I did finish the write-on. I did not enjoy it. No, enjoyment is not the point of the write-on. Rather, it sent me into a state of strange androidal nihilism, where I was quite compelled to do the best job I could, yet simultaneously completely indifferent about the outcome.

Does anyone really want to be on law review? I'm sure many want the credential and the prestige -- that's why 100 people will attempt the write-on -- but I imagine precious, precious few have been thinking all year "damn, I was born to cite check, baby. I have an uncontrollable urge to Shepardize."

There were two key moments of depression during the write-on: about halfway through, when I'd just written 5 pages of useless dreck (which I'd throw out later) and finishing seemed highly improbable. I worked through it. The other was finishing, and realizing that best case, you make law review and get a 2-yr assignment to do ... more of the same (not least of which is grading next year's write-ons)

Worst case, you don't make law review, and you've just invested half your spring break in the most labor-intensive waste of time of your academic career. Are you left with an interesting research paper? No. Are you left with a credential? No, you can't put "attempted law review write-on" on your resume. Your best bet is just to forget the whole thing ever happened.

I have some words for those who didn't attempt the write-on or abandoned it or don't make it. 90% of lawyers were not on law review. Yet they have managed to find employment and have, you know, productive careers. In the end the write-on is just another freakin' fire drill.

27 Mar 05