Secondary Journal question Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm sure this has been answered before, but I'm in class so I can't look around. Would a firm at OCI make a comment or ask a question about why I wasn't good enough to get on Law Review? I'm pissed that I didn't make the cut, but I am on a secondary journal.

[CanadianWolf]

Depends upon the firm & upon the interviewer. When I interviewed I was a bit surprised at the number of times I was asked to evaluate a classmate who had also interviewed with the same biglaw firms. In short, an interviewer can ask anything, it is how you respond that is important.
Also, depends upon how law review is earned at your school; if by grades, then the answer is simple, and, if by write-on, then take a writing sample to the interview.

Another approach would be to highlight your interest in the secondary journal's area of focus.

Just the fact that you are preparing for this question should help in your interview. Never show that you're surprised or upset by any question at an interview.

[banjo]

When you get asked a question like that, the interviewer is usually trying to see if you can be objective about your own work and learn from your setbacks. Maybe say something like, "I gave it my best, but looking back, there were definitely ways I could have improved my write-on essay. For now, I'm happy to be on Secondary Law Journal and I'm hoping I'll learn a lot about _____ this year."

Bad answers: getting defensive, calling it bad luck, giving a dumb excuse (I started work that week and didn't have much time), lying about not wanting Law Review at all.

[ManoftheHour]

You and me OP. We the same. I plan on selling my secondary as a subject i am interested in. Coincidentally, I have the volunteer experience on my resume to back it up. Admittedly, I only came to the meeting because they had pizza and I tried out on a whim.

[Anonymous User]

OP here, thanks for the responses! I'm hoping I can spin it because the field of law for my journal has a very strong connection with the market I'm applying in. Plus I have research assistant experience in the field so hopefully that will tie everything together...at least a little/

[rpupkin]

Would a firm at OCI make a comment or ask a question about why I wasn't good enough to get on Law Review?

I'm sure a question like that has been asked in the history of OCI interviewing, but it's not a common question.

Be prepared to discuss your interest in your secondary journal. If some douchebag actually asks "why aren't you on law review?", just tell the truth and move on. It's not a question you need to prepare a spiel for.

[thesealocust]

Like 95% of law students aren't on law review. Asking why would be a pretty silly question.