Frequently Asked Questions
I have a GPA of a 2.99. Can I join Law Review?
No. The South Texas Law Review will not make any exceptions to the minimum GPA requirement.
What is the workload like on Law Review?
During your Candidacy semester on Law Review, you will be assigned to an Articles Editor. This editor will give you assignments that involve finding and checking sources, making sure footnotes are properly cited, and checking text for grammar, punctuation, etc. You will also be required to work on a student comment. This comment will be written over your four semester commitment to Law Review. Please ask an editor for a detailed breakdown of the comment. Finally, each candidate will be assigned two weekly office hours.
How many semesters do I need to be on Law Review?
There is a four semester requirement for Law Review. You will not receive credit if you don't complete all four semesters.
Can I participate on Law Review for 2 or 3 semesters not for credit?
No.
Are there a set number of spots to fill on Law Review?
No, there is no "set" number of spots on Law Review. The incoming number of candidates is based solely on the quality of work received.
Law Review Write-on FAQs
Do you recommend any sources to help work on the write-on competition?
The 19th Edition of the Bluebook and the current edition of the Greenbook are good places to start. There are several scholarly writing books as well. For example, the Manual on Usage and Style is a helpful tool. Also, the Comments in the South Texas Law Review will help show the type of work we publish and look for.
Is the Table of Contents included in the page limit? Should it be on a separate page?
Yes, the Table of Contents is included in the Write-On Competition's page limit. It should not, however, be on a separate page from the rest of the paper.
Do you only edit the text or footnotes in the editing exercise?
Assume that nothing is correct on the Editing Exercise. Fix anything that you believe needs to be fixed. We recommend that you work on this part of the Write-On packet first, as it might help you when working on the case note.
Can I find sources other than the ones listed on the source list for the case note? Are all of the sources on the list relevant and cited accurately?
No. The case note has a closed source list. You can choose to use as many (or as few) of the sources as you would like on the note; however, you cannot add any additional sources. The Law Review does not ensure that all of the sources are cited accurately or are relevant. Hopeful candidates need to use their own judgment.
Can I have a professor review my Write-On packet?
No. You cannot have any outside help when working on any part of the Write-On packet. You will be disqualified from the competition if you receive outside help.
Will the Law Review board members be available to answer questions?
No substantive questions will be answered by the Law Review board.
How are the packets graded?
The case note and editing exercise are the focal parts of the competition. Each grader is given the same set of criteria with which to review every submission. GPA will also be a factor; however, it can only help a participant and can't hurt one. No student shall have access to another student's GPA.
How do I identify my packet? Will it be anonymous?
When you turn in your packet, you will be assigned a 4-digit number to label your packet with. A Law Review administrator will have a log of which name and number go together, while the editors will only know what number to identify each packet with – they will never see your name. Even when the results are posted, the editors will only know who made successfully wrote on, but not which paper went with each student.
When is the packet due?
Each competition has its own deadline. The Summer 2012 competition is due at 5:00pm on June 15. Absolutely NO late papers will be accepted.
If I am mailing in my packet, is it OK if it arrives after the deadline if it is postmarked before then?
No. All packets must be received BY the deadline, regardless of how they are delivered.