Job Descriptions
Member Editor
Member Editors (MEs) are typically 1Ls, or anyone else new to ELJ. They are the heart of the journal and perform much of the most crucial editing of each article. Member Editors serve all year (Fall and Spring semesters) after completing a new editor training workshop held during the first few weeks of classes. They are assigned to an article based upon personal preference and availability. After reading the article in its entirety to get a sense of the thesis, argument and flow, the ME will focus on a 10-30 page segment of text to edit for substance, grammar, style and clarity. The ME offers valuable input into the structure and readability of an article. The ME is also responsible for cite-checking the footnotes in their assigned section for accuracy and completeness. (ELJ’s Member Editors do not have to “pull” sources as other journals require their editors to do – our Executive Editors perform that time-consuming function). Finally, the ME must ensure that the footnotes and text conform to the official Bluebook citation style. Serving as a Member Editor in one’s 1L year is a great way to strengthen analytical and writing skills, to meet new people, and to become familiar with legal scholarship and editing in general.
Associate Member
Associate Members are 2Ls and 3Ls who complete an edit both in the Fall and Spring semesters. ELJ values Associate Members greatly because they are seasoned editors. This position is great for someone who wants to continue to participate in ELJ activities, but does not have the time or inclination to take on more responsibility. We encourage Associate Members to also serve as ARB members.
Lead Article Editor
The Lead Article Editors (LAEs) are the heart of the editing process. LAEs coordinate the work of the member editors, dividing and combining the article and edits at each stage of the editing process. LAEs provide initial, substantive feedback to authors in the form of an “analytical” memorandum and then make substantive edits, in addition to those suggested by member editors, at each editing stage. The LAE also prepares the page proofs, which formats the articles for publication. The big advantages of this job are the opportunity to work directly with authors and with the editor(s)-in-chief and transform an article during the editing process. It also gives LAEs the opportunity to manage a team of editors and work with EEs. The job is time-intensive but also the most rewarding.
Executive Editor
Executive Editors (EEs) check out all the sources cited in an article and organize them in a single place for member editors to check. They may need to coordinate with article authors to locate and gain access to more obscure sources. EEs also return all sources to their rightful owners at the end of each semester. For the source-pull, the EE prepares a spreadsheet listing all sources cited in an article, and collects and places each source in the basement of the law school library for editors to use in their edits. The position is great for developing research and organizational skills (and it also sounds good on a résumé). The source-pull is time consuming, but it occurs at the beginning of each semester and the EE has no other responsibilities (besides returning sources at the end of each semester).
Article Review Board Member
The Article Review Board (ARB) is the true behind-the-scenes force of ELJ. ARB members read and evaluate articles submitted year-round to ELJ. ARB members must review submissions very rapidly—usually within a few days—so that ELJ does not get scooped by another journal. The review entails not only reading and evaluating a submission but also performing a literature search for comparable articles. Each ARB member typically reviews 3-5 articles per semester. This position is great for anyone who wants to get a better feel for the environmental law literature, or for anyone who simply enjoys critically evaluating articles. We strongly encourage ARB members to also serve as Associate Members or as Lead Article Editors. ARB members serve over the summer and through the entire academic year.