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 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.
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 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 term. 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. The source-pull can be time consuming, but occurs at the beginning of each term and the EE has no other responsibilities (besides returning sources at the end of the term).
Submissions Editor
Submissions Editors (SEs) are the true behind-the-scenes force of ELJ. SEs read and evaluate articles submitted year-round to ELJ. SEs 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 SE typically reviews 3-5 articles per term. 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 SEs to also serve as Lead Article Editors or Executive Editors. SEs serve over the summer and through the entire academic year.
Editorial Board
Editors-in-Chief
Editors-in-Chief (EICs) shepherd articles through the editing process. They oversee LAE and EE work, ensuring that LAEs and EEs know and meet their responsibilities. EICs assist LAEs in resolving difficulties that arise during editing. After Galley Night, EICs conduct the final round of edits before publication. EICs participate in editorial board deliberations on diverse and sundry maters related to journal operations.
President
The President is responsible for coordinating journal strategy and policy with the rest of the ELJ board. In consultation with the board, the President sets the agenda for and leads board meetings and galley nights. The President also focuses on developing the ELJ community both academically and socially.
Vice-President of Submissions
The Vice President manages the ELJ submissions process, overseeing a committee of Submissions Editors. On behalf of the committee, the Vice President of Submissions recommends articles for selection and works with the EICs to coordinate offers to authors. The Vice President also promotes student scholarship through Notes brainstorming events with faculty and other students. Finally, the Vice President serves as the student Notes submission liaison to ensure the anonymity of student submissions.
Managing Editor
The Managing Editor is the overseer of the business and people side of the journal. The Managing Editor works on financial matters, community building, and the online presence of ELJ.