The information below addresses the questions most often asked by potential Competition participants (click on a question to see answer). Please note that the information on this page is current as of the time posted, but is subject to change.
| What are some important dates to keep in mind? |
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The Write-On Competition typically begins in mid to late July, depending on when the Registrar's Office compiles class and section ranks. Once this information is available, the Law Review will send invitation letters that explain the dates and details of the Competition to eligible students. In order to provide all competitors with fair notice of the Competition, the Competition usually begins 10 to 14 days after the letters are sent, at which point students will be able to pick up Competition Packets in the Law Review Office. After the Competition Packets are distributed, students have two weeks to complete their submissions. During this two-week period, students should be prepared to commit a significant amount of time to writing their Competition Pieces. Students selected for Law Review Staff Membership typically receive notice in early to mid August. Staff Members are required to attend Orientation.
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| Who is eligible to compete for Law Review? |
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Students entering the 2nd year Day Division who rank within the top 25% of their respective sections, students entering the 3rd year Evening Division who rank within the top 25% of their Evening Division class, and students entering the 3rd year Day Division or 4th year Evening Division who rank within the top 15% of their class are eligible to compete. The LPS Best Brief and Best Oral Advocate awards do not grant eligibility.
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| Are students transferring from another law school eligible for Law Review? |
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Transfer students interested in Law Review should contact the Law Review as soon as possible to determine their eligibility to participate in the Competition.
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| Does transferring from the Evening Division to the Day Division affect my eligibility? |
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Students transferring from the Evening Division to the Day Division after their first year of school are eligible to compete if they have completed 20 credit hours of study and rank in the top 25% of their Evening Division section. Please contact the Registrar’s Office and the Law Review if this applies to you.
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| What are the requirements for joint degree candidates? |
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Joint degree candidates should contact the Registrar’s Office and the Law Review to determine their eligibility status.
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| If I am accepted by another Honor Board through an open write-on competition, will I still be able to compete for Law Review? |
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If you have accepted membership with another Honor Board following an open write-on competition, you should inquire with that Board if you wish to participate in the Law Review's Write-On Competition.
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If I am not in the Boston area this summer, will I still be able to compete?
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Yes. If you will be out of the state or country on the date that Competition Packets are available for pick-up, the Law Review will send a Competition Packet to you via e-mail. Submissions are uploaded electronically, so you may do so from a remote location. If you are eligible to compete, the invitation letter you receive will explain the details further. It is imperative, however, that the Registrar’s Office has your current mailing address or that you have made arrangements for your mail to be forwarded, otherwise you will not receive the invitation letter in a timely fashion.
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| What is a Case Comment? |
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A Case Comment is an analysis of a recent appellate court decision that represents a change, modification, or significant interpretation of the law. The Competition Packet contains detailed instructions on how to structure your Case Comment. Before you begin writing, it will be helpful to review some of the Case Comments contained in volumes of the Suffolk University Law Review. Click here to see examples of recently published Case Comments.
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| Will I be able to use LexisNexis and/or Westlaw during the Competition? |
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Participants are allowed and encouraged to use a variety of sources in drafting their Case Comments. LexisNexis and Westlaw passwords can easily be extended for use during the Competition period. Refer to the LexisNexis and Westlaw websites for directions about extending your passwords.
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| How many positions are available and how many students are competing? |
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It is not possible to provide the exact number of students who will be participating. In the 2008 Write-On Competition, 154 students were eligible to compete for Law Review membership, 151 received Competition Packets, 82 actually submitted Case Comments, and 18 accepted positions on Law Review through the Write-On Competition (5 students graded on). Many other students were offered positions with other Honor Boards.
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HONOR
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