1L Applicants

JLB LogoThe NYU Journal of Law & Business (“JLB”) was founded nine years ago to give our members opportunities above and beyond those available at other journals. Our practical approach to legal writing and greater contact with practicing attorneys provides unique ways to prepare for leadership roles during and after law school.

VISION STATEMENT:

The NYU Journal of Law & Business provides a forum for dialogue with practitioners and contributes to academic scholarship regarding issues at the intersection of law and business.

The Journal concentrates on recent developments and innovative successes in the law and business community, focusing on the interrelationship between the two fields. The Journal explores a number of general areas, including international law and business, law and finance, and the effect of law and business on public interest organizations. The Journal also addresses contemporary topics in law and business, including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, private equity, bankruptcy/restructuring, capital markets, and securities.

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE:

  • Flexibility: We are a young, innovative journal where you can make an impact as a Staff Editor and have plenty of opportunities for taking on leadership positions.
  • Innovation: In addition to traditional academic pieces, we publish high-quality essays and shorter articles by legal practitioners. These practitioner pieces are a benchmark of our success.
  • Networking: As a practitioner-oriented journal, we will provide you with several opportunities to network within the business and legal communities and learn from top lawyers. In addition to the Spring Symposium and Fall Panel, examples will include speaker events/panels, skills workshops such as “How to Negotiate a Term Sheet,” and other networking opportunities.
  • Visibility: Our Spring Symposium and Fall Panel highlight current topics in corporate law and are attended by members of the broader law and business community. Staff Editors play a crucial role in organizing and developing these events and can interact with industry leaders in the process.
  • Collaboration: JLB interacts with the Law & Business at NYU Initiative and the Law & Business Association. This year we are also planning to collaborate with other student groups both at the law school and at NYU Stern School of Business.
  • Community: We have regular social events, have started a mentorship program (matching Staff Editors with 3L Editors), and give our members access to the JLB outline bank.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY BOARD:

The Journal has extensive contacts in the greater law and business community who are committed to the future of the Journal and serve as active members on our Professional Advisory Board. Members of the Board include general counsel of several corporations, partners at major law firms, and government officials. We will be utilizing the members of the Board to network and engage with some of the profession’s greatest minds through seminars, luncheons, and other events.

WHAT STAFF EDITORS DO:

  • Staff Editors are separated into groups and edit around six articles per semester. The team aspect fosters group cohesion and increases feedback and work product quality.
  • Staff Editors participate in special committees (e.g. Symposium Committee, Production Committee, etc.), allowing them to play a serious role in the aspects of the Journal that interest them most.
  • We encourage Staff Editors to leverage our contacts with practicing attorneys by working on practitioner pieces, developing an event, and networking at JLB events.
  • Staff Editors who complete student notes through the Notes Program have an opportunity to be published in the Journal.

THE NOTES PROGRAM:

  • Staff Editors can get a unique opportunity to gain practical writing experience by writing student notes to be published in the Journal. Student notes have covered a variety of topics including corporate governance reform, whistleblower legislation, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.
  • The Notes Program has approximately six participants each year. While everyone who writes a student note over the course of the year will have access to the Journal’s staff and resources, the Program is intended for those who are committed to completing a note by the middle of the spring semester. The goal of the Program is to provide thorough feedback and guidance on a regular basis.
  • Participants in the Notes Program will be exempt from two C&S assignments. Participants will take part in the same training and orientation activities as all other Staff.
  • Applications for the Notes Program will be due in September.
  • For more information, please contact the Executive Notes Editor, Brian Smith (bjs391@nyu.edu).

SELECTION CRITERIA:

In selecting Staff Editors, the Journal will focus largely on each applicant’s personal statement and resume. Significant weight will also be given to the quality of the essay and Bluebooking exercise submitted for the writing competition. Finally, how highly applicants rank JLB is weighed very highly in our scoring rubric. When choosing Staff Editors, JLB is committed to maintaining a diverse group with varied backgrounds.

Please feel free to contact us for more information:

Editor-In-Chief: Andrew Ellis (andrew.ellis@nyu.edu)
Managing Editor of Membership: Cora Fanning (clf297@nyu.edu)