Canadian Law Review

Junior Research Fellow

Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) are post-secondary students interested in academic legal research and writing. A Fellow writes a research paper on a legal topic of their choice, mentored by Senior Editor law students and lawyer advisors from coast to coast. Accepted work is considered for publication on the Social Science Research Network; acceptance as a Fellow guarantees consideration by the Publishing Review Board rather than publication itself.

• Eligibility: completed high school and currently enrolled in or having completed an undergraduate, collegiate, or graduate program, or more than two years of post-secondary-level work experience.
• Many Fellows have a keen interest in legal issues and have continued on to law school after completing the program.
• Application materials: a one-page research proposal, an 8–10 page excerpt of a research paper, and a one-page CV covering previous academic experience and any relevant work experience, awards, or certifications.
• Interviews may be conducted by the Managing Editor, the Founder, and a member of the Publishing Review Board.
• Commitment: bi-weekly check-ins with editors and advisors, writing an approved article, and making edits requested by the editorial board.

External Research Publisher

External Research Publishers (ERPs) research, write, and edit independently rather than joining the fellowship. An ERP submits a completed research paper part-way through the volume’s editorial process; successful papers move directly to the final editorial stages. As with Fellows, acceptance guarantees consideration by the Publishing Review Board rather than publication.

• Eligibility: completed high school and enrolled in third year or higher of an undergraduate or collegiate program, or having completed one; enrolled in or having completed a graduate program; or more than three years of relevant post-secondary-level work experience.
• Suited to writers who are confident researching, writing, and editing without the support of the fellowship process.

Quarterly contributor

The Quarterly welcomes analytical essays, case notes, legislative commentary, legal history, explanatory articles, and opinion pieces. Selected contributors work with a dedicated editorial team over about four months to strengthen analytical depth and writing quality before publication. Submissions are open to undergraduates, law students, practising lawyers, and independent writers alike.

• Eligibility: completed high school and currently enrolled in or having completed an undergraduate, collegiate, or graduate program, or more than two years of post-secondary-level work experience.
• Papers should address issues related to Canadian law.
• Commitment: a minimum of 6–8 hours per week for writing, editing, meetings, and general availability.

Editor-in-Chief

• Ensure all members of the editorial board are fulfilling the duties of their roles.
• Act as a resource supporting the editorial board and the Junior Research Fellows throughout the writing and editorial process.
• Host bi-weekly 15–30 minute check-ins with each Junior Research Fellow, their associate editor or editors, and their senior editor.
• Meet monthly with the communications officer and the managing director.
• Application materials: an 8–10 page writing sample, a resume, and a cover letter addressing mentorship, teamwork, and leadership experience.

Senior Editor, Publishing Review Board

All members of the Review Board must be law students at an eligible Canadian law school. The Board decides which Junior Research Fellows are hired and which papers move forward, meeting five times across the cycle.

• Evaluation 1: review finalized paper proposals by Fellows and provide feedback.
• Evaluation 2: review finalized drafts and provide feedback and recommendations.
• Evaluation 3: determine which papers move forward in the editorial process.
• Evaluation 4: final review of papers.
• Evaluation 5: approval for publishing.
• Application materials: an 8–10 page writing sample, a resume, and a cover letter addressing teamwork and attention to detail.

Senior Editor

Senior Editors are law students who mentor Junior Research Fellows through the outlining and writing process.

• Meet with the assigned Fellow throughout outlining and writing.
• Ensure papers are well researched, address an interesting topic, and are clearly written.
• Provide comprehensive guidance and feedback while leaving the writing to the Fellow.
• Attend all check-in meetings with the Editor-in-Chief.
• Ensure the Fellow adheres to McGill-style citations.
• Application materials: an 8–10 page writing sample, a resume, and a cover letter addressing teamwork and mentorship.

Associate Editor

Associate Editors must be 1L, 2L, or 3L students at an eligible Canadian law school, or graduate students at an eligible Canadian university.

• Ensure papers written by Junior Research Fellows are accurately sourced.
• Carry out the bulk of McGill-style citation review, including footnotes and bibliography.
• Meet with the Fellow three to five times per cycle, from October to March.
• Attend all check-in meetings with the Editor-in-Chief and training provided by Review Board members.
• Application materials: an 8–10 page writing sample and a resume. Applicants may be asked to complete a short editorial exercise.

Quarterly Editor

Quarterly editors support clear, public-facing legal writing across a wide range of formats.

• Eligibility: at least two years of undergraduate study completed, and currently in a junior or senior undergraduate year or enrolled in graduate school.
• Editorial experience on an academic publication, strong writing experience with prior academic publication, and familiarity with McGill-style citations.
• Commitment: 4–6 hours per week for editorial work, meetings, and availability.
• Application materials: a 1–2 page CV, a previously written 8–15 page academic paper in the social sciences or global studies with a complete bibliography, a short cover letter, and an editing exercise.