Writing for Publication

Writing a scholarly article on a legal topic is a wonderful way to become intimately familiar with a particular area of the law. It impresses clients, who are thrilled to know that they are being represented by an attorney with substantive expertise in the field and the analytical ability to contribute something unique to the legal literature. It enhances the writer's reputation among other lawyers, and may lead to referrals. It is an important form of service. I write because I enjoy the creative process of writing, and because I like to see my name in print. 

This essay explains how to write and publish a legal article. It discusses (1) the choice of topic and journal, (2) the structure of a typical article, (3) the process of getting an article published, and (4) reprints. The essay is not a comprehensive treatment of the topic (for that, see Eugene Volokh's fine book) - it's a short, concise essay intended to help students and practitioners publish an article or essay in a local law review or bar journal.