The New Professionals Interest Group (NPIG) held an in-person session titled “International Law Publishing” during this year's ASIL annual meeting. It was an insightful discussion addressing international law journals, the publishing process, publishing tips, common mistakes, peer review, and alternative publishing platforms and included a presentation on Fulbright Scholarships as well as an introduction to the NPIG's new Articles Exchange Program.
Professor Monica Hakimi and Professor Kish Parella led the discussion on “International Law Publishing.” Professor Hakimi is a professor of law at Columbia Law School, specializing in public international law and U.S. foreign relations law. She is also an Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of International Law. Professor Parella is a professor of law at Washington Lee School of Law, specializing in international economic law, organizational theory, and corporate social responsibility. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Global Business & Human Rights Scholars Association and a member of the Editorial Board for the Business & Human Rights Journal.
Professor Hakimi noted that one of the first questions authors should ask themselves when planning on writing an article for publication is what kind of publication you are interested in and what your contribution will be. The contribution and style of writing will depend on whether you are writing a case note, an article for a journal, or a blog post for an online publication. She suggested starting with shorter pieces and then moving on to longer and more complex journal articles. Regarding how to pick a topic to write on, she suggested paying attention to recent developments in international law and writing on those aspects that are new or evolving. Another starting point is to identify developments in or interpretations of international law that you do not agree with and then offer alternative perspectives in your writing. Lastly, it is always useful to get senior professionals to read over your work and provide you with feedback.
Professor Parella, echoed Professor Hakimi's suggestion to identify a development or interpretation of international law or contemporary issue that you do not necessarily agree with. This will help sustain your enthusiasm and passion during your writing. Regarding the structure of writing, Professor Parella suggests starting with the parts of the argument that you are clear on and then building the rest of the article around that section. One also has to remember that not everything on the topic has to go into the article and that it is important to identify what stays in and what can be left out. In order to decide whether you are going to publish internationally or locally depends on your career goals. If you are planning on teaching in the United States, it is better to opt for American journals. You also need to consider the audience you are writing for and make your writing accessible to them.
Professor David Wirth, a professor of law at Boston College Law School and the director of International Programs, gave an informative presentation on the Fulbright Scholar program. It is a grant-making program that supports research and provides opportunities for American scholars to go to foreign universities to conduct research. Fulbright offers opportunities to bridge the gap between academia and practice. Some of the key takeaways from the presentation were that the application is not as complicated as it first appears and that there is a greater chance to get a grant and research position in countries that are not traditionally at the top of everyone's list. A letter of invitation from the institution you wish to visit further puts one ahead of the pack, even if not formally required. Professor Wirth kindly offered his assistance in crafting applications.
Last but not least, NPIG introduced our new Articles Exchange Program, a series of works-in-progress workshops for junior scholars, young practitioners, and law students to comment and get feedback on their work. The first session is scheduled for Friday, September 16, 2022, and will be held in an online format.
