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JBIPL Board Spotlight: Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor

Published onOct 19, 2014
JBIPL Board Spotlight: Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor

Andrew Powell, Editor-in-Chief

What are the pertinent qualifications? Excellent time management and organizational skills.  Respect for deadlines and the ability to coordinate multiple moving parts and individuals through changing scenarios.  Strong editing skills and familiarity with the Bluebook and legal writing. 

Why did you apply for this position? I chose to apply because I wished to take a greater role in the Journal, practice my management skills, and help set the strategic direction for the Journal.  In my time in the MBA program, I have directed my studies toward strategic planning and change management.  The Journal has grown in the past few years, and when I applied to the position, the Journal was in the process of further evolving and experimenting with new ideas.  I saw it as a perfect opportunity to help guide the Journal through current issues, explore our strengths and growth opportunities, and set a firm direction for us to continue our mission of publishing top-notch legal research.

What are the general responsibilities? I primarily oversee the external operations of the Journal.  While the Managing Editor deals with the day-to-day internal operations, such as article scheduling, my role is to interface outside of the organization.  I handle contact with authors, work with the Board of Advisors, manage the budget, and set the strategic direction of the Journal.  I also take a high-level approach to overseeing the operations of the Journal, and ensure that items such as the Symposium and article selection are occurring smoothly and according to plan.

What was the interview process like? The interview process is very straightforward.  In the spring semester, an interest form is sent out where you indicate positions you are interested in.  During this time, I highly recommend meeting with the Editors in the positions you are interested in – this is taken into account when selecting the next Board.  Following this phase, we hold interviews were applicants are asked a series of questions about their application, qualifications, etc.  After the interviews selections are made and the new Board members are notified.  This takes place the same evening as the interviews.

What qualifications or traits will you be looking for in the person to replace you? Someone with tenacity, persistence, and the ability to follow through with the goals set for the Journal.  Someone who will be an advocate for both individual members as well as the organization as a whole.  Being Editor-in-Chief requires a large time and mental commitment, and the next person will need both enthusiasm and preparation to succeed in this role.

Favorite and least favorite part about your position? Favorite part is working with the other Editors and seeing the process of selecting, editing, and publishing articles.  It is a fascinating process to see how a manuscript becomes a finalized piece.  With that said, checking nit-pick items such as Bluebook or CMOS (Chicago Manual of Style) rules can be time-consuming, but is absolutely necessary to maintain our high quality standards.

What can someone who hopes to have your position do to give them a better chance at it for next year? Dive deep into the spading assignments, and see how they fit into the overall publication process.  Talk with current Editors and understand their roles, their likes/dislikes, and what they do.  This will allow you to get an overview of the Journal’s operations and better understand how the Editor-in-Chief helps everyone accomplish their goals.

Other advice? I believe that being on a Journal is one of the most rewarding opportunities that law school has to offer.  The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.

Fun Fact about Andrew: He plays the accordion.

Rebecca Winder, Managing Editor

What are the pertinent qualifications? Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; big picture thinking; ability to manage many individuals with conflicting interests and problem-solve.

Why did you apply for this position? I thought my skills (organization, scheduling, etc.) would fit the position well, and I wanted an opportunity to sharpen my management skills.

What are the general responsibilities? Set the spading schedule for each semester, coordinate personnel, format articles, plan and conduct fall training, reserve rooms and schedule meetings, answer spading & formatting questions.

What was the interview process like? The interview is conducted in front of the full board, where they will ask you about your qualifications and why you think you would be a good fit for the position.

What qualifications or traits will you be looking for in the person to replace you? The ideal candidate would be organized, calm, professional, and able to manage crises and people. They must also be willing to take responsibility for ensuring the journal’s continued success.

Favorite and least favorite part about your position? My favorite part is compiling the final issue and seeing everyone’s hard work pay off. My least favorite part is trying to create and maintain a schedule that meets everyone’s needs.

What can someone who hopes to have your position do to give them a better chance at it for next year? Demonstrate organization and attention to detail by meeting your spading and notes & comments deadlines and producing consistent, high quality work.

Other advice? The job requires flexibility and patience.

Fun Fact about Rebecca: She won her 4th grade Spelling Bee.

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