549: Acing the Law Review Write-on Competition (w/Professor Dawn Young)

549: Acing the Law Review Write-on Competition (w/Professor Dawn Young)

Author: Alison Monahan and Lee Burgess - Law School Toolbox, LLC March 30, 2026 Duration: 42:08

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This episode features a conversation with Professor Dawn Young from Loyola University Chicago School of Law about legal writing, bluebooking, and law review write-on competitions. Professor Young explains how the write-on competition works and what 1L students need to focus on if they decide to participate.  

Note: We would like to thank Themis Bar Review for sponsoring this episode. Only until this Friday (April 3rd, 2026), you can save up to $1,100 on your 2027 or 2028 bar review course with just $25 down. Simply visit ThemisBar.com and select "Pay Partially" when opting for a 2027 or 2028 bar review course. The $1,100 discount will automatically apply at checkout.

In this episode we discuss:

  • An introduction to our guest and her path from legal practice to academia
  • Why legal writing matters and how it's different from writing in undergrad
  • Tips for preparing for the write-on competition
  • How important is being on a law journal to potential employers?

Resources:

Download the Transcript 
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-549-acing-the-law-review-write-on-competition-w-professor-dawn-young/)

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Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee


Navigating law school, the bar exam, and a legal career is a marathon with unique challenges at every stage. The Law School Toolbox Podcast: Tools for Law Students from 1L to the Bar Exam, and Beyond serves as a companion for that entire journey, offering concrete strategies rather than abstract theory. Hosts Alison Monahan and Lee Burgess, both seasoned experts, draw from their extensive experience to dissect academic hurdles, career planning, and the personal adjustments required in the legal world. Their conversations are direct and packed with actionable advice, whether they're breaking down effective study techniques, demystifying the bar exam process, or discussing the realities of different legal practice areas. This isn't about passive listening; it's about equipping you with a usable toolkit. While their opinions are strong and sometimes provocative, the dialogue is always grounded in a practical desire to help. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting straightforward counsel from mentors who have been through it all and remember what actually matters. You'll find episodes addressing everything from outlining and exam preparation to networking and maintaining well-being under pressure. Alison and Lee ensure each discussion cuts to the chase, making the often-opaque path from student to lawyer a bit clearer and more manageable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Law School Toolbox Podcast: Tools for Law Students from 1L to the Bar Exam, and Beyond
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