join the ELJ: (1) the "Early Option" ELJ Write-on Competition in mid-March, or (2) the Co-curricular Write-on competition the week after finals.
The "Early Option" ELJ Write-on competition consists of: (1) technical edit, (2) an ELJ Statement of Interest, and (3) a copy of the law student's 1L advocacy brief. For specific details of each of these requirements please refer to the ELJ Early Write-On Instructions .
The Co-curricular Write-on competition requirements are typically greater, and includes writing a case note.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does participation in ELJ’s “Write-On” Competition provide an automatic invitation to join next year’s staff?
No. Your submission will be evaluated based on your Statement of Interest, the overall substantive and technical quality of your written Advocacy Brief, as well as your technical edit. Your citations will be graded according to the ALWD Citation Manual: A Professional System of Citation or the Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, which is the citation manual used by the BYU Education and Law Journal.
Does participating in ELJ’s “Write-On” competition prevent me from participating in the “Write-On” competition for Law Review, the Journal of Public Law, or Moot Court?
No. Participating in the ELJ competition does not preclude you from participating in the other co-curriculars’ week-long “write-on” competition, which will follow finals.
When will I be notified if I have been selected?
Personal invitations to join the ELJ staff will be extended during the second week of April for the early write-on participants, and by the first of June for the late write-on participants. More information will be forthcoming about your deadline for acceptance, but all invitations will be left open until the invitation date for the other co-curriculars. You will have the opportunity to choose, if extended multiple invitations.
Why should I choose the Early Option write-on competition?
Students who participate in the Early Option write-on will receive a law journal offer before finals and before the Law Review write-on competition allowing less stress, security, and flexibility for their summer. Additionally, students who choose the Late Option will not be eligible for Senior Editor positions.
If I am currently a second-year student and I would like to participate in the competition, what do I submit?
You may submit your 1L advocacy brief, or you may submit another 10-page writing sample. (Examples of acceptable substitutes would include a paper written in fulfillment of your law school substantial writing credit.) Second-year students will also be required to participate in the technical edit.
For a full list of additional FAQ's please refer to the ELJ Early Write-on Instructions. All other inquiries regarding the write-on competition may be directed towards the Editor-in-Chief via email at lawed@lawgate.byu.edu.
Good Luck!