Join BJIL
The Berkeley Journal of International Law (BJIL) and International Law Society (ILS) collectively form the international law student community at Berkeley. Whether you are casually interested in international law or aspire to a career of international practice, we hope you will join our community. If you are a Berkeley Law student and interested in joining BJIL, please contact the Editors-in-chief.
BJIL offers opportunities for first year students to contribute to cutting edge scholarship, to receive mentoring from 2Ls and 3Ls with diverse experiences in international practice, and access to a network of opportunities and a credential that is a tremendous asset in securing hyper-competitive international law jobs. Most importantly, you will be part of a supportive community of passionate students with extraordinary, diverse experience – in both the public and private sectors, before and during law school.
For an orientation, please see the slides from our Fall 2010 Welcome Meeting
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much work does it entail?
- What are the membership fees?
- Do you recommend being on more than one journal?
- What if I want to take on more responsibility on the Journal?
- How many course credits can I receive for being on the journal?
1. How much work does it entail?
Answer: The level of work depends on the level of responsibility one undertakes. Listed below are the commitments required of each position:
General Membership: General members must complete three editing packets (roughly 5 hours per packet) per semester, including at least one of each type. General members must also satisfy a five hour service requirement by attending BJIL events and meetings, and completing miscellaneous tasks.
Assistant Editors: In addition to the General Membership Requirements, Assistant Editors must complete two additional packets per semester, which may include any combination of the three types.
Associate Editors: Associate Editors must complete 60 hours of Journal work per semester. Associate editors will also be given special editorial assignments as they arise and are responsible for tracking their actual hours worked on these projects.
Editorial Board: Editorial Board members are responsible for executing the duties of their positions as outlined in the Articles of Incorporation. Editorial Board members can generally expect to devote around 100 hours to the Journal each semester.
2. What are the membership fees?
Answer: $65 for the year. If you are unable pay the membership fee for any reason, please contact the Executive Editor and something will be worked out.
3. Do you recommend being on more than one Journal?
Answer: This depends on how much time you want to commit to extracurricular activities, and how strongly your interests align with each journal. It is certainly possible to be a member of more than one journal; many BJIL members work with other journals and participate in other activities such as CARC.
4. What if I want to take on more responsibility on the Journal?
Answer: There are both formal and informal ways to take on additional responsibility. Formally, 1Ls may enroll as Assistant Editors, which entails greater responsibility. Members may also participate in the Submissions Committee, vetting and selecting articles for publication. The Spring semester also presents many opportunities to assume leadership roles in the annual Riesenfeld Symposium. Informally, extra help is always needed; talk with the Supervising Editor or Editors-in-Chief to learn about extra projects.
5. How many course credits can I receive for being on the journal?
Answer: You can receive up to 2 units of course credit for working on the journal. You cannot receive this credit until your second and third years. You can use two credits in one semester or space them out over two semesters.
