Now it's time for the write-on competition Forum

[thuggishruggishbone]

How are you guys preparing? Memorizing the bluebook?

[Leeroy Jenkins]

why the fuck would you memorize the bluebook when you can use it during the comp

[270910]

*cowers in the corner*

What if I don't wanna

[eth3n]

*cowers in the corner*

What if I don't wanna

[steve_nash]

As a law review editor, let me give you some unasked for advice:

1) do not memorize the Bluebook;
2) you do not need to prepare for the competition;
3) if you do feel the need, read the section of Eugene Volokh's Academic Legal Writing on write-on competitions;
4) edit, edit, edit once you write the note;
5) don't be afraid to question the assumptions of the majority and dissents in the cases -- don't leave your analytical mind at the door;
6) stay away from legalese; and
7) focus particularly on the beginning and the end -- the beginning may win or lose your case with the staff member reading your casenote. If you have lots of typos (or even one!) on the first page, your credibility is damaged. Remember: the law review staff has spent a whole year being anal about typos, citations, and other small grammatical errors.

[eth3n]

As a law review editor, let me give you some unasked for advice:

1) do not memorize the Bluebook;
2) you do not need to prepare for the competition;
3) if you do feel the need, read the section of Eugene Volokh's Academic Legal Writing on write-on competitions;
4) edit, edit, edit once you write the note;
5) don't be afraid to question the assumptions of the majority and dissents in the cases -- don't leave your analytical mind at the door;
6) stay away from legalese; and
7) focus particularly on the beginning and the end -- the beginning may win or lose your case with the staff member reading your casenote. If you have lots of typos (or even one!) on the first page, your credibility is damaged. Remember: the law review staff has spent a whole year being anal about typos, citations, and other small grammatical errors.

appreciate the advice