American Jurist Fall 2009 Application (Due 9 Sept at 5:00pm)

Name *

Contact Information * Please include: cell phone number, email, and your DC address

Other Extracurricular Obligations (G-Cal Preferred) * We would prefer it if you created a Google Calendar and then shared it with americanjurist@gmail.com. If you are absolutely unable to, please write your obligations and time allotted for them, below.

Editor Positions Please indicate your top 3 choices (by checking those three boxes). In addition note any relevant experience pertaining to those selections or prior editing experience.

Nation-at-Large: Responsible for soliciting and editing content for "Nation-at-Large" section of the magazine, which will contain articles, editorials, and contributions relating to domestic law and domestic public policy issues (for example, restriction of civil liberties post-Sept. 11, election coverage, immigration reform, gay marriage, etc.). This is one of the two meatiest sections in the magazine. The editor is required to obtain at least 2 submissions from contributing writers for each issue, which can include a submission written by the editor him/herself. He or she will directly mentor contributing writers through the draft phases. The editor will also attend editorial meetings every other Sunday at 2 p.m. to update the rest of the editorial staff on progress and to brainstorm ideas for future issues. No prior journalism experience required, but we are looking for creative, responsible, organized, and detail-oriented individuals with an eye for the news as well as excellent communication and writing skills.
The World: Responsible for soliciting and editing content for "The World" section of the magazine, which will contain articles, editorials, and contributions relating to international law and international public policy issues (children soldiers in Uganda, refugee crisis in the Middle East, trade relations with Asia, etc). This is one of the two meatiest sections in the magazine. The editor is required to obtain at least 2 submissions from contributing writers for each issue, which can include a submission written by the editor him/herself. He or she will directly mentor contributing writers through the draft phases. The editor will also attend editorial meetings every other week to update the rest of the editorial staff on his/her progress with the writers and to brainstorm ideas for future issues. No prior journalism experience required, but we are looking for creative, responsible, organized, and detail-oriented individuals with an eye for the news as well as excellent communication and writing skills.
Director or Technology: Responsible for managing and maintaining the Web site content of the magazine. Needs html and Web/graphic experience.
Director of Marketing: Solicits advertisements from neighborhood and law-related business establishments. Establishes ad pricing and lay out position, in accord with Director and Editor of Art and Layout. Amasses database of people contacted and to be contacted.
Art assistant: Candidates should have a strong interest in art and design, especially logo design, photography, and web design. Skill with Photoshop, Illustrator, and similar programs is helpful. Job responsibility will include searching for images (especially images with a free license) for use in the magazine, graphic design work, and assisting on web design.
Web design: Candidates should be familiar with web design philosophy, and be able to help update the American Jurist website. Experience with CSS is helpful, and a basic knowledge of HTML is required. Job responsibility will include updating the American Jurist website, providing technical support for the magazine, especially around issue releases, and assist in the evolution and creation of a new website for the magazine.
Comic artists: The American Jurist is always looking for artists to draw insightful, cutting, and funny comics for the magazine. Please submit samples if interested.
Publicist: We are looking for someone to design and produce ads. As well as promote the American Jurist both on and off campus.
Co-Copy Editor (two positions available): Responsible for proofreading and editing pre-final and final copies. Requires precision, confidentiality, and time availability.

Staff Writing Position If you are interested in writing for the Jurist please note any previous publications or other writings. If applicable, include a one paragraph article on a topic you wish to write about this fall. In general the American Jurist prefers topics that pertain to WCL.

Editing Skills Please correct the following paragraph if you are applying to be an editor. --> The purpose of the an editor is to correct typigraphical errors and poor grammar and to a small extent to correct poor style choices. As you may know, 4 years ago, the American Jurist was a magazine rich with vulgarity and offensive humor. The administration and faculty discredited the magazine and the S.B.A. cut our budget. Though we revived the quality of the Magazine and the confidences of the administration, we must strive to maintain those advances. As a result, we don’t publish articles with vulgarity unless the vulgarity is vital to the meaning or story of the article. For example, a news story relating how Dean Grosman told president of American University, Richard Ladner, to “stick the parking fee up her ass” would be proper. However, a perspectives article discussing “those fucking terrorists” would be unacceptable. Following these principals will help us maintain the respect we worked so hard for. Please find as many errors as you can in the preceeding paragraph.

Writing Sample * Please copy and paste a one page writing sample below.

Resume * Please copy and paste your resume below.

If selected, are you able to attend the Writer's Training Session on Friday, Sept12, 1-4pm ? The training session will get you up to speed on the AJ tradition, writing styles, networking, soliciting interviews and storied, etc. etc. Join us!

Yes
No