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Student-Led Open Access Law Journals

Student-run law journals offer students and scholars the opportunity to publish their legal research and scholarship at any phase of their academic career, as first-time or experienced authors. The selected journals provide a platform for students to disseminate their academic work and engage in critical debates and discussions on contemporary legal issues. Each journal is managed by students at an esteemed university and publishes the legal scholarship of undergraduate and postgraduate students. The journals are open access, peer reviewed, and have no article processing charges (APC).  

Atlas Law Journal, Maastricht University

The Atlas Law Journal is a legal journal led by students from the Law Faculty at Maastricht University. It aims to provide a platform for students to publish their research and work on legal scholarship, including international and European law. The journal’s inaugural issue was published in 2022. Article submissions are accepted from students both in and outside of Maastricht University. The journal is published in English.

Peer reviewed: Yes

Periodicity:  Annual

APC: No

Link to Journal | Maastricht University

Cambridge Law Review, University of Cambridge  

Established in 2003, the Cambridge Law Review is a high-quality law journal run independently by students at the University of Cambridge. The journal seeks to create a forum for students to critically discuss and debate pertinent legal topics. Submissions on contemporary legal issues are encouraged. Articles can relate to common law jurisdictions, but can also involve European and international law, comparative law, and interdisciplinary legal work.

Peer reviewed: Yes

Periodicity:  Biannual

APC: No

Link to Journal | HeinOnline

De Jure, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

A leading law journal of ELSA Athens, De Jure has been managed by students at Athens Law School since 2008. The journal publishes legal work submitted by students and academics with a focus on private, public, criminal, European and international law. Articles are published in English and Greek. Interviews with acclaimed professors and legal practitioners are also issued in De Jure.

Peer reviewed: Yes

Periodicity: Triannual

APC: No

Link to Journal | Anastasios Yiannopoulos

Exeter Law Review, University of Exeter

The Exeter Law Review, previously known as Bracton Law Journal, was founded in 1965 and publishes legal research and scholarship by students, academics, and researchers. The journal is led by students from the University of Exeter and includes works by notable judiciary members. Submissions can cover a broad range of legal topics including international law and legal theory. The journal encourages critical discussion on current legal matters among legal and non-legal communities.

Peer reviewed: Yes

Periodicity: Annual

APC: No

Link to Journal | HeinOnline

Harvard Undergraduate Law Review, Harvard College

Founded in 2005, the Harvard Undergraduate Law Review forms part of a student-initiated organisation that aims to offer undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in legal discussions and advance their legal writing skills. The publication is independently run and accepts external submissions that are of high merit. Articles should contain an original legal argument to be considered.

Peer reviewed: Yes

Periodicity: Biannual

APC: No

Link to Journal | Harvard College

Oxford University Undergraduate Law Journal, University of Oxford

The Oxford University Undergraduate Law Journal is the United Kingdom’s first and oldest undergraduate law journal. As a distinguished law journal, it provides a platform for undergraduates to publish academic legal scholarship and engage on critical legal developments. Submissions are accepted from undergraduate students who are enrolled at any university and whose article centres on a particular aspect of the law, recent case, legislation, or legal development. Articles should relate to English law unless written on jurisprudence, European law, or international law.

Peer reviewed: Yes

Periodicity: Annual

APC: No

Link to Journal | HeinOnline

Rutgers International Law and Human Rights Journal, Rutgers University

Being the first student led, peer-reviewed international law journal in the United States, the Rutgers International Law and Human Rights Journal disseminates scholarship on international legal issues and norms. As part of its vision, the journal seeks to strengthen the legitimacy of international law and human rights through innovative and rigorous research. Content requirements for submissions are specified for each issue.

Peer reviewed: Yes

Periodicity: Biannual

APC: No

Link to Journal | Rutgers Law School

Sorbonne Student Law Review, Panthéon-Sorbonne University

The Sorbonne Student Law Review was established in 2017 by doctoral students at Panthéon-Sorbonne University. It is dedicated to publishing the work of both experienced and first-time authors to promote and develop legal research and scholarship. Interdisciplinary contributions are encouraged, specifically those focusing on law and economics, law and literature, gender studies, sociology, and the anthropology of law. The journal is published in English and French.

Peer reviewed: Yes

Periodicity: Biannual

APC: No

Link to Journal | Panthéon-Sorbonne University

The University of Glasgow Law Review, University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow Law Review is renowned for being Scotland’s leading law journal. Headed by students from the university, the journal is committed to promoting critical discussion of contemporary legal matters on a forum that is accessible for undergraduate and postgraduate students. As a recognised journal, students are provided with a reputable platform to engage in legal and political discourse and publish their academic work on.

Peer reviewed: Yes

Periodicity: Annual

APC: No

Link to Journal | University of Glasgow

University of Bologna Law Review, University of Bologna

Managed by students at the University of Bologna, the University of Bologna Law Review publishes the legal work of students and academics. It takes an interdisciplinary approach and aims to be a research tool for scholars, practitioners, and those with an interest in legal studies. The journal is published in English.

Peer reviewed: Yes

Periodicity: Biannual

APC: No

Link to Journal | University of Bologna

Other Notable Law Journals

Below is a list of several other distinguished law journals that are student-led, peer reviewed, and open access.

Bristol Law Review – University of Bristol

Columbia Undergraduate Law Review – Columbia University

De Lege Ferenda – University of Cambridge

Georgetown University Undergraduate Law Review – Georgetown University

Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS) Student Law Review – University of London

King’s Student Law Review – King’s College London

London School of Economics Law Review – London School of Economics

The Undergraduate Law Review at New York University – New York University

Trento Student Law Review – University of Trento

University College Dublin Law Review – University College Dublin

University College London (UCL) Journal of Law and Jurisprudence – University College London 

Utrecht Journal of International and European Law – Utrecht University

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