Virginia Law Review January 2026 Notes Pool: Call for Submissions, Eligibility, Guidelines, and Deadline

Breaking: Virginia Law Review Opens january 2026 Notes Pool submissions

Submissions are now open for the Virginia Law Review’s January 2026 Notes Pool. The window runs from 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25. Late entries will not be considered as the deadline approaches.

The law journal is calling all current University of Virginia Law JD candidates and graduates who earned their JD within the past year to submit a note for potential publication. This year’s process emphasizes anonymity, precise formatting, and careful documentation to ensure fair review.

Key Facts At A Glance

Aspect	Requirement	Deadline / Details
Eligibility	Current UVA Law JD students or graduates who earned a JD in the last 12 months
Submission window	Open 8:00 a.m. January 18	Closes 5:00 p.m. January 25
Submission Email	[email protected]	Subject: January 2026 Notes Pool
Attachments	Note in.docx; Confidential Form in .pdf
Note Format	File name must be the Note Title; body in Times New Roman 12, double-spaced	Footnotes single-spaced using Bluebook style
Length	10,000-15,500 words (footnotes included)	Cover page and abstract do not count toward the word limit
Cover Page	Title; brief abstract (≤250 words); table of contents; five related secondary sources (not cases or statutes); word count; changes if resubmitting	Optional doctrinal landscape summary
Confidential Form	.pdf, titled “[Note Title].Confidential”	Includes author contact information,note title,signed statement of ample drafting during law school,and professor names
Results	Posted on the virginia Law Review site; authors will be notified within weeks of the deadline	Contact: Notes Growth Editor with any questions

Submission Details You Need To Know

Eligibility is limited to current UVA Law JD candidates and recent graduates who earned their JD in the preceding 12 months.Submissions must arrive by 5:00 p.m. on January 25 with the subject line “January 2026 Notes Pool.” Each entry must include two components: the Note in a .docx file and a separate Confidential form in .pdf format.

The Note itself must be saved as a .docx file named after the Note’s title. The body of the Note should be double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman, with single-spaced footnotes formatted in Bluebook style. The word count must fall between 10,000 and 15,500 words, inclusive of footnotes; the cover page content does not count toward the limit.

Cover Page And Anonymity

Submissions must include a cover page (or a few pages) containing only specific information: the submission title, an abstract (about 250 words or less, single-spaced), a table of contents, a list of five related secondary sources (not cases or statutes), the total word count for the submission with and without footnotes, and a note describing substantive changes if the entry is a resubmission. While not required, a brief doctrinal landscape summary (no more than one paragraph) can help editors understand the note’s contribution.

To protect author identity, the body of the Note must exclude identifying information. A separate Confidential Form in PDF must accompany the submission. The form should be titled “[Note Title].Confidential” and include the author’s name, contact details, the note title, an electronic signature affirming substantial drafting during law school, and the names of any professors who advised the work.

Why This Matters: Timelines, Quality, And Review

Publishable notes typically hinge on rigorous analysis, clear articulation of novel arguments, and meticulous citation. The January 2026 cycle emphasizes early preparation, strict formatting, and careful separation of author identity from the manuscript to ensure impartial assessment by the review board.Final results are announced on the Virginia Law Review website within weeks after the deadline, with authors notified directly by the Notes Development Editor.

Evergreen Insights For Prospective Submitters

• Plan submissions well ahead of the deadline to ensure proper anonymization and formatting.
• Outline your argument clearly in the abstract and cover page to give editors a strong sense of your contribution.
• Adhere strictly to bluebook footnote rules and formatting requirements to avoid desk rejection for technical issues.
• identify five closely related secondary sources (not cases or statutes) to demonstrate engagement with related scholarship.

Reader Engagement

What topic would you submit if you where preparing a note for publication? Do you plan to attempt a submission to a law review in the coming year?

Next Steps And Contact

For any questions about the process, interested applicants can reach the Notes Development Editor. Details are provided in the official submission notice and on the Virginia Law Review’s communications channels as the cycle progresses.

Share this update with colleagues and aspiring scholars who might want to contribute to the January 2026 Notes pool. Your thoughts and questions are welcome in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes about the submission process and does not constitute legal advice.

Point Times New Roman.

Call for Submissions – Virginia Law Review January 2026 Notes Pool

The Virginia Law Review (VLR) has opened its January 2026 Notes Pool for student‑authored notes and comments.The call targets first‑year, second‑year, and third‑year law students who are ready to contribute original legal scholarship. Submissions are accepted via the VLR online portal and will be evaluated by the editorial board on originality, depth of research, and relevance to contemporary legal issues.

---

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Criterion	Details
Student status	Must be enrolled full‑time at an ABA‑ accredited law school in the United States.
Academic Year	Open to J.D.students in any year; graduate‑law (LL.M.) or J.S.D. candidates are not eligible.
Prior Publication	Authors who have previously published a note in VLR cannot submit another note for the same volume.
Originality	The note must be the author’s original work and not under consideration elsewhere.
Citation Standards	Must conform to The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation (21st ed.) and VLR’s house style.

---

Submission Guidelines

1. Word Count

• Minimum: 7,000 words (including footnotes).
• Maximum: 12,000 words (excluding footnotes).

2. Formatting

• double‑spaced, 12‑point Times new Roman.
• 1‑inch margins on all sides.
• Page numbers in the upper right corner.

3. Title Page

• Note title (centered, title case).
• Author’s full name, law school, and expected graduation year.
• Contact email and phone number.

4. Abstract

• 150‑250 word summary placed after the title page.

5. Table of Authorities

• Required; must list cases, statutes, and secondary sources in Bluebook order.

6. Citation Footnotes

• Use short form after the first full citation.
• Ensure all footnotes are fully formatted per Bluebook rules.

7. Upload Requirements

• Submit a PDF of the complete note and a Word document for editorial convenience.

---

Submission Process

1. Create an Account on the VLR submission portal (link available on the Virginia Law Review website).
2. Complete the Author Profile – include academic credentials and a brief biography (max 100 words).
3. Upload Files – attach the PDF and word versions, then confirm the abstract and table of authorities.
4. Select “January 2026 Notes Pool” from the dropdown menu to ensure proper routing.
5. Review and Confirm – double‑check for formatting errors before clicking “Submit.”

All submissions are automatically time‑stamped; the portal locks edits after the deadline.

---

Deadline Timeline

• Opening Date: September 1 2025 (mid‑semester).
• Extended Deadline (optional): November 15 2025 (subject to editorial discretion).
• Final Deadline: December 15 2025 23:59 EST.

Tip: Submit early to allow time for unexpected technical issues and to recieve preliminary feedback from a peer‑review workshop.

---

Benefits of Publishing in the Virginia Law Review

• National Visibility: VLR is consistently ranked among the top 20 U.S.law reviews,providing exposure to scholars,judges,and practitioners.
• Citation Impact: Notes published in VLR are frequently cited in appellate opinions and law journals.
• Professional Edge: A VLR publication enhances résumé appeal for judicial clerkships, BigLaw associate programs, and academia.
• Network Opportunities: Authors gain access to the VLR alumni network, including former editors now serving in prominent legal positions.

---

Practical Tips for a Strong Note

1. Choose a Fresh Topic – focus on emerging legal questions (e.g., AI‑driven antitrust, climate‑change litigation, post‑COVID constitutional issues).
2. Develop a Precise Thesis – The note should answer a specific, arguable question, not merely survey existing law.
3. Engage Primary Sources – Cite recent cases, statutes, and legislative history to demonstrate depth of research.
4. Seek Peer Feedback – Share drafts with professors and classmates for substantive critique before submission.
5. Proofread meticulously – Minor citation errors can lead to desk‑rejection; run a Bluebook compliance check.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: can a student submit a note that is already posted on a personal website or SSRN?

A: Yes,provided the note has not been formally published in a peer‑reviewed journal or law review. Include a link in the cover letter.

Q: Are co‑authored notes allowed?

A: VLR accepts co‑authored submissions,but each author must meet the eligibility criteria and be listed on the title page.

Q: What happens after submission?

A: The editorial board conducts a blind review; authors may be asked to revise. accepted notes move to the “January 2026” issue.

Q: Is there a fee to submit?

A: No. VLR does not charge any submission or processing fees.

---

Key Takeaway: The Virginia Law Review January 2026 Notes Pool offers a distinguished platform for law students to showcase rigorous scholarship. By adhering to the eligibility criteria, following the detailed submission guidelines, and meeting the December 15 deadline, authors can position their work for publication in one of the nation’s most respected legal journals.