FAQs
When does VJoLT accept submissions?
We accept submissions for our Summer publication through May 1. We accept submissions for our Fall issue through September 15. Finally, we accept submissions for our Spring issue through January 1.
Where can I submit my piece for consideration?
We accept submissions of articles and notes via Scholastica. See the blog post section of this FAQ for information about submitting blog pieces.
How many issues does VJoLT publish?
We publish three issues per volume: Summer, Fall, and Spring.
How many articles do you publish per issue?
We generally aim to publish three articles and one note per issue, but individual issues may vary.
How can I tell which issue you are accepting submissions for at this time?
We accept submissions for our Summer publication through May 1. We accept submissions for our Fall issue through September 15. Finally, we accept submissions for our Spring issue through January 1.
When does VJoLT publish each issue?
Our summer issue is published in June/July. Our Fall issue is published in November and our Spring Issue is published in early March.
If VJoLT is my first choice for publication, can I indicate that?
Yes. Please indicate that in Scholastica, via cover letter.
Does VJoLT accept exclusive submissions? What is that process like?
Yes. After you submit via Scholastica please send us an email vjolt@vjolt.org to indicate that. We will provide a decision within 10 business days.
What does it mean to be tech-related?
VJoLT publishes articles and notes that relate to law and technology. However, this definition is somewhat ambiguous. The legal question at issue must implicate a technology or technology-adjacent issue. Our journal encompasses issues related to artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cryptocurrency, consumer data, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and more. Areas that are not inherently tech-related may still nevertheless have issues arise due to technology, such as contract law, torts, health law, and tax. We will consider those pieces so long as the core question relates to those challenges that are arising due to technology. An aside that technology has affected the legal landscape without further discussion will not be accepted. If you have questions or concerns about whether your piece would be a good fit for our journal, please feel free to contact us. We will be able to respond to case-specific questions.
Articles FAQs
What is VJoLT’s word limit for articles?
We prefer articles between 11,000 and 25,000 words. Articles should not be less than 11,000 words. Pieces shorter than that should be considered for submission as a note or blog post.
What is the review process like for articles?
Once a week, submissions are imported from Scholastica and our direct submission form into our internal database. From there, every article that meets our word limit criteria and is tech-related will be assigned to review by a member of our Article Review Board. The Article Review Board has one week to review all of the articles they receive and recommend the piece for secondary review or not. For all pieces recommended for secondary review, our Articles Editors review each piece and determine whether they would like to extend an offer or not. The Articles Editors then send each piece they recommend to the Editor-in-Chief for a final review.
When should I expect to hear a decision about my piece?
Our editors make an effort to address pieces within three weeks of their submission. If you have not received a decision after that timeframe please reach out to vjolt@vjolt.org
How will I be notified of a decision?
For pieces submitted via Scholastica, we will respond via the website. However, if you receive an offer, we will also email you directly with more information about publishing with us and send a copy of our standard copyright agreement.
What is your policy for above-the-line editing?
We have a light-editing policy. We recognize that many authors post their pieces on forums such as SSRN prior to publication with a law journal, and we do not want to change the content of the piece. Our Executive Editors will make notes of small edits (e.g. punctuation) to ensure the piece is polished. However, all edits, both above and below the line, will be sent to the author for final approval prior to publication.
What if I want substantive comments and editing above the line?
We presume light- to no-editing unless told otherwise. If you would like us to consider your piece in light of the fact that you would appreciate more substantive editing assistance, we encourage you to send an email to vjolt@vjolt.org to discuss your preferences.
Notes FAQs
What is VJoLT’s word limit for notes?
We accept notes between 10,000 and 20,000 words, inclusive of footnotes. Longer pieces should be considered for submission as an article and shorter pieces should be considered for blog posts.
What is the review process like for notes?
Our Notes Editor reviews all pieces submitted that meet the basic criteria, including proper word length and tech-related subject matter. Since there is only one Editor reviewing all notes, response times will vary depending on how many submissions are received during any given week.
How will I be notified of a decision?
For pieces submitted via Scholastica, we will respond via the website. However, if you receive an offer, we will also email you directly with more information about publishing with us and send a copy of our standard copyright agreement. For pieces submitted via vjolt@vjolt.org we will email you directly for both offers and rejections.
I’m a UVA Law student. Would publication of a note result in an offer to join the journal?
If you participated in the Unified Journal Tryout, then you are eligible to submit a student note for consideration of an offer. If you are a 2L or 3L and did not participate in the Unified Journal Tryout, you can still submit a note for publication and if accepted and published you will receive an offer to join the journal.
Can I receive feedback on my note?
The Notes Editor will provide feedback on a case-by-case basis.
I’m a UVA Law student. Can I get notes advising on a piece I’m working on?
UVA Law students wanting prospective advising for their student note should reach out to the current Notes Editor via vjolt@vjolt.org
Blog Post FAQs
What is VJoLT’s word limit for blog posts?
We accept blog posts between 500 words and 3,000 words, inclusive of footnotes. Longer pieces may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What is the review process like for blog posts?
Our Digital Editors will review the blog posts to see whether they are a good fit for our blog forum. Factors affecting the decision include timeliness of subject matter and writing style.
How do I submit a blog post?
We strongly prefer posts submitted via our direct submission page. You can also submit a piece via email to TheCorner@vjolt.org. If emailing your piece, please include your writing in a word document and attach a copy of your resume / CV.
What is the standard for citations for the blog post?
We ask that authors include all of their footnotes in BlueBook format. Pieces should be lightly-footnoted.
How will I be notified of a decision?
You will hear a response via email, generally within 2 weeks.
I’m a UVA Law student. Would publication of a blog post result in an offer to join the journal?
If you participated in the Unified Journal Tryout, then you are eligible to submit a blog post for consideration of an offer. Pieces submitted for membership consideration should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words. Authors should indicate in the Author Notes section of the submission form or in their email that they are submitting their blog post specifically for membership consideration.
What is the Annual Blog Award?
Every year, VJoLT awards a cash prize for the best blog piece written by a UVA Law student during the past year. We will announce the deadline to submit publications for consideration as part of the annual award in the spring.