Law school requires all JD students to write a substantial research paper at some point during their law school careers. For some students, this is a law review note. For others, it is a seminar paper or the result of an independent study. Regardless of the context, many students don't know what this sort of research paper should contain or look like, and they assume it is as prescriptive as the memos and briefs they learn about in Legal Writing (it's not!).

This guide will give you some examples to look at as well as links to books, blogs, and other resources that will help you understand more about how to write a substantial law school research paper.