Joining the DLR
The Dickinson Law Review seeks students from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are dedicated, collaborative, and exhibit strong analytical skills. All students seeking membership are required to participate in the Write-On Competition.
Write-On Competition
The Write-On Competition typically occurs after final exams in May. The Competition is graded anonymously. All editors are selected based solely on their combined writing and Bluebooking scores. To be eligible for membership, candidates must possess a cumulative GPA of 2.66 or higher by the conclusion of their first year.
The Write-On has three components:
A closed-universe writing assignment designed to test students’ writing, legal argument, and analytical skills. It is similar to a first-year legal writing course assignment.
A quiz designed to test students’ ability to conform citations to proper Bluebook format.
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A form that allows the Write-On Grading Committee to review student submissions and verify their eligibility. Graders do not have access to students’ GPA or class ranking.
Questions about the membership selection process and the Write-On Competition should be directed to the Executive Comments Editor.
Questions about the Comment Writing Program and life on the journal should be directed to the Managing Editor.
Write-On Competition Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
The Dickinson Law Review is firmly committed to providing accommodations for students with disabilities and handles requests on a case-by-case basis. Students who anticipate needing accommodations should contact the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Services in advance of the Write-On Competition.
Life on the Journal
Students who accept a membership offer will serve a two-year commitment to the Dickinson Law Review. During their first year on the journal, members will serve as Associate Editors. During their second year, members are eligible to join the Editorial Board or become a Senior Editor, lead editing teams, and serve on various committees (such as the Articles Selection Committee, Symposium Committee, Write-On Grading Committee, and Comment Grading Committee). Additionally, Associate and Senior Editors receive one non-graded co-curricular credit each semester on the journal, while Editorial Board members receive two credits.
As Associate Editors, members will participate in the Comment Writing Program (CWP) and conduct source checks on pending publications. Through its Comment Writing Program, the Dickinson Law Review assists each member in preparing an original work of scholarship suitable for professional publication. Through source-checking the journal’s upcoming issues and the CWP, the Dickinson Law Review provides students with valuable Bluebooking, researching, editing, and writing experience transferable to any legal sector.