Bellwether Application FAQ

Seattle University School of Law's Environmental Law Society began the process of transforming its student run Perspectives publication into the law school's next academic journal, entitled Bellwether: The Seattle Journal of Environmental Law & Policy. Perspectives was published for five years by the Environmental Law Society (ELS). The ELS Board began the task of transforming the publication into next school supported journal at Seattle University School of Law. The management team worked closely with Dean Testy, faculty, and the local legal community to create a journal that will be sustainable over the years. In November 2008, Bellwether solicited applications from students for its 2009 publication. The response was overwhelming, and a group of 33 enthusiastic students worked hard to create a product worthy of the law school's excellent reputation.

Is Bellwether official for the 2009-10 Academic Year?

Bellwether is not currently official, but the Editorial Board has been working with Dean Testy since August 2008. A final proposal has been presented to Dean Testy in April 2009, and is currently being considered. A final decision is expected during Summer 2009. The journal will remain in the development phase with the Dean's financial support. The final product will be indistinguishable from the April 2009 issue of Bellwether.

What is the structure of the journal?

There will be an annual print publication, likely with a designated theme. Students will know the theme ahead of time. Staff members will also be expected to earn independent study credit by researching relevant subject matter and submitting articles. In addition, the journal will feature a website that will publish timely articles, news, and commentary independent of the print edition. The journal's online content team will edit and publish these articles on the website instead of waiting for the print publication to hit the press. Because Bellwether is a new journal, a strategic plan is scheduled for the 2011-12 school year. At that time the structure may change. The Editorial Board is made up of the Editor in Chief, Managing Editor, Business Editor, Online Content Editor, and the leads of the editing teams.

How many students will the journal accept in the summer application process?

We will accept 15 students from the pool of applicants for the 2009-10 Academic Year, for a total of 36 journal staff. Twenty-one 2Ls currently serving on the journal will also serve on the journal in the 2009-10 Academic Year. All 1Ls will be encouraged to apply in the summer application process, similar to the law school's existing journals. The 1Ls currently involved in the 2009 edition of Bellwether must also reapply at that time. Each applicant will indicate if they were involved in the 2009 publication, and that service will be considered. However, the application process will be partially anonymous, and therefore even those who did not work on this year's journal should apply.

Applications are due June 5, 2009

(place your application in labeled box outside the publications office)

Will Students receive credit for writing and editing?

The law school's academic accreditation committee has not yet approved credit for service on Bellwether. Journal staff will be required to apply for independent study credit for writing their articles. Independent study is a two credit program offered to students who work closely with a full-time professor of their choice to produce a publishable quality piece of legal scholarship. A list of faculty members willing to supervise independent study students will be provided on the application. However, each student will be responsible for contacting faculty on their own to establish the Independent Study. This should not be difficult as the Administration encourages full-time faculty to supervise Independent Study students. Adjunct faculty may also supervise independent study program. If you have an adjunct faculty who you would like to supervise your independent study, Vice Dean Annette Clark must approve that arrangement.

Can I apply if environmental law just isn't my interest area?

Of course, the best part of environmental law is that it affects so many different legal disciplines. From business law to international law and real estate to employment law, environmental law touches on virtually all aspects of law. Once on the journal you can advocate for a publication theme that fits your area of interest.