Journals & Student Organizations

Student organizations at the University of Michigan Law School offer opportunities for students to get involved in different aspects of the law, as well as community service projects and political groups. The International Law Society and the Michigan Journal of International Law are two organizations devoted to promoting a greater understanding of international and comparative law and the role they play in the world today.

International Law Society
students.law.umich.edu/ils

The International Law Society (ILS) sponsors a variety of events throughout the year aimed at bringing students, faculty, and other interested people together to learn more about this exciting and important area of law. Speakers include faculty members from universities around the world, government experts, visiting scholars, and students with particular areas of expertise. Settings include lectures, panel discussions, informal lunchtime meetings, and evening talks. ILS also sponsors a team of law students each year to compete in the Jessup International Moot Court competition, a worldwide contest in oral and written advocacy on specific topics in international law.

In addition to hosting events covering substantive contemporary international issues, ILS also organizes various career panels and other social activities between J.D. candidates, LL.M. students, and faculty members.

Michigan Journal of International Law
students.law.umich.edu/mjil

The Michigan Journal of International Law (MJIL) is the student-run international publication at the Law School. MJIL presents cutting-edge articles from scholars and practitioners in international, comparative, and foreign law, as well as research notes written by the student editors.

In verifying and editing authors' work, and researching their own pieces, student members of MJIL draw on the Law School's world-renowned faculty, curriculum, and library in international legal studies. The interactive learning process involved in editing sophisticated scholarship in international law can be a rewarding complement to class work at Michigan. Editorial board positions can further this experience as senior students work closely with leading authors in the field, and simultaneously gain valuable leadership experience.

First published as the Michigan Yearbook of International Legal Studies, MJIL has evolved into one of the most highly-regarded quarterly journals in international law. Recent issues have featured pieces by many of the leading international legal scholars in the United States and abroad. MJIL additionally publishes Book Reviews that provide a different forum for critical review and commentary.

The editorial board selects new associate editors from the first-year class each year on the basis of writing ability, international interest and experience, and diversity of perspectives. Student editors gain substantial writing and editing experience. Working on MJIL provides opportunities to work with foreign law and languages, and interact with authors from around the world. Associate editors also participate in the many social events sponsored by the Journal, including staff dinners, lunches with international law professors, and happy hours with LL.M. students.

If you have any questions about membership on MJIL feel free to stop by the MJIL offices located on Sub-2 of the library.