Author Sends Law Journal Editor Chore List

Student law journal editors are known to have difficult jobs. They spend hours pouring over pieces, rectifying so-called below-the-line citation errors and above-the-line substantive issues. Unlike with most other professional journals, these unpaid students carry the primary burden for article correction and, as a result, authors have been to known submit work desperately in need of revision.

“It’s a shame but the reality of the journal world is that too many authors see law students as their personal slaves and feel it’s acceptable to hand in articles that are utter crap,” remarked Kit Pullman, a frustrated Articles Editor for Duke’s Law and Contemporary Problems (LCP) journal. “I can’t tell you the number of times that pieces have simple grammatical errors, poorly constructed arguments and, worst of all, citations to whole books without a fucking pin cite.”

Pullman and other LCP editors agree that while such author behavior is frustrating it’s not unexpected. On the other hand, UNC Professor Donald Foley took things to a whole other level when he asked Pullman to help him with some “really important chores.”

“I didn’t think the crazy bastard was serious,” stated Pullman who is in charge of editing for LCP Foley’s most recent article on the use of eminent domain in North Carolina. “I mean, I’ve had authors do some unbelievable things - one time a University of Iowa professor asked if I wouldn’t mind writing his conclusion – but this was simply incredible.”

According to the 3L editor, Foley sent the list after receiving initial comments on his draft.

“He said in an e-mail that he appreciated my diligent work on this piece, would incorporate my editorial suggestions and wondered if I wouldn't mind stopping by Harris Teeter to pick up a gallon of milk and some vegetables for a salad he was making that evening,” remembered Pullman. “I guess if you get used to someone doing the bulk of your research and editing it’s not logically inconsistent to expect him or her to do your food shopping, take your mother-in-law to the doctor or wash your dishes.”

The Articles Editor brought the issue to LCP editor-in-chief Brett Youst who said he understood her frustration. He emphasized, however, that Foley was an oft-cited expert in his field and would confer considerable recognition on the journal. Youst therefore urged Pullam to complete the second task on the list – dropping off dry cleaning – before the author decided to withdraw his article.

Compounding the annoyance for Pullman is that the time needed to considerably edit Foley’s piece is being cut into by the author’s errands.

“It’s bad enough that I have to spend hours figuring out how to cite to a 18th century land grant or a German statute emphasizing the sacrosanct nature of private property,” said Pullman, resting her forehand in her hand out of aggravation. “But try doing that on top of picking up Foley’s kid from Kindergarten, making a reservation at his favorite restaurant and going over to his house to let the cable guy in.”

The 3L admitted that she would love to tell the UNC professor to “shove it” but she doesn’t want to get kicked off the journal thus jeopardizing her clerkship and job offer.

“The day can’t come soon enough when I’m done with this stupid journal commitment and the innumerable, thankless hours making other people’s work better,” averred Pullman. “I simply cannot wait until I start working for the judge and then my law firm. In each situation I will be treated with the utmost respect and, most importantly, won’t be doing a bunch of grunt work just so that others can take credit for the finished product."