northwestern law school essay

All Online Essays

What’s in a name common carriage, social media, and the first amendment.

Courts and legislatures have suggested that classifying social media as common carriers would make restrictions on their right to exclude users more constitutionally permissible under the First Amendment. A review of the relevant statutory definitions reveals that the statutes provide no support for classifying social media as common carriers. Moreover, the fact that a legislature may apply a label to a particular actor plays no significant role in the constitutional analysis. A further review of the elements of the common law definition of common carrier demonstrates that four of the purported criteria (whether the industry is affected with a public interest, whether the social media companies possess monopoly power, whether they are involved in the transportation and communication industries, and whether social media companies received compensating benefits) do not apply to social media and do not affect the application of the First Amendment. The only legitimate common law basis (whether an actor holds itself out as serving all members of the public without engaging in individualized bargaining) would again seem inapplicable to social media and have little bearing on the First Amendment. The weakness of these arguments suggests that advocates for limiting social media’s freedom to decide which voices to carry are attempting to gain some vague benefit from associating their efforts with common carriage’s supposed historical pedigree to avoid having to undertake the case-specific analysis demanded by the First Amendment’s established principles.

John H. Chestnut Professor of Law, Communication, and Computer & Information Science and Founding Director of the Center for Technology, Innovation and Competition, University of Pennsylvania.

Cite as: Christoper S. Yoo, What’s in a Name? Common Carriage, Social Media, and the First Amendment, 119 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 49 (2024). https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1341&context=nulr_online

Emerging Technology’s Unfamiliarity with Commercial Law

Over the course of a four-year, collaborative process that was open to the public, the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) and the American Law Institute (ALI) undertook a project to revise the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) to account for the impact of emerging technologies on commercial transactions. The amendments, approved jointly by the ULC and ALI in July 2022, touch on aspects of the entire UCC, but one change has inspired ire and attracted national media attention: a revision to the definition of “money.” The 2022 UCC Amendments alter the definition of “money” to account for the introduction of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), such as the Bahamian Sand Dollar, and create a separate asset classification category, a controllable electronic record, for cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. Opponents of this change point to concerns that the UCC seeks to “ban” cryptocurrency or otherwise advantage central bank digital currencies and disadvantage cryptocurrencies. This Essay examines this dispute over the 2022 UCC Amendments and argues that it stems from a misunderstanding of core commercial law concepts. Ultimately, it seems that diminishing familiarity with commercial law—a side effect of expanding reliance on emerging financial technology products—stands as a key obstacle to the enactment of legal changes designed to give the objectors the very legal effects they desire.

Robert G. Storey Distinguished Faculty Fellow and Associate Professor of Law, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law; Faculty Fellow, Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity, Southern Methodist University Lyle School of Engineering; Affiliated Faculty, Indiana University Bloomington Ostrom Workshop Program on Cybersecurity and Internet Governance; Research Associate, University College London Center for Blockchain Technology.

Cite as: Carla L. Reyes, Emerging Technology’s Unfamiliarity with Commercial Law, 119 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 31 (2024), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1340&context=nulr_online

Abortion and the Extremism of Bright Line Rules

Rather than eliding the workability or necessity of bright-line rules in certain domains, this Essay is a rallying cry for epistemic humility regarding what biological criteria can and cannot say. Policymakers sometimes lean on the biosciences to offer “objective” solutions to thorny moral and legal issues. But descriptive biological data cannot answer normative questions on their own. Cloaking the theoretical, normative scaffolding in biological criteria is a disingenuous but common phenomenon I refer to as the “bio-legal mismatch.”

In this Essay, I discuss various abortion-restrictive statutes and cases to elucidate the problems with the bio-legal mismatch. Specifically, I explore the rigid use of gestational age, definitions of medical emergency, fetal anomalies, fetal pain, and the perversion of informed consent. In each case, related policies advance biologically naive, black-and-white thinking to reinforce gender norms and dehumanize pregnant people and the complex reasons they terminate. After explaining how black-and-white thinking relies on cognitive distortions and triggers tribalism, I conclude with a nonexhaustive list of factors that legislators and judges should examine when developing policy based on biological criteria—such as in the highly contested context of abortion. The factors are geared at assessing whether the biological criteria are reliable and connected to legally and normatively relevant events, or whether they are being exploited to mask ideological extremism.

Teneille R. Brown is the James I. Farr Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Law and the Biomedical Sciences (LABS) at the S.J. Quinney College of Law, and a faculty member in the Center for Health Ethics, Arts, and Humanities at the University of Utah.

Cite as: Teneille R. Brown, Abortion and the Extremism of Bright Line Rules , 119 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 1 (2024), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1338&context=nulr_online.

Tax Forfeitures and the Excessive Fines Muddle

The federal government and state governments increasingly rely upon fines and forfeitures to enforce civil laws ranging from simple land-use laws to complex securities laws. The U.S. Supreme Court, however, has failed to clearly articulate when these sanctions are considered punitive, such that they qualify for scrutiny under the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment. The Court recently decided Tyler v. Hennepin County , which involved the forfeiture of a home for unpaid property taxes worth a fraction of the home’s value. The Tyler Court declined to address the excessive fines claim, despite the forfeiture having multiple punitive characteristics, and instead resolved the case only as it related to the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment. Ultimately, the Court’s decision may best be understood as a recognition that property tax delinquency absent fraud or willful misconduct is such that any punitive fine or forfeiture is constitutionally barred.

Associate Professor of Law, Baylor Law School. I am grateful for helpful conversations about this Essay with Christina M. Martin, who represented Geraldine Tyler in her case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The arguments and viewpoints presented herein, however, are my own. Thank you to Nicholas Almendares and Julia Mahoney, as well as Christopher Brett Jaeger and Rachel Kincaid for thoughtful comments and suggestions. I also thank Haylie English, for her excellent research assistance, as well as the staff of the Northwestern University Law Review Online for their outstanding editorial work.

Cite as: Jessica L. Asbridge, Tax Forfeitures and the Excessive Fines Muddle , 118 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 170 (2023), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1337&context=nulr_online.

Litigating Climate Change Infrastructure Impacts

This Essay is the first to examine ways in which the different pathways of climate change litigation—statutory interpretation, human and constitutional rights, and common law—interact with infrastructure impacts. Its analysis draws on a model of these pathways that Professor Jacqueline Peel and I developed in our book Climate Change Litigation:Regulatory Pathways to Cleaner Energy . The Essay finds that litigation across all three pathways plays a critical role in shaping how effectively we address infrastructure issues. Petitioners can use these cases to shine a spotlight on infrastructure harms, to push for or against the mitigation and adaptation measures needed to limit harm, and to seek compensation for loss and damage.

This Essay is published as part of the Northwestern University Law Review’s online essay series. The 2022 topic is “Climate Change & Infrastructure: Existential Threats to Our Built Environment.”

Dean, Myra and James Bradwell Professor of Law, and Professor of Environmental Policy and Culture (courtesy), Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. I would like to thank Professors Michael Barsa, Cary Coglianese, David Dana, Erin Delaney, Michael Gerrard, Jacqueline Peel, J.B. Ruhl, and Robert Weinstock for their thoughtful feedback and insights; Pritzker Library Fellow Freyja DePew for her helpful research assistance; and the Northwestern University Law Review Online Editor-in-Chiefs Taylor Nchako and Sasha Bryski and Editors Ella Chochrek, Adam Lefkowitz, Ezra Meren, Ryan O’Sullivan, and Xukun Rendu for their excellent editing.

Cite as: Hari M. Osofsky, Litigating Climate Change Infrastructure Impacts , 118 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 149 (2023), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1336&context=nulr_online.

Climate Change and the Law of National Security Adaptation

The Department of Defense (DoD) is the largest employer in the world, owns and operates an enormous global real estate portfolio, and emits more Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) than many nations. Entrusted with the national security, the DoD is now threatened by a new enemy—climate change. Climate change imperils national security infrastructure while undermining the military’s capacity to respond to climate-driven disasters at home and abroad. However, legal scholarship has yet to address what I call “the law of national security adaptation” and related questions. For example, how do environmental and climate change laws apply to the U.S. military? What laws can be employed to safeguard military installations from rising seas, extreme weather, and other climate risks?

This Essay addresses these questions, inspired by my experience as an environmental attorney in Norfolk, Virginia—home to the largest navy base in the world. I first describe how climate change has become a new “environmental enemy” that threatens national security property around the globe. Second, I describe and analyze how the law of national security adaptation has developed to apply to environmental law and property law to encompass climate adaptation efforts on military installations. In doing so, the law of national security adaptation brings together constitutional law, an amalgamation of executive branch directives and regulations, and climate legislation designed to safeguard military infrastructure. Last, I argue that insights for climate adaptation more generally can be gleaned from the military’s experience addressing climate change. Somewhat surprisingly, congressional action on national security adaptation has been a beacon of bipartisanship. It has kept the climate adaptation “flame” alive when climate action was being extinguished elsewhere. The law of national security adaptation thus offers broader, normative insights for adaptation efforts outside the military fence line.

Associate Professor of Law, Emory University School of Law. Prior to academia, he served for twenty years in the U.S. Navy in the rank of commander as both a tactical jet aviator and environmental lawyer (JAG). He previously served as the Sharswood Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Associate Professor at Syracuse University College of Law, and Class of 1971 Distinguished Professor of Leadership & Law at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He thanks Jack Kirkpatrick, Sara Zdeb, and the generous funding of Emory University School of Law for research assistance and support.

Cite as: Mark Nevitt, Climate Change and the Law of National Security Adaptation , 118 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 126 (2023), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1335&context=nulr_online.

Climate Entrenchment in Unstable Legal Regimes

American climate law is the subject of serious and ongoing debate, and policy change is part of the ordinary process of democratic governance. However, in recent years some policymakers have deliberately undermined climate action by injecting legal instability into American climate law. This Essay addresses a simple question: how can Americans build necessary climate infrastructure in the face of an unstable political and legal regime?

Some readers may be shocked by this question. Indeed, this framing is intentionally provocative. However, this Essay recognizes a simple fact: not all American polities, and not all American policymakers, are trustworthy and predictable partners for climate infrastructure projects. Further, American climate law contains significant sources of instability which can be exacerbated by political sabotage. Actions that undermine public climate commitments create a genuine risk for both the legitimacy of American governance and the material well-being of Americans in the face of the global climate crisis.

This Essay proposes a tool kit for protecting climate infrastructure from political interference. Part I identifies sources of legal instability in America’s response to the climate crisis, places it in a theoretical context, and discusses the costs of this political instability. Part II discusses the ethical issues involved in preempting political instability in a democracy and concludes that addressing climate change aligns with historical ethical justifications for entrenchment in American law. Finally, Part III outlines doctrinal, contractual, and political techniques to entrench climate policy and protect climate infrastructure from political interference.

Climate Law Fellow and Associate Research Scholar at Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School. The views expressed herein are solely my own and do not reflect the views of my employers, past, present, or future. I am grateful to Professor Michael B. Gerrard for his invaluable feedback on an early draft of this paper, and to the staff of the Northwestern University Law Review for their hard work and thoughtful comments.

Cite as: Martin Lockman, Climate Entrenchment in Unstable Legal Regimes , 118 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 98 (2023), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1334&context=nulr_online .

Cooling Infrastructure, Cooling Security, and a Warming World

This Essay shows that the climate adaptation challenge for cooling infrastructure—and especially air conditioning—can be thought of as entailing a longer-term challenge and an immediate-term challenge. The longer-term challenge is to spur innovation in air conditioning technology such that new, more environmentally friendly, yet also affordable options become available and adopted. The immediate challenge for cooling infrastructure is to ensure that people right now do not lose their lives and well-being because they lack adequate air conditioning. There are several possible means of meeting the long-term challenge of innovating better, greener, and yet affordable air conditioning, including stricter regulatory requirements, targeted research grants, and innovation prizes. Possible means of meeting the immediate challenge include the use of the federal spending power to incentivize states and localities to use current federal funding streams to better meet household cooling needs, and to take stronger measures, including reformed zoning, to address urban heat island effects. This Essay also underscores the possible national security implications of both the immediate and long-term challenges.

Kirkland & Ellis Professor of Law, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and Director of the Program on Sustainability and Food and Animal Law. Many thanks to Heidi Kitrosser, Michael Kremer, Nadav Shoked, Maggie Franz, and Cherie Zhang.

Cite as: David A. Dana, Cooling Infrastructure, Cooling Security, and a Warming World , 118 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 66 (2023), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1333&context=nulr_online .

The SEC’s Compensation Clawback Loophole

The SEC has recently released final rules implementing the executive incentive compensation recovery or “clawback” provisions of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act. These rules are aimed at recovering from executives incentive compensation determined to be excessive in light of a subsequent accounting restatement. Unfortunately, the SEC’s rules create a loophole by excluding purely time-vested stock and stock option grants from the reach of the new clawback regime. This aspect of the rulemaking seems inconsistent with the intent of Congress, and the result likely will be to distort executive pay practices in a perverse fashion, shifting compensation back in the direction of the time-vested stock option heyday of the late 1990s and early 2000s. As such, the SEC’s decision is also regrettable as a policy matter. In addition to exempting a large fraction of incentive compensation from the reach of the clawback, a renewed emphasis on time-vested options would reverse a salutary trend in executive compensation design in favor of more tightly performance-conditioned pay instruments that create incentives over a broader range of market conditions than time-vested options, often reward executives only when they outperform their peers, and minimize executives’ ability to use inside information to maximize their compensation. To be sure, institutional investors and proxy advisory firms that embrace serious linkage between pay and performance may resist firms backsliding into heavy usage of time-vested stock and options, but, given the risks to executives and the cost to firms of issuing compensation instruments subject to the new clawback, I am not optimistic

Professor of Law and Maurice Poch Faculty Research Scholar, Boston University School of Law. The author thanks Scott Hirst and David Webber for their valuable comments and suggestions and Stephen Fleury for excellent research assistance.

Cite as: David I. Waker, The SEC’s Compensation Clawback Loophole , 118 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 45 (2023), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1332&context=nulr_online.

Ending the Qualified Immunity Nightmare

J.D. 2023, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Much credit belongs to Professor Xiao Wang and Ivan Parfenoff for their helpful comments. Thanks also to the great NULR Online team for helping to polish this piece.

Cite as: Jared Stehle, Ending the Qualified Immunity Nightmare , 118 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 36 (2023), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1331&context=nulr_online.

Distributive, Disjunctive, and Discombobulated: Interpreting the Word “and” in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(f)(1)

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Class of 2023. Thanks to Professor Xiao Wang and Sudeep S. Dhanoa for their insightful edits and advice on this piece, as well as the NULR team for their helpful edits. All errors are mine.

Cite as: Bailey Cordonnier, Distributive, Disjunctive, and Discombobulated: Interpreting the Word “and” in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(f)(1) , 118 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 26 (2023), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1330&context=nulr_online.

Two Birds With One Stone Through MDL Interlocutory Appeal: Lessons From Rule 23(f)

Debates rage over whether multidistrict litigation, or MDL, should have a mechanism for interlocutory appeal. Though the territory on this topic is well trod, the two sides have not fully mapped out the implications of a parallel controversy in the class action space. One side rails about the due process dangers that MDL plaintiffs face as their claims await resolution in a faraway judicial district. The other complains that defendants get stuck with legal rulings made by these same district judges, with concomitant error costs that get multiplied across many thousands of plaintiffs. Neither seems to make the point that these same issues plagued class action litigation—that is, until the adoption of an appeal mechanism in 1998’s Rule 23(f). This piece argues that the lessons of Rule 23(f) should inform our modern MDL debate. In particular, one core lesson emerges—the interlocutory appeal mechanisms defendants want have strong potential to resolve the procedural irregularities that irk plaintiffs.

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Class of 2023. Thanks to Counselor to the Chief Justice Robert M. Dow and Judge Amy J. St. Eve, who both directed me toward resources this paper badly needed, and to Taylor Nchako, Noah Bloomberg, Danny Damitio, Ella Chochrek, Sasha Bryski, and the rest of the NULR team for their helpful edits. All errors are mine.

Cite as: Jared Stehle, Two Birds With One Stone Through MDL Interlocutory Appeal: Lessons From Rule 23(f) , 118 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 1 (2023), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1329&context=nulr_online.

Preserving Privilege: Developing a Sound Litigation Strategy for Prison Wiretapping Cases

The attorney–client privilege is the oldest and most storied privilege in the United States common law. The justifications for the preservation of the privilege compound when applied to incarcerated individuals who wish to speak with their counsel privately over the phone to organize their criminal defense, appeal a judgment, or work through negotiations with the government. However, in recent years, private telecommunications providers operating in jails and prisons have continually violated that privilege by recording prisoners’ calls with their attorneys. Plaintiffs have taken to the courts to litigate these wrongs but have enjoyed limited and disparate degrees of success. This Note explores one possible civil cause of action available to prisoners and their attorneys in these situations: the Federal Wiretap Act. Specifically, it analyzes and rebuts defendants’ most prevalent defenses. In doing so, it offers a litigation roadmap to plaintiffs who have been harmed by these predatory recording practices and wish to hold the telecommunications companies responsible for their actions.

J.D. Candidate, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, 2023; B.S., Indiana University, 2017. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to every member of the Northwestern University Law Review Online team for their thoughtful work on this Note and support over the past year. Thanks as well to Alan Mills, Executive Director of the Uptown People’s Law Center, for his course on Prisons and Prisoners’ Rights, which provided me with the opportunity to write on this topic. To Maurice Possley, for his careful copyediting. Finally, a very special thank you to my grandfather, Robert Cummins. Not only did he inspire this Note, but he has served as the best guidepost and confidant that I could ask for as I pursue a career in the law.

Cite as: Daniel J. Cummins, Preserving Privilege: Developing a Sound Litigation Strategy for Prison Wiretapping Cases , 117 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 107 (2023), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1328&context=nulr_online.

Privacy’s Rights Trap

A growing chorus of scholars, privacy professionals, and policymakers think that individual rights of control—rights to access, correct, and delete data, as well as rights to opt out of tracking and to have humans in the loop of automated decision-making—are effective means of regulating the data-extractive economy. Indeed, the argument for individual rights is so pervasive and hegemonic that individual rights form the backbone of every piece of privacy legislation introduced in the United States in the last several years.

This Essay offers a comprehensive critique of that argument. Individual rights fail to address the social harms of the information economy. They shift the burden of privacy regulation to individuals mostly incapable of exercising that responsibility while simultaneously giving technology companies the power to define the practical reach of the law. Individual rights cannot place limits on technology companies when the law has already immunized their business models from accountability. Individual rights also set the wrong norms: they normalize the notion that privacy should be an individual responsibility rather than a core obligation of corporate actors. And the history of using individual rights to solve structural problems proves how rights crowd out necessary reform. If individual rights of control are what pass for privacy legislation in the United States, the problems of informational capitalism will get worse, not better.

Professor of Law and Computer Science, Northeastern University; Faculty Director, Center for Law, Information, and Creativity, Northeastern University School of Law; Affiliated Fellow, Information Society Project at Yale Law School. Ph.D., Columbia University; J.D., Harvard Law School. Special thanks to Danielle Citron, Julie Cohen, Woodrow Hartzog, Margot Kaminski, Neil Richards, and Salome Viljoen. I have the individual right to make the mistakes in this Essay. But I also have the obligation to take responsibility for them.

Cite as: Ari Ezra Waldman, Privacy’s Rights Trap , 117 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 88 (2022), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1326&context=nulr_online.

Two Comes Before Four and Five: The FAA in Campbell v. Keagle

Contrary to popular opinion, arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) is not intended to be forced or unfair, including in the employment context. Indeed, § 2 of the FAA permits courts to refuse enforcement of arbitration agreements on the basis of generally applicable state contract law defenses, such as unconscionability, in order to safeguard against potential abuse of the arbitral process. Yet decisions such as that of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Campbell v. Keagle threaten to nullify the FAA’s protections and reinforce the perception of arbitration as an unjust process. The district court in this case found that the parties’ employment arbitration clause was inordinately one-sided in the employer’s favor and that the offending provisions could not be severed under Illinois law to compel arbitration. Thus, the arbitration clause was unenforceable under § 2 of the FAA. The Seventh Circuit reversed, but not on the basis of state contract law. Rather, the court of appeals enforced the parties’ agreement to arbitrate on the basis of subsequent procedural provisions of the FAA, namely §§ 4 and 5. This Essay argues that the Seventh Circuit’s reliance on these provisions to circumvent the district court’s finding of unconscionability under § 2 of the FAA ignores the significance of the FAA’s internal sequencing. An arbitration agreement found unenforceable under § 2—the substantive section of the FAA— cannot escape its fate because of the Act’s subsequent procedural provisions. The Seventh Circuit’s decision also conflicts with Supreme Court jurisprudence and creates a circuit split regarding the interrelationship between §§ 2, 4, and 5 of the Act. This Essay concludes that while the Seventh Circuit enforced the parties’ arbitration agreement in Campbell v. Keagle, its reasoning does not benefit FAA arbitration. It sets a dangerous precedent for future cases involving unconscionable arbitration agreements and fuels the growing backlash against employment arbitration under the FAA.

Associate Professor, University of Alberta Faculty of Law. The author thanks Professor Jeremy Telman for his helpful comments on an earlier draft.

Cite as: Tamar Meshel, Two Comes Before Four and Five: The FAA in Campbell v. Keagle, 117 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 74 (2022), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1325&context=nulr_online.

The Unintended Consequences of the Court’s Religious Freedom Revolution: A History of White Supremacy and Private Christian Church Schools

Although private church schools have historically received less attention than charter schools and other private nonsectarian schools in public discourse, in recent years, the Supreme Court’s First Amendment jurisprudence has allowed private church schools to make great strides in achieving state funding. At a time where public education is facing criticism on all sides, it seems natural that school choice supporters are more vocal than ever. This Essay takes a closer look at private church schools and their relationship to white supremacy in anticipation of the Court’s decision in Carson ex rel. O.C. v. Makin . Ultimately, that case will decide whether states must fund students taking part in a state school-aid program who choose to use that aid at sectarian schools without violating the First Amendment. Situated within the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education and Massive Resistance, this project examines distinctions between segregation academies and private church schools. I will argue that while there is a distinction between church schools and segregation academies, such schools seem to share the same purpose of maintaining mostly white classrooms. By examining private church schools through two theoretical frameworks that underpin Critical Race Theory: racial realism and strategic racism, I argue that unlike other private schools, church schools are uniquely situated to preserve white supremacy given their explicit constitutional protection under the First Amendment—a protection that the current Supreme Court will likely strengthen in Carson .

American Studies Ph.D. student, College of William & Mary. J.D., William & Mary Law School, 2018; B.S. Political Science, Lee University, 2015. I would like to thank Professors Jamel Donnor and Allison Orr Larsen for their insight and advice during the preparing of this Essay.

Cite as: Vania Blaiklock, The Unintended Consequences of the Court’s Religious Freedom Revolution: A History of White Supremacy and Private Christian Church Schools , 117 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 46 (2022), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1324&context=nulr_online.

Banning Books or Banning BIPOC?

Following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, social justice movements renewed calls for the country to confront the pervasive reality of systemic racism in the United States. In response to these publicized social justice movements, however, calls for book bans relating to critical race theory began rising at an unprecedented rate. Although book ban censorship is not novel, the recent shift in focus to remove critical race theory from public school libraries marks a new era of content-based censorship.

This Essay examines why current book bans targeting critical race theory are content-based restrictions that necessarily violate the First Amendment. It explores the social and legal history of book bans in the United States and discusses recent trends in book ban censorship. This Essay then identifies First Amendment “areas of nonprotection” through which book ban proponents seek to exclude race-related content and analyzes why all are pretextual fallacies that undermine freedom of speech principles and mandate diversity in the judiciary.

Associate, Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell LLP. J.D., University of Denver Sturm College of Law, 2021; B.S. Exercise & Wellness, Brigham Young University, 2014. I would like to thank Professor Nancy Leong for her insight and guidance during the drafting of this Essay. I would also like to thank my husband for his support and inspiration.

Cite as: Marisa Shearer, Banning Books or Banning BIPOC? , 117 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 24 (2022), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1323&context=nulr_online.

Arbitration in the Workplace: The Need for Legislative Intervention

Since passage of the Federal Arbitration Act in 1925, arbitral proceedings have played an important role in American dispute resolution processes. However, the frequent application of the FAA to employment contexts is a relatively new phenomenon. Over the past thirty years, the Supreme Court has heralded an explosion in the use of mandatory arbitration agreements in employee contracts, reshaping employment law and limiting workers’ access to courts. Vast swaths of American workers are now bound to agreements they know little about that provide them only precarious protections. Justifiable backlashes to this terraforming of the employment law landscape have begun to sprout up in various workplaces.

This Essay suggests that the uninhibited expansion of arbitration to employment contexts has been a net negative for American workers. While current arbitration procedures are suitable for the commercial business-to-business disputes the FAA originally envisioned, these procedures have not been appropriately modified for workplace contexts, making such cases ripe for abuse. Documenting the history of the FAA and modern Court decisions regarding it, this Essay contends that Congress will need to act boldly in order to develop a system of arbitration suitable for workers.

J.D. Candidate, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, 2022; B.S., Adelphi University, 2012. Special thanks to James R. Ferguson for thoughtful, comprehensive comments and suggestions in the development of this Essay. Thanks, as well, to Taylor Nchako and the editors of Northwestern University Law Review Online for their close reading and excellent editorial recommendations. Finally, eternal thanks to my husband, Roy Peters, who has been my steadfast rock throughout this lengthy process.

Cite as: Jeremy Wright, Arbitration in the Workplace: The Need for Legislative Intervention , 117 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 1 (2022), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1322&context=nulr_online.

An Intellectual Property Fix for Platform Salesjacking

The aim of this Essay is to introduce an intellectual property angle to a current controversy that has been understood to be a matter for antitrust law. The controversy arises when a platform company—most famously Amazon—uses its platform to host a marketplace for independent retailers while simultaneously hosting itself as a retailer on the platform, thus competing as a retailer with an inside advantage. Critics say this setup allows platform firms to cherry-pick the best product ideas from small, independent retailers and then hijack their sales. This Essay seeks to advance the conversation about this controversy, making at least four contributions. First, this Essay shows that the complained-about problem—in which platform providers take sales away from platform participants—is not best understood as a competition-harming concern but as an innovation-harming concern. Second, and following from the first point, this Essay suggests such problems are productively viewed as challenges for the domain of intellectual property law rather than, or in addition to, the domain of antitrust law. Third, this Essay explains how the particular anti-innovative harm in this area is to soft innovation, which is distinguished from the type of hard innovation that is the principal concern of copyright and patent law. Previously, such soft innovation has been incentivized by the lure of supracompetitive profits that are sustained by market friction, often spoken of as “first-mover advantage.” The reduction of that market friction by way of technology-enabled platform commerce has had the effect of subverting the innovation incentives that naturally existed in the brick-and-mortar world. Fourth, this Essay provides an initial foray into thinking about how a new intellectual property entitlement should be designed. To that end, this Essay identifies various ways of attempting to ensure that a newly created intellectual property right in this area does not do more harm than good.

Earl Sneed Centennial Professor of Law, University of Oklahoma College of Law. This paper benefited from feedback at the 2021 Works-in-Progress Intellectual Property Colloquium, and I thank the organizers and participants at that conference. For helpful comments and questions, I thank Michael Carroll, Margaret Chon, Nikola Datzov, Camilla Hrdy, Glynn Lunney, Tyler Ochoa, Betsy Rosenblatt, Rebecca Tushnet, and Kit Johnson. I owe particular thanks to Darla Jackson for research assistance and Leslee Roybal for help with the manuscript. © 2022 Eric E. Johnson. Konomark—most rights sharable. Please contact the author at www.ericejohnson.com.

Cite as: Eric E. Johnson, An Intellectual Property Fix for Platform Salesjacking , 116 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 306 (2022), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1321&context=nulr_online.

The Judiciary Steps Up to the Workplace Challenge

As the #MeToo movement swept the country, the federal judiciary faced its reckoning in light of allegations against several judges. In short order, with the backing of Chief Justice Roberts, workplace issues took center stage. This Essay highlights workplace risks relevant to the judiciary, then details the significant changes adopted by the federal judiciary to foster a healthy, harassment-free, and productive work environment. Major undertakings include the establishment of a national Office of Judicial Integrity; circuit-wide Directors of Workplace Relations; multiple avenues to report misconduct, including anonymous reporting; revamped employment dispute policies; revised ethics, reporting, and discipline rules; and targeted workshops and trainings. While realizing the full potential of these reforms will require continued focus and deliberate attention across our workplace of 30,000 employees nationwide, the federal judiciary—with the backing of Chief Justice Roberts—remains committed to a workplace that treats everyone with respect and dignity.

M. Margaret McKeown is a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. She is Chair of the Ninth Circuit Committee on Workplace Environment and a member of the Federal Judiciary Workplace Conduct Working Group. She thanks Michael Henry, Judicial Integrity Officer, Administrative Office of the United States Courts; Yohance Edwards, Director of Workplace Relations, Ninth Circuit; Paula Raffaelli, Deputy Director of Workplace Relations, Ninth Circuit; and Stella Huynh, Workplace Relations Specialist, Ninth Circuit, for their research assistance.

Cite as: M. Margaret McKeown, The Judiciary Steps Up to the Workplace Challenge , 116 Nw. U. L. Rev. Online 275 (2021), https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1319&context=nulr_online.

Northwestern University Law School Law School Application Essays

These Northwestern University Law School college application essays were written by students accepted at Northwestern University Law School. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Northwestern University Law School

Diversity lessons laura stafford, northwestern university law school.

In the past, whenever I have been confronted with a question on an application asking about “contributions of your cultural or ethnic background”, I have always thought that such essay prompts were not written for me. Such topics, I facilely...

Language and the Law Anonymous

Striking parallels between language and law exist: Both require analysis, precise diction, and the suspension of one’s own worldview to comprehend a different perspective. Chi ku (吃苦) is an idiom, directly translated as “eating bitterness,”...

How it feels to be Spanish-speaking me Anonymous

“A mi no querer takar la clase de español”, I fervently and somewhat jokingly argued with my mother after she DECLARED that I would take Spanish 1 in 7th grade. It’s sort of like those times when you know the battle has long been over, yet you...

Transfer Admissions

Programs and statistics.

Do you have any joint degree programs? Yes. We have a JD-PhD program with The Graduate School and a JD-MBA program with the Kellogg School of Management. We also offer a JD-LLM in Taxation program.

Do you have a part-time or evening program? No. We only offer a full-time JD program that student complete in three years.

Where can I find a copy of Northwestern's Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics? As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, you are entitled to request and receive a copy of Northwestern University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Northwestern University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus. The Report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies on drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this Report by contacting the Northwestern University Police Department Deputy Chief at (847) 491-3256. The Report can also be accessed and printed from the University Police website .

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Standardized Test Requirement: LSAT and GRE

Northwestern Law welcomes both LSAT and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results from applicants to our entering JD programs. The following FAQs address admissions-related and logistical matters for the standardized test requirement.

Do you accept the February LSAT for admission? Yes. However, we cannot guarantee that seats in the incoming class will still be available by the time we receive the CAS report with your February LSAT score.

If I take the LSAT more than once, will you take the highest score or the average of the scores? Northwestern Law’s policy is to review and to report the highest score earned on the LSAT.

How long is my LSAT score valid? According to the Law School Admission Council, LSAT scores are valid for five (5) years.

If I previously sat for the GRE and not the LSAT, how do I apply to the JD program? Please complete the Northwestern Law JD application via LSAC.org .

What is Northwestern Law's GRE school code? Our GRE school code is 2579.

May I submit an unofficial GRE score report? No. We will only accept official GRE report(s) from ETS. Please contact ETS directly to have your official GRE Score Report sent to Northwestern Law.

What is the oldest GRE score you will accept for my JD application? Consistent with our policy for LSAT score(s), no more than five years may have passed from the date of your GRE administration.

Am I required to submit a LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report if I apply with a GRE score? Yes. The CAS report is required for all applicants to Northwestern Law's JD program. The CAS report will include your transcripts, your undergraduate grade point average, other relevant data, and your required letter(s) of recommendation.

If I have taken both the GRE and the LSAT, how do I apply to the JD program? Please complete the JD application . If you have already submitted your application for Fall 2024 admission and wish to have your GRE score considered along with your LSAT score, please submit the Northwestern Law GRE Intention Form . You must contact ETS directly to have your Official GRE Score Report sent to Northwestern Law. Because a CAS report must be submitted by all applicants to our JD program, the Admissions Committee will have access to any LSAT score(s) reported there.

If I have taken both the GRE and the LSAT, am I required to submit my GRE score? No. You may submit just your LSAT score.

May I apply to the binding Early Decision (ED) program this year with only the GRE? ED applicants may satisfy the Law School's standardized test requirement by submitting the LSAT, the GRE, or both. Through the CAS process, the Admissions Committee will view LSAT results and will consider those score(s) in its review if an applicant has previously taken it.

Why is Northwestern Law including GRE scores in the admissions process? We are pleased to continually evolve our admissions process to attract the strongest and most diverse class possible, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this change across law schools. We are confident this practice will benefit students, faculty, schools, and the legal professional at large.

How may I obtain an application for admission? Our application for the fall 2024 entering JD class will be available on September 1, 2023 . You may access the application online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). If you require a pdf version of our application form for accessibility purposes, please contact us via email at: [email protected] .

How do I request an application fee waiver? As an incentive for prospective applicants to apply "early" (between September 1 and December 31), we offer application fee waivers to any prospective JD applicant who simply fills out our registration form. This form may be found on our Apply page beginning September 1, 2023 . A fee waiver code will be created for you and emailed within two to three business days.

From time to time during the admissions cycle, we also send fee waivers to candidates who are registered with LSAC's Credential Referral Service and who meet certain Admissions Committee criteria. In order to be considered, be sure to check the CRS box when registering your LSAC account. Members of the admissions team may also offer fee waivers to prospective applicants they meet during fall recruiting events.

As of January 1, 2024 , prospective applicants seeking an application fee waiver must complete a need-based JD Fee Waiver Application and provide answers to additional questions. The need-based JD Fee Waiver Application will be posted to our Apply page by January 1, 2024. Applicants holding LSAC fee waivers are also required to complete our JD Fee Waiver Application and should attach a copy of their LSAC fee waiver notification. Need-based JD fee waiver applications are reviewed weekly, and notices or requests for additional documentation are sent via email.

Should you receive an application fee waiver, be certain to submit your JD application by the stated expiration date. Once a fee waiver code has expired, the Office of Admissions will not issue a new one.

Are deferrals granted? One-year deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis. Historically, the Admissions Committee has granted a deferral for compelling reasons, such as unforeseen hardships or extraordinary opportunities. The admitted student must: (1) pay an initial $750 seat deposit that holds a seat in the entering class to which he/she/they have been admitted; and (2) submit a written request stating the reason(s) a deferral is necessary. If the Admissions Committee grants the deferral, the admitted student will be required to pay two additional deposits by the dates articulated in the deferral letter. All deposits are non-refundable and will be applied toward the student's first tuition bill. In the event the deferred student withdraws, the enrollment deposits are forfeited.

Do you accept visiting students? Yes. Students currently enrolled at another law school that is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) may apply to be a visiting student at Northwestern Law.

What if I have Character and Fitness questions? Each state has character and fitness qualifications for admission to the bar. Prior to matriculation, applicants should consult the bar admission authorities in the specific state where they intend to practice to determine these requirements. Information about the requirements for bar admission in all jurisdictions is available from the American Bar Association .

Interviewing

I heard that you interview your applicants at Northwestern Law. How do I take advantage of this opportunity?

For more than two decades, interviews have been a noteworthy opportunity for applicants to Northwestern Law. In recent years, approximately 95% of our entering JD classes have completed an interview.

We are delighted to offer our applicants the opportunity to complete an online video interview . You will record answers to interview questions that members of the Northwestern Law community have written and filmed. Because an online video interview platform may pose a new experience for our applicants, we hear a number of frequently asked questions. We've provided answers to a set of FAQs about our online interview process below.

May I interview before I’ve submitted my application? No. Submission of an application is required before you may proceed with your interview. Furthermore, you must opt into the interview process within your application form. Our office will provide you with instructions and guidance after you have submitted your application.

I indicated that I did not intend to interview on my application, but I have changed my mind. What should I do? You must write to our office at [email protected] indicating that you want your application held until your interview occurs. A member of our team will update your application and send you an invitation to our online interview platform.

May I interview multiple times? No. Applicants are not allowed to interview more than once per cycle unless otherwise indicated by the Admissions Office.

I'm applying ED. Do I have to interview? Yes. As a requirement for the Early Decision (ED) application, ED candidates must complete an online video interview. Upon submitting your ED application to Northwestern Law, you will receive an invitation to our online portal and logistical guidance for completing your interview.

What should I do if I have questions regarding accessibility? Kira interview assessments are designed to be accessible for all users. The platform is WCAG 2.0 compliant, meeting requirements of the ADA and AODA for web platforms. If you have additional questions regarding accessibility, contact [email protected] .

Online Video Interviewing

Why does Northwestern Law offer an online video interview? Interviews have long been an important part of the admissions process at Northwestern Law. Online video interviews provide a relatively easy and convenient method for our applicants across the nation and the world! For that matter, the online option affords you the flexibility to conduct the interview whenever and wherever you are able.

How do I schedule an online interview?

You must opt in to the interview within our application for fall 2023 admission. Specifically, there is a question within the application that allows you to demonstrate your intention to complete the interview. After you have submitted your application, a member of our team will send you an invitation to the online video portal. (We strive to send these links within five business days of our receipt of applications.) You will have 14 days from the date you receive an invitation to the online video platform to complete and submit your interview . Your application will remain incomplete until you have submitted your interview responses. As such, we highly recommend completing your interview as soon as possible to minimize any processing delays of your application. After 14 days, your application will be moved forward in the process if you have not completed your online video interview. Please note: For applications submitted on or after our application deadline of February 15, 2024 , online video interviews should be submitted as soon as possible.

Transfer applicants are required to complete an online video interview. Within two business days of submitting your transfer application, a member of our team will send you instructions for completing your transfer interview and a link to our online interview platform. We encourage you to submit the interview as soon as possible, but no later than the transfer application deadline.

How does the online video interview work? Once you log onto the site, you will have the opportunity to practice recording yourself as many times as you would like. Once you are comfortable with the site, you may begin recording your responses. You will view recorded questions, all from members of the Admissions Committee and the Northwestern Law community. From there, you have only have one take to record your response to each question. The interview will consist of five unique questions that will differ from those that you received during your practice session(s).

What types of questions will you ask? The questions are designed to give us more insight into your career goals, motivation for pursuing a legal education, and experience. We are also interested in learning about your specific interest in Northwestern Law.

How much time will I have to think of a response and how long will I have to give my answer? You will have 30 seconds to formulate your response and 90 seconds to provide your answer. We recommend you take advantage of the unlimited and unrecorded practice questions in order to become familiar with the process and to be more relaxed. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel during the interview itself.

May I re-record my responses if I am not satisfied? Unfortunately, no. Once you begin your actual interview, you will have only one opportunity to answer each question. This is why we encourage you to take advantage of the platform's practice sessions.

Will I have access to my interview after it is submitted? No. The only individuals who may view your responses are the members of the Northwestern Law Admissions Committee.

How long is the interview? Once you move past the practice round questions and begin your formal interview, it should take approximately 20-25 minutes to complete.

Do I need to complete the interview in one sitting? No. That said, we highly recommend that you do so for continuity's sake. You must complete a question once you start it, but you do not have to finish all questions in one sitting.

What should I wear? Treat the online video interview as if you are preparing for a job interview and plan to dress professionally. You may wear a suit if you wish, but business casual attire is acceptable.

Where should I record my online video interview? We recommend locating a quiet place with a good internet connection that is free from distractions. Before you get started with the practice questions, you should test the strength of your connection. If at any point you get stuck, our partner firm (Kira) provides technical support to assist you 24 hours/7 days a week.

How does the online video interview factor into my admission decision? The Admissions Committee prides itself on the '360 degree' review we conduct for all of our applications. Interviews enable us to envision you as a potential member of the Northwestern Law community. They also allow us to get more detailed information about the values that are important to us in the review process, including interpersonal skills. Because the interview is optional, completing this process is a good way to demonstrate your interest in Northwestern Law.

I did not opt in to the online interview on my application, but I have changed my mind. Is it possible to schedule an online interview? Yes, but you must write to our office at [email protected] , indicating your wish to have your application held until you have completed your online video interview. A member of our team will update your application and send you an invitation to our online interview platform.

Financial Aid

If admitted, will scholarship information be included? All financial aid determinations are made through a separate application process. The Admissions Committee sends admitted students detailed guidance on the process soon after the offer of admission is extended.

Do you have merit based scholarships? All of our scholarships are awarded on a combined basis of merit and need. We use the terms "scholarship" and "grant" interchangeably.

Tell me about your Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for those pursuing a career in Public Interest? View details surrounding our Loan Repayment Assistance Program .

Do you have any clinical programs? Yes! For many years, approximately 90% of graduates have registered for at least one clinical opportunity during their time at the Law School. Detailed information surrounding our historical and comprehensive clinical offerings may be found on the Bluhm Legal Clinic's w ebsite .

Do I have to specialize in any one area? No. However, if you would like to tailor your schedule of classes following your first year we offer the following concentrations: Business Enterprise , Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution , International Law , Appellate Law , Environmental Law , Law and Social Policy , and Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.

What are your study abroad opportunities? From our unique International Team Projects program to the potential of studying abroad, you may learn more about Northwestern Law's robust line-up of global opportunities by visiting our website here .

Fundamental Information - Timeline and Eligibility

How many transfer students do you enroll?

Each year, between 30 and 35 students transfer from other law schools accredited by the American Bar Association. These students join the rising 2L class during the fall semester.

What is the “best” time to apply for transfer admission?

It depends! Beginning March 2024, we are offering two opportunities to apply for transfer admission. You may apply through our inaugural Binding Early Decision – JD Transfer program or through our traditional Regular Decision – JD Transfer program.

I'm interested in the Binding Early Decision - JD Transfer program. Can you tell me more about it?

We encourage candidates who have identified Northwestern Law as their top choice for transfer admission to apply through our inaugural Binding Early Decision – JD Transfer program .

Northwestern Law evaluates Early Decision – JD Transfer applications according to the same selection criteria as Regular Decision – JD Transfer applications. However, an Early Decision – JD Transfer applicant’s particular interest in Northwestern Law, evidenced by their Early Decision – JD Transfer application designation, is specially considered by the admissions committee. And because of the timing for the Binding Early Decision – JD Transfer program, the admissions committee will evaluate applicants’ performance for the first semester of law school. Otherwise, Early Decision – JD Transfer applicants do not have a significant advantage in the selection process.

This is a binding admission program. If admitted through the Early Decision – JD Transfer program, Early Decision applicants commit themselves to matriculating at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Applicants may not apply to any other binding Early Decision – JD Transfer programs during the same transfer admission cycle. Early Decision – JD Transfer applicants may only apply to other law schools through those institutions’ regular decision programs. Please review the conditions for candidates admitted to the Early Decision – JD Transfer program within the Binding Early Decision – JD Transfer Certification Form .

When is the application period for the Binding Early Decision - JD Transfer Program?

The applicant portal for the Binding Early Decision - JD Transfer program will be available on Monday, March 25, 2024 . At that time, you may click on a link to the portal from the Office of Admissions' Apply webpage . All application requirements, including the submission of an online video interview, must be completed and submitted by Friday, April 26, 2024 .

A complete Binding Early Decision - JD Transfer application consists of several requirements. We urge you to carefully review the Application Instructions for Fall 2024 Transfer Candidates .

When will I receive a decision on my file if I apply to the Binding Early Decision - JD Transfer Program?

The Office of Admissions will contact applicants to the Binding Early Decision – JD Transfer Program during the week of May 13, 2024. These candidates will be notified of a decision on their file; this decision may be an offer of admission, a denial, or the opportunity to remain under consideration through our Regular Decision – JD Transfer Program.

I want to apply to more than one law school as a transfer candidate. Should I apply to the Regular Decision - JD Transfer program?

Yes. The Regular Decision - JD Transfer application portal will open on our Apply webpage on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 . A complete transfer application consists of several requirements. Applicants to the Regular Decision – JD Transfer Program are responsible for submitting and completing every application requirement prior to the deadline on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 . By mid-June 2024, we will make offers of admission on a rolling basis. We encourage applicants to submit all required materials as early as possible to be considered for admission through the Regular Decision – JD Transfer Program.

A complete Regular Decision - JD Transfer application consists of several requirements. We urge you to carefully review the Application Instructions for Fall 2024 Transfer Candidates .

Given the relatively short application period, we encourage you to establish a thoughtful timeline in order to complete your transfer application well before the deadline. With that said, we recommend starting your application in May, after you have completed your 1L final exams at your current law school.

We will not be able to render a final decision on your Regular Decisoin - JD Transfer application until we receive your complete 1L transcripts. It may take some time to complete the other requirements. It's a good idea to work on those steps (including but not limited to the completion of the transfer application form and your transfer personal statement, securing a letter of recommendation from a 1L professor, submitting the required online interview, etc.) as you await the release of your 1L transcripts from your current law school.

Does the Admissions Committee admit transfer students on a "rolling" basis?

Yes. Beginning in early to mid-June, the Admissions Committee will complete its first "round" of offers for successful transfer applicants. Because of the brief transfer admission cycle, these admitted students will be required to submit a deposit in a matter of a few days so that we may introduce them to their career advisers in preparation for the Law School's summer On-Campus Interviewing Program (OCI). We will also introduce them to the student editors of the Law School's seven journals so they may apply for the summer 'write-on' competition. As you may imagine, this is all time-sensitive.

The Admissions Committee will continue to review completed transfer applications and admit successful candidates on a weekly basis until the beginning of July. This underscores why it is critical for transfer applicants to ensure that all application requirements are submitted and complete no later than the published application deadline.

How do I secure a fee waiver to apply for transfer admission?

Historically, we have not offered fee waivers to our transfer applicants. This policy will continue for applicants to our fall 2024 transfer program.

I just completed my first year of law school as a part-time student. May I apply for transfer to Northwestern?

No. Because Northwestern Law does not have a part-time or evening division, we cannot admit transfer students pursuing a part-time course of study. As is stated on the Law School's Academics webpage pertaining to Transfer Students : "To be eligible to apply as a transfer student, you must have completed 28 credit hours and a 1L curriculum similar to Northwestern Law’s .

I have completed two years of study as a part-time student at my current law school. As such, I have completed a 1L curriculum that is substantially similar to that of Northwestern Law's first-year curriculum. But I have significantly more credit hours. May I apply to be a full-time student now?

We do not encourage applicants who have completed significantly more than 28 credit hours to apply to transfer to our full-time JD program.

The amount of credit any transfer student will receive at Northwestern Law for courses completed at another law school will not exceed 28 credit hours .

Furthermore, you must intend to complete your last two years in residence at Northwestern Law. For these reasons, you would necessarily forfeit a significant number of credit hours earned at your current law school, and you would extend the amount of time invested in your legal education.

I see that Northwestern is accepting GRE scores in its review of JD applicants. May I apply for transfer admission with only a GRE score?

Yes. GRE-only candidates must submit an official score report from ETS, as well as a Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report from the Law School Admission Council.

Northwestern Law's GRE school code is 2579. Please notify us at the time of your application that you will be submitting a GRE score in lieu of an LSAT score. Please send an email to us at the time of your transfer application; the address is: [email protected].

What courses must I have completed in order to submit a transfer application?

To be considered for transfer admission, you must have completed 28 graded credit hours in a 1L curriculum that is substantially similar to Northwestern Law’s .

The basic foundation in law and reasoning that all ABA-accredited schools require of first year law students typically includes Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, and Torts. Furthermore, 1L coursework in legal writing and research is required. (At Northwestern, this coursework is named Communication and Legal Reasoning I and II.)

My law school does not offer Constitutional Law during the first year, but I see that it is part of the required 1L curriculum at Northwestern. May I still apply?

Yes. We recognize that certain doctrinal courses such as Constitutional Law may be upper-division requirements at other law schools. If you are admitted as a transfer student, our registrar's office will enable you to enroll in Constitutional Law during your 2L year at Northwestern.

Application Requirements

Is there a checklist for applying as a transfer student?

Yes. We know you successfully completed the law school admission process a year ago. However, provided the relatively brief time to apply and the distinct requirements for transfer admission, it might be a bit daunting to get started. We encourage all prospective transfer applicants to carefully review these detailed instructions to guide you through the process.

I heard that Northwestern Law requires interviews for transfer applicants. Is that true?

Yes. We are excited to meet you! We require all of our transfer applicants to complete an online video interview . Most all of the questions have been designed specifically for our transfer applicants. Here are a number of detailed answers to FAQs about our online interview program ; please note that these FAQs pertain to our interview program for entering 1Ls, as well.

Within two business days of submitting your transfer application, we will send you instructions for completing your transfer interview, along with a link to our online interview platform. We encourage you to submit the interview as soon as possible, but no later than the transfer application deadline.

I am currently in Chicago. May I complete the required interview in person, rather than through the online interview portal?

No. We require the online video interview of all our transfer applicants and the platform itself creates a level playing field. For that matter, it makes the transfer process more streamlined for both you and the Admissions Committee. The interview is a great way for you to build your transfer application. We look forward to learning more about your motivation, maturity, and interpersonal skills.

What makes a transfer applicant successful?

We have overarching goals as we enroll our transfer class each summer. We'll detail two of our objectives here.

First, we will carefully review your entire transfer application and your online interview. Every component of the transfer application is designed to provide us with important information about your candidacy. At the same time, we are very interested in learning about your first year performance at your current law school. The Admissions Committee is committed to enrolling students who will thrive academically at Northwestern Law. Accordingly, we typically offer admission to transfer candidates who have done very well in their 1L coursework. To view data for our Fall 2023 entering transfer class, please see page 4 of Northwestern Law's 2023 ABA Standard 509 Information Report .

Additionally, we seek candidates with specific reasons for transferring to Northwestern who will positively impact the Law School community as students and as alumni. We anticipate those candidates will develop thoughtful applications. We recommend developing a personal statement and/or other materials which are distinct from those you submitted with your 1L law school applications.

Transfer Credit

I will finish my first year at my current law school with 32 credit hours. Will all of those credits transfer to Northwestern?

No. The amount of credit a transfer candidate will receive at Northwestern Law for completed 1L courses will not exceed 28 graded credit hours. Grades below a ‘C’ or its equivalent will not be accepted for transfer credit. Furthermore, because of the differences in curriculum among law schools, students who are admitted on a transfer basis may not receive full credit for courses taken at their original law school. The granting of such credit is at the discretion of Northwestern Law.

When will I learn which 1L courses will transfer to Northwestern Law, and how many hours I will be credited?

Should you be admitted as a transfer student at Northwestern and you commit by submitting an enrollment deposit, we will share your final and official 1L transcripts with our Registrar’s Office. In late July, you will receive a formal notification from the registrar's office detailing which courses will transfer. As we stated in other answers above, eligible transfer students must have earned at least 28 graded credit hours during the first year of law school, and 28 is the maximum number of credit hours that may be transferred to Northwestern Law.

Transfer Student Opportunities

Will I be eligible to participate in programming with the other rising 2Ls at Northwestern Law?

Yes! Transfer students are eligible to participate in most all of the opportunities the Law School offers, including the on-campus interviewing program (OCI), the Bluhm Legal Clinic , and our law journals . As soon as the timing is appropriate, we introduce our admitted transfer students to the faculty and departments who administer these programs.

Speaking of OCI, when does it start for Northwestern Law?

Traditionally, bidding for our fall on-campus interviewing program (OCI) has taken place in early to mid-July, with the actual interviews taking place in early August. Because transfer students are eligible to participate in OCI, we strive to have our transfer class confirmed well before bidding begins. Our goal is to introduce our new transfer students to their career advisers so that together, they may prepare for OCI.

This is why the transfer application period is brief. The Admissions Committee makes certain newly-deposited transfer students meet their career advisers as soon as possible.

We want our newest Northwestern Law students to thoughtfully prepare for OCI. Newly-deposited transfer students write a Northwestern Law resume, develop a plan and bidding strategy for OCI, and meet the OCI deadlines that typically fall in mid-July.

I hold a scholarship at my current law school. Does Northwestern offer scholarships to transfer students?

No. Transfer students are not eligible for scholarship assistance. With that said, a Northwestern Law education is a valuable investment that will provide lifelong returns. The Law School is dedicated to offering a comprehensive financial aid program for students seeking assistance. Transfer student financial aid packages are comprised of loan funding and are designed to enable any admitted transfer student to attend the Law School. Upon admission, we introduce new transfer students to our colleagues at Northwestern University's Chicago Office of Financial Aid.

Visiting Northwestern Law

If I am admitted, may I visit the Law School and speak with someone?

Because of the rapid pace of the transfer admission cycle, we'll arrange for a number of virtual meetings for successful transfer candidates. We are committed to creating opportunities for admitted students to engage with members of our vibrant community. There may be programs such as Transfer Talk / Ask Me Anything/Office Hours for Transfer Students and/or The Northwestern Law Difference information sessions for admitted transfer students. We'll also share helpful information on a regular basis throughout the post-admission period. We strive to provide the level of information that will enable our newest students to make educated decisions when transitioning to Northwestern Law.

Making a Commitment

Is an enrollment deposit required if I am admitted and decide to transfer to Northwestern?

Yes; we require a non-refundable deposit of $750. Because of the relatively short time period for transfer admission discussed above, the window for submitting the deposit may be just a few days in most all cases. As with the deposits for all our incoming students, these funds will be credited to your student account/your tuition bill should you decide to enroll at Northwestern Law.

Will I receive assistance with various logistical matters?

Absolutely. We recognize that you will need to pivot and move to a new law school. For that matter, many of our incoming transfer students relocate to Chicago from locations across the country. We'll provide you with a detailed Pre-Matriculation Guide with instructions and contact information for the appropriate administrators and departments in order to ease your transition to Northwestern Law and/or the city of Chicago. This guide includes information on health insurance, setting up direct deposit for your student loan payments, and other critical logistics associated with transitioning to life at Northwestern Law.

Furthermore, the Law School's Office of Student Services, our Registrar and her Academic Affairs colleagues, and the Career Center team host a day-long Transfer Student Orientation prior to the first day of OCI. This administrative, academic, and social orientation typically occurs at the end of July.

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Northwestern law school acceptance rate + requirements.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 11/16/23

If you’re interested in joining a leading law school in social justice teaching and learning, read on to learn more about getting into Northwestern Law School.

The Northwestern Pritzker School of Law is located in downtown Chicago, allowing students to begin their legal journey in a bustling commerce, law, and business hub.

With connections to large law firms, corporations, courts, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, Northwestern students are given an abundance of opportunities to kickstart their legal careers and become excellent attorneys.

If you’d like to join this law school located in an ideal environment for opportunity, read on to find out everything you need to know about getting into Northwestern Law School!

Northwestern Law School Acceptance Rate: 15%

The Northwestern Law School acceptance rate is estimated to be around 15% for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. While specific data regarding the number of admitted students has not been officially released, historical trends suggest that Northwestern accepts around 900-1000 applicants each year.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Northwestern Law School?

Getting into Northwestern Law School is difficult; less than 2 out of every 10 applicants are granted admission. As a T14 law school, Northwestern is considered one of the hardest law schools to get into!

Northwestern Law School Programs Offered & Ranking

Northwestern offers the following programs to its aspiring law students:

Northwestern Law School ranks 10th in the nation, earning its place among the esteemed T14 law schools. It is best known for its tax law program, which boasts a remarkable 4th-place ranking.

Northwestern Law School Admissions Statistics

Want to know what it takes to be considered a competitive applicant at this school? Here are the scores to beat :

Northwestern Law School Average GPA: 3.92

Successful Northwestern Law School applicants had an average GPA of 3.92 in the recent admissions cycle. The total GPA distribution ranged from 3.66-3.97.

Northwestern Law School Average LSAT Score: 172

The average LSAT score of the 2023 entering class at Northwestern Law was 172. Admitted students’ scores went as low as 166 and as high as 174.

Northwestern also accepts GRE scores instead of the LSAT.

Northwestern Law School Requirements

Interested applicants must submit the following as part of their application to the Pritzker School of Law:

A bachelor’s degree in a subject of your choice
Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
LSAT or GRE scores
A personal statement
Optional essays
At least 1 letter of recommendation, preferably from an employer
An application fee of $75 or a fee waiver

Pritzker School of Law Letters of Recommendation

Students must submit at least one letter of recommendation from someone who can speak on their character and potential. Northwestern prefers letters of recommendation from supervisors or employers over professors.

Pritzker School of Law Personal Statement

This statement helps the committee learn more about you, your personal and professional goals, and the influences that have confirmed your decision to pursue a legal education.

While Northwestern doesn’t offer a specific prompt to answer, most personal statements answer at least one of the following questions:

Discuss your academic and career goals and how our program can help you achieve them.
Describe your educational background, work history, and how they have influenced your decision to pursue law.
Share your motivations and personal experiences that have shaped your desire to enter the legal field.

Personal Statement Example

“The intricate tapestry of the past and the depths of complex literary texts have always fascinated me. It’s why I studied History and English and decided to instill the same passion in high school students. For two years, I happily navigated the familiar hallways of the high school where I had once been a student myself, and yet, a striking irony began to emerge— it seemed as though history was repeating itself.

Teaching was undeniably fulfilling, an opportunity to shape young minds and impart knowledge to the next generation. But a persistent feeling lingered—a sense that a substantial part of my life remained unexplored, as though a puzzle with vital missing pieces. It was as if I were operating at only 60% of my potential, yearning for the elusive 40% that would complete me.

The turning point arrived during a school career fair. Among the array of booths and displays, a petite yet confident woman in a pin-striped suit stood out. Her narrative, as an attorney, resonated with me in a profound and unexpected way. The fervor with which she spoke about advocating for her clients, the transformative changes she witnessed in their lives, and the policies she helped shape to make a tangible difference left an indelible mark on my aspirations.

A spark had been ignited within me, and I realized that the uncharted 40% of my life was uncovered. It was the field of law, with its capacity to influence change, to serve as a voice for those in need, and to shape the policies that underpin our society. The transition from educator to aspiring attorney may seem unconventional, but it is driven by an unshakable determination and a yearning to venture beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

My pursuit of a legal education has been relentless. Weekends and evenings were devoted to intensive LSAT preparation, while any available free time was spent delving deeper into the intricacies of the legal field. I eagerly participated in workshops, which solidified my interest in law, particularly in the realm of education law. This field, I realized, offered me the opportunity to continue shaping the lives of children, not only through the impartation of effective reading techniques and historical knowledge but also through the transformational power of policy change.

As I contemplate this transition, I am drawn to Northwestern Law School because of its commitment to academic excellence, its distinguished faculty, and its reputation for nurturing diverse perspectives and fostering a community of change-makers. My journey from teacher to aspiring attorney is guided by a passionate commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. I believe that Northwestern Law School can provide the supportive environment and rich academic resources necessary to help me achieve this goal. It is with this profound sense of purpose and a desire to expand my horizons that I aspire to become a part of the Northwestern Law community, where I can channel my passion for history, literature, and education into a career that creates lasting, impactful change and completes me at 100%.”

Why it Works

Not every student knows they want to be a lawyer right away, which this essay proves. In it, the applicant shares their unconventional transition from teaching to aspiring law, with a captivating hook that draws the reader in.

It clearly articulates the applicant's motivation, the turning point at the career fair, and their growing passion for the field of law. It is also well-structured and maintains a consistent theme throughout, illustrating the applicant's desire to complete their life's puzzle and embark on a new journey.

Optional Essays

You may respond to any or all of the following prompts if you believe it will strengthen your application:

1. Describe your interest in attending Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.

2. Describe any experiences in your life or unique qualities you think would benefit Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and/or your classmates. (Relevant information may include but is not limited to financial hardship, education adversity, special talents, work or community service experience, first generation or immigrant experience, and unusual rural or urban upbringing, foreign residence, military background, or unique family and/or personal circumstance.)

3. What does public service mean to you and how do you see yourself engaging in public service or pro-bono work to meet the needs of the underserved?

4. Did you face any particular challenges we should know about when considering your academic history or test scores?

You’re asked to limit your response to each essay to 1-2 pages, double-spaced.

Pritzker Interview Questions and Format

Around 95% of Northwestern Law’s entering classes completed interviews .

Interview Format

All applicants are given the opportunity to complete online video interviews, where you will be asked five unique questions. You will have 30 seconds to formulate a response to each question and 90 seconds to record each answer.

These interviews are optional! You must indicate you’re interested in interviewing on your application if you wish to complete one. You will have 14 days from the date you receive an invitation to record your interview. While the interview does not have to be done in one sitting, it’s recommended you complete it in one for continuity’s sake.

Question Examples

Here are some sample questions you can expect to be asked:

Tell me about yourself.
Why Northwestern Law?
What is a positive attribute that your friends, teachers, or supervisors would prescribe to you?
How have you handled stressful situations in the past?
What is something you want the admissions committee to know about you that is otherwise missing from your application?

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition costs $73,754 a year at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. In addition to the other expenses first-year JD students typically have, the total cost of attendance is estimated to be around $107,463.

Here’s a breakdown of this budget , including Northwestern Law School’s tuition and fees:

Scholarships

Luckily, Northwestern recognizes the financial burden of these costs and has an extensive scholarship program that gives students grants based on their financial need and academic merit. Students may also be eligible for a Northwestern Law fee waiver to decrease their expenses.

Northwestern Law School Application Deadlines

JD applications for fall 2024 admission open September 1st, 2023, and close February 15th, 2024. Candidates must submit their application documents via the JD application and through LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

Here is a breakdown of the Northwestern Law School application deadlines to keep in mind:

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Bar Passage Rate: 95.1%

The Northwestern Law School bar passage rate of 95.1% underscores its strong reputation and ranking. With a rate that surpasses the national average by 16%, Northwestern prepares its students well for successful legal careers.

How to Get Into Northwestern Law School: 5 Tips To Improve Your Admission Chances

If the admission statistics are making you second guess if you should apply to this school, here are some helpful tips that can increase your chances of getting into Northwestern!

Consider Taking a Gap Year

While you’re likely eager to get into law school to begin your legal journey as soon as possible, taking a gap year can make you stand out as an applicant.

There’s a reason the average age of students joining Northwestern is 25. 85% of all applicants have one or more years of full-time work experience and took one or more years off after their undergrad.

Northwestern strongly considers work experience in the admissions process, so you might want to take a gap year to gain valuable full-time experience to help you stand out as an applicant! While your work experience does not have to be law-related, it should give you good leadership, collaborative, and project management experience.

Pay Attention to the Details!

According to Northwestern Law School officials , the biggest mistake they see in law school applications is students using the wrong school name in their personal statements. For instance, they’ll say, “I’m interested in attending (insert wrong school name).”

Officials call this a kiss of death because it’s a surefire way to get rejected from Northwestern. It shows a lack of attention to detail and, most importantly, a lack of dedication to the school since the students are clearly rehashing the same sentiments to each school they’re applying to.

With this being said, make sure to pay attention to detail and review your application as much as you can.

Leave the Comedy to The Professionals

While students believe using humor in their personal statements will make them stand out, Northwestern officials say it’s best to leave the punch lines out of your essays. Since various admissions members will review the statements, what one person may find humorous may be offensive to another.

Avoid humor altogether in your personal statement to err on the side of caution.

One of the most unconventional tips to get into Northwestern that officials recommend is traveling! Northwestern is interested in knowing which extracurriculars students pursue in their free time. Traveling internationally for work, volunteering, or leisure can help applicants stand out.

By exposing themselves to different cultures, justice systems, and perspectives, students may be more prepared for law school and contribute diverse perspectives to the student body.

Letters of Recommendations Don’t Matter As Much As Your Other Application Components

While you should put effort into each component of your application, it is worth noting that Northwestern considers your letters of recommendation to be the least important aspect of your application.

This is because letters of recommendation are generally always positive and generic, making it challenging to distinguish which candidates are the most qualified.

As such, you should aim to secure only one powerful letter of recommendation that can offer specific instances highlighting your character and work ethic and focus your efforts on enhancing the other aspects of your application.

What Does Northwestern Look For?

What Northwestern Law School is looking for is applicants who possess a unique blend of academic excellence, professional experience that showcases leadership and collaboration, and distinctive qualities that set them apart beyond test scores.

They seek individuals who bring diverse perspectives, such as travel experiences or other remarkable life stories, enriching the academic and social environment of the school. Successful candidates not only excel in the classroom but also exhibit the practical skills and character traits required to be successful legal professionals.

For those of you who still have questions, here are the answers to frequently asked questions about getting into Northwestern Law School.

1. Is Northwestern Pritzker a Good Law School?

Yes, it is a high-ranking law school and has a renowned, progressive legal education that is constantly revised to better prepare students for real-world law.

2. What LSAT Score Do I Need For Northwestern?

You should aim to score between 166-174 on your LSAT to get into Northwestern.

3. Is Northwestern Hard to Get Into?

Yes, it has a low acceptance rate of 15% and high expectations of its prospective students.

4. What Is Northwestern Known For?

Northwestern ranks fourth in the nation for its tax law program, making it most well-known for this area of law.

5. What Makes Northwestern Law School Different?

Law schools are generally believed to be extremely competitive environments, where students must compete with their fellow classmates in order to excel. However, Northwestern has a collegial, non-competitive environment that is key to the success of its students.

Additionally, Northwestern places great emphasis on work experience in applicants. They almost exclusively enroll students with post-graduate work experience. Northwestern also does its best to interview almost every applicant to give them a fair chance at admission.

6. What GPA Do I Need for Northwestern?

You should maintain a GPA between 3.66-3.97 to be considered a competitive candidate. Anything lower will reduce your chances of admission.

7. How Many Letters of Recommendation Should I Submit?

Since the letters of recommendation are the least important part of your Northwestern application, it’s better to secure one strong letter of recommendation rather than several generic letters.

Final Thoughts

Northwestern Law School dedicates itself to providing students with the best education to prepare them for successful and substantial legal careers. Gaining admission to this top-ranking school is sure to set you on the right path to excel in your legal career!

If you’re looking for more guidance on how to get into the law program of your dreams, Juris experts can give you valuable resources to create a compelling, differentiated application that’ll maximize your chances of getting that acceptance letter!

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 tips to write a perfect "why northwestern" essay.

College Info , College Essays

Northwestern University is an excellent choice for college, but can you easily explain just why you want to go there? If you're planning to apply to Northwestern, you'll need to submit the Northwestern supplemental essays —supplemental statements that describe why you've chosen to apply to this school and what you think Northwestern can offer you in terms of your future goals.

In this article, we'll go over what these supplemental essays entail as well as why you're required or encouraged to submit them. We'll also cover various topics and tips you can use to craft a compelling Northwestern supplement essay.

Feature Image: Herb Nestler /Flickr

No More Northwestern "Why This College" Essay

In the past, Northwestern asked students to write an optional "why this college" essay , which asked students to explain why Northwestern was a perfect fit for them. As of 2023, Northwestern no longer requires a "why this college" essay as part of the application process.

Instead, the Northwestern application now has new essay prompts that students have the option to answer.

While Northwestern no longer has a "why this college" essay , many other schools require it. Other schools that require or offer this type of essay include NYU , Tulane , and Brown .

If you're considering applying to a school with a "why this essay" prompt, reviewing

Do You Need to Submit the "Why Northwestern" Essay?

According to the Northwestern application, although you are not required to submit the "Why Northwestern" essay, Northwestern strongly recommends that you do so anyway.

On both the Common Application and Coalition Application (depending on which system you use), you'll be shown this message on the Northwestern application:

Do you plan to complete the ''Why Northwestern'' Statement? (We strongly encourage a response, as your answer will help us connect the dots across your application to imagine what kind of college student you might become.)

You'll then select either "Yes" or "No" from a drop-down menu. If you select "Yes," you'll get a blank space in which to type/paste your essay. While you technically have a choice about whether to submit the "Why Northwestern" essay, we strongly recommend that you complete it.

Here's what the Northwestern application requirements page says in regard to the essays that applicants must submit with their applications:

"Applicants to Northwestern complete two sets of essays: essays appearing on the Common Application or Coalition Application, and the Northwestern Writing Supplement essay [i.e., the 'Why Northwestern' essay]."*

*Bold emphasis mine

Interestingly, there's no mention here of the "Why Northwestern" essay being optional at all—you're simply expected to write it. It's safe to say, then, that this "extra" essay actually plays a hugely important role in the application process, and that the majority of Northwestern applicants write two essays for their applications: the Common App/Coalition App essay and the (supposedly optional) "Why Northwestern" essay.

Additionally, it's worth noting that Northwestern highly values the concept of "fit" within their community . In this sense, it's not much of a surprise that Northwestern wants applicants to spend some time thinking about what kind of relationship they want to develop with the school.

Overall, you should treat the Northwestern supplement essay as a required part of your application.

The Northwestern Essay Prompt Analyzed

You should definitely submit the Northwestern supplement essay—but what is the prompt asking you to do, specifically? Also, how should you answer it so that you can give yourself a solid chance of getting accepted to the school?

In order to answer these two questions, let's take a look at the Northwestern essay prompt:

While other parts of your application give us a sense of who you are, we are also excited to hear more about how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community. In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond.

Your "Why Northwestern" essay can be a max of 300 words, making it rather short. (Most college essays are around 500-550 words.) This means that you'll need to be clear and concise in order to get your point across and ultimately be able to craft an effective response.

This Northwestern essay prompt isn't that different from other "why this college" essay prompts in that it really just wants you to answer one big question: how will Northwestern help you further your interests and achieve your goals?

Northwestern already has a general idea of how you can contribute to the school; now, it wants to know how it can help you .

The "Why Northwestern" essay is more of a "why us" essay than it is a "why you" essay because it's asking you to elaborate on why you're applying to Northwestern specifically, and how an education there will help you fulfill your academic, professional, and/or personal aspirations.

Here are some topics you could write about in your Northwestern supplement essay:

Your experience visiting the campus and talking to current students or professors and why this experience helped you envision yourself feeling at home at Northwestern
Specific professors you want to work with or classes you want to take and how they'll help you achieve your goals
Specific activities, clubs, or events Northwestern offers that you wish to participate in and why these are important to you and your aspirations
Any other specific resources the school offers, such as internship opportunities, career fairs or connections, lectures and talks, study abroad programs, etc., that you believe will benefit your intellectual and professional growth

If you're not sure what to write about for your Northwestern supplement essay, spend some time doing research. Start by perusing the official Northwestern website , paying particular attention to pages about any programs, courses, and/or majors you're interested in.

You can also browse other student-geared websites to see what people have to say about Northwestern, including what makes it unique.

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We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools .

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Real Northwestern Essay Examples + Analysis

Below are two real Northwestern essay examples for you to use as references when writing the "Why Northwestern" essay. The essays were both written by admitted applicants and should give you a good idea of what kinds of topics and styles you can use in your own essay.

Before we look at the two essays, though, be aware that both are answering an older, slightly different version of the "Why Northwestern" prompt, which was as follows:

What are the unique qualities of Northwestern—and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying—that make you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?

Northwestern Essay Example 1

As noted above, this first essay responds to an older version of the "Why Northwestern" essay prompt: it asked applicants to focus on the specific qualities that made the school unique and explain why these were ultimately appealing to them.

Since this student wanted to study in the Medill School of Journalism, he mainly writes about this facet of Northwestern.

At about 350 words, this essay is a little longer than what the current word limit allows (300 words), so just know that you'll have to write more concisely for your own essay.

Here's the sample:

One unquestioned pillar of journalism is the importance of accuracy in a journalist's work. So when my counselor at the National High School Institute, a current Northwestern journalism student, proclaimed, "Medill kicks your ass," I knew she had given my fellow cherubs and I the straight-up truth. Many exchanged nervous looks, and several immediately dismissed any chance of attending the Medill School of Journalism.

I surveyed the room, surprised at the fear hanging over the group. After all, we were 83 student journalists giving up a substantial portion of our summer to learn about and participate in the art.

Northwestern's reputation as a top-rated academic institution immediately drew me to the school. Specifically, the close connection with high-caliber professors was one quality that I originally found appealing even before my summer stay. I was also intrigued by the abundance of resources and facilities within the university and the city of Chicago. The journalism school has unmatched amenities and a rigorous curriculum designed to produce top-of-the-line journalists. But above all, Medill has a reputation as the best journalism school in the country.

Outside of the classroom, I would be the first to get involved with resources such as the Northwestern News Network, The Daily Northwestern , Northwestern Radio WNUR, and other student periodicals.

Northwestern's outstanding academics combined with an athletic program in the Big Ten Conference makes the university unique. It is certainly fun for everyone (except maybe for the Northwestern football team) to see the Buckeyes and Wolverines roll into Ryan Field every couple years.

I would be able to use my experience writing about the Detroit Lions to report on Northwestern teams. And by covering the lowly Lions, I would be prepared for any sort of losing season thrown at me.

But I am sure of one thing: I am attending college in order to learn, contribute, and to become the best journalist I can be. So while my friends may be having an easy, fun time at some school not named Medill, I'll be getting my ass kicked. And to tell the truth, I won't mind at all.

Here's what makes this "Why Northwestern" essay work:

It's super specific. There's no doubt this essay was written for, and only for, Northwestern. The applicant goes into detail about the School of Journalism specifically and also mentions many unique opportunities he's interested in, such as working with The Daily Northwestern and the Northwestern News Network.
It's got a lot of personality and humor. The applicant injects bits of humor with references to Medill "kicking his ass" and the Detroit Lions' losing streak. These quirky areas add tons of color to the essay and give balance to the student's more practical and academic reasons for applying to Northwestern.

Northwestern Essay Example 2

This second "Why Northwestern" essay example was written by an admitted student who chose to focus on extracurriculars at Northwestern and how the School of Engineering and Applied Science would benefit their desire to learn several skills at once. Once again, like the first essay, this essay is responding to the older version of the "Why Northwestern" prompt (given above).

Note that this essay is exactly 300 words long —the max length you are allowed to do for your own "Why Northwestern" essay.

Sweat drips onto my violin as we are filing into the auditorium.

I just arrived from a basketball game, I'm not nervous. However, that changes when I realize that I still have my basketball shoes on. And that I still have a plethora of edits to make in the newspaper room. And that I have three tests the next day.

Although it was stressful, I enjoyed every minute of juggling such diverse extracurriculars. I appreciated the many opportunities that my high school gave me, and took advantage of as many as I could handle. Thanks to these opportunities, I've fallen in love with various topics in different disciplines; all of which can be nurtured at Northwestern.

I'd be thrilled to pursue membership in the University Singers and the Philharmonia. It would be a great opportunity to learn from nationally recognized Emily Ellsworth with the Singers. I would also love to continue working with orchestral music in the Philharmonia.

The excellent humanities classes at the Weinberg School of Arts and Sciences also interest me. I'd love to pursue further education in subjects I was introduced to in high school, such as physics, psychology, and economics.

Finally, I believe that I am a perfect fit for the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science due to its unique philosophy. The idea of "Whole-Brain Engineering" meshes perfectly with my interest in a wide array of subjects and disciplines. I have always believed in equal emphasis on logic and creativity in problem-solving situations, and an education at McCormick (and Northwestern in general) will bolster my well-roundedness.

My Northwestern experience isn't only about reaching an engineering career, but growing as a person. Such balanced growth will allow me to succeed through analyzation and innovation, preparing me to have an impact on the world.

It's got a creative, attention-grabbing opening. There's not a lot of space to write for this essay, yet this applicant manages to come up with a memorable hook that grabs you almost immediately and thrusts you into the story. Within just the first few lines, we learn—through showing, not telling—that the applicant plays basketball in addition to helping out with the school newspaper. While these activities have contributed to increased stress, they've also (and more importantly) led to a stronger sense of intellectual satisfaction.
It's highly specific. Like the first sample essay, this essay uses clear examples and details to discuss what attracted the applicant to Northwestern in particular . These include things such as the University Singers and the McCormick School's philosophy concerning the importance of a well-rounded education.

How to Write a Great "Why Northwestern" Essay: 3 Tips

Once you have an idea about how you want to approach the Northwestern essay prompt and what you plan to write about, use the following three tips to help you produce a great essay.

#1: Focus On What Makes Northwestern Unique

One of the most important tips to remember when writing the Northwestern supplement essay is to concentrate on what makes Northwestern different from other colleges. Think about it: If Northwestern didn't offer anything unique, why would students want to apply there specifically?

Don't just say you want to go to Northwestern because it's super prestigious or because your mom went there and loved it. Think deeply about why you've chosen to apply to Northwestern over the thousands of other colleges in the country.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Does Northwestern offer the major(s) you're interested in pursuing? Is it well known for a specific program or field of study you want to enter?
Are you interested in specific clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities offered at Northwestern?
Are there certain professors you wish to work with?
What unique features of Northwestern do you like or think will be useful to you? For example, perhaps you're a fan of the school's close proximity to Chicago, where you'll have convenient access to research positions, internships, and other professional opportunities. Or maybe you love Northwestern's emphasis on small class sizes, or its impressive array of 100+ study abroad programs.
Have current or former Northwestern students said anything about the school that made you want to apply there?

Although the Northwestern essay prompt is pretty open ended, take care to avoid writing about how prestigious, popular, and selective it is (after all, lots of schools are like this!) .

#2: Be Specific and Use Concrete Examples

You don't have a lot of space (just 300 words!) for the Northwestern essay, so try to write as clearly and specifically as possible. Use concrete examples to ground your story in reality and to make it clear to the admissions committee why applying to this school is so important to you.

For example, if you visited Northwestern, don't just say you went there and liked the campus—talk about something specific that happened to you and why this experience had such an impact on your decision to apply there.

Perhaps a professor said something encouraging to a student that made you realize how much you appreciated the supportive nature and sense of camaraderie there. Or maybe you noticed how earnestly students studied and could readily envision yourself doing homework alongside them.

In addition, if you plan to mention a specific professor you want to work with or a class you want to take, try to go beyond simple name-dropping. Instead, discuss why working with that professor or taking that class will help you attain your future goals, and why Northwestern is the only place you can actually do this.

#3: Polish It Up

As with any college essay, you need to spend some time editing and proofreading your "Why Northwestern" essay. Doing this will ensure that you're submitting a clean, polished, and overall well-written statement.

Here's what to do: once you finish writing a rough draft of your essay, put it away for at least a few days. Don't look at it during this time; you want to have a fresh perspective when you take it out again.

After some time has passed, take out your essay and begin to look for any glaring typos and grammar errors, as well as any areas you can expand, add, or delete. Pay attention to the organization and structure of your essay, too. Ask yourself: is the focus clear here? Am I being specific enough? Does the general flow make sense?

Once you've done this entire process a few times, give your essay to someone you trust, such as a mentor, teacher, parent, or older sibling. Have them look over your essay and offer comments on its topic, style, and structure. They should also check for technical errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Finally, make sure they read the Northwestern essay prompt so they can confirm that you're actually answering what's being asked of you.

What's Next?

Applying to Northwestern means you'll also have to submit an essay for either the Common App or Coalition App. Check out our guide to the current Common App essay prompts for tips on how to compose an unforgettable personal statement.

Freaking out about how to write a killer college essay? First, take a deep breath. Second, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a college essay and take a look at our analysis of 100+ real college essays to get a feel for what colleges want—and don't want—to read in an application.

Learn more about Northwestern, including its average test scores and average GPA, by reading its admissions requirements page .

Want to write the perfect college application essay? Get professional help from PrepScholar.

Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We'll learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay that you'll proudly submit to your top choice colleges.

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Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Essay Awards

Nwcu essay contest.

The Northwestern California University Awards in Liberty, Freedom, and Justice Essay Competition is an annual contest that is designed to motivate students to analyze the challenges faced by the founders of our nation, as well as by citizens today, to the fundamental values and legal principles of our society. The School awards three scholarship prizes of $1000 for excellence in essay writing as determined by the School's Awards Committee. Students are encouraged to write thought-provoking essays that reflect an understanding of the pioneering efforts of early Americans to establish liberty, freedom, and justice for our country and the impact of their efforts on modern society.

Awards and Topics

The names of the three individual awards and the essay topics are as follows:

John Lothrop Liberty Award (Click here: for John Lothrop biography) Essay Topic: Liberty and the law

Frederick Douglass Freedom Award (Click here: for Frederick Douglass biography) Essay Topic: Freedom and the law

Belva Ann Lockwood and John Rock Justice Award (Click here: for Belva Ann Lockwood biography) and (Click here: for John Rock biography) Essay Topic: Justice and the law

Eligibility

To be eligible for participation in the essay competition, applicants must be currently registered students in good standing with the School (i.e. students on academic or non-academic probation will not be considered).

Essays will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Students are encouraged to develop their own perspective on a chosen topic through sound and compelling arguments towards a certain position with a clear thesis.

Essays must be well thought-out, creative, and display depth of feeling.

Essays must demonstrate proper formatting, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Essays must exhibit style and clarity.

Essays cannot be previously submitted to academic and/or non-academic institutions for any sort of credit, and must be original, unpublished work of the students.

Requirements

To be considered for an award, the student should submit an essay of no fewer than 3000 words and no more than 5000 words on a theme selected from the School's three essay award topics listed above. Only one essay per student per contest year may be submitted. Submission of an essay written by multiple authors is not allowed. An essay must meet certain standards deemed as acceptable by the Awards Committee to win.

Essays submitted must arrive at the School between November 15 and December 1.

Each recipient of an award will receive a scholarship prize of $1000 applicable to future tuition. The awards will be made each year following the last week of December.

Instructions for Essay Submission

Select an essay topic from the Northwestern California University Awards in Liberty, Freedom, and Justice Essay Competition topic list above.

Write an essay of between 3000-5000 words. (Word count should not include name, title, and references.)

Submit the essay to the School in both paper printed format and in a Microsoft Word or Rich Text Format (RTF) file on a Compact Diskette (CD) or USB Flash Drive.

Format essay as follows:

Use Times New Roman 12 pt. font.

Justify left and set page margins at 1 inch.

Include name and title at the top of each page.

Number references consecutively in the order that they appear in the text.

Submit essay by U.S. Mail or via Parcel Delivery Service to the "Awards Committee Chair" at the School's address.

Cancellation, rejection and changes:

NWCULaw reserves the right to modify or cancel all or any part of the contest and/or to reject certain entries if, by the deadline for submitting the essays, it has received entries which do not meet the formal contest requirements or ones that are not deemed by the School to meet minimum standards.

The School shall publish any significant changes to the contest requirements on the NWCULaw website, and reserves the right to make such changes at anytime. Students are advised to check for an updated version of the contest requirements before submitting papers to the School.

Northwestern Pritzker Law Named #1 Go-To Law School: Big Law

Face of the McCormick building and rooftop on a sunny day

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law has been ranked number one in Law.com’s Go-To Law Schools: Big Law report for 2024. The report ranks the 50 law schools that sent the highest percentage of 2023 JDs into associate jobs at the nation’s largest 100 law firms. Northwestern jumped from a number three ranking in 2023 to the top spot in 2024, with 182 of its graduates, or 65.2%, now working in Big Law. The two firms that hired the most Northwestern graduates were once again Kirkland & Ellis and Sidley Austin.

For the first time since the survey launched in 2006, this year’s data came from law schools instead of the data being collected from the law firms, which means each school is reporting the complete picture for their graduates vs. receiving data from approximately 80% to 85% of the largest 100 law firms. The other notable change to the project this year is that the name became “Go-To Law Schools: Big Law,” after Law.com launched a new part of this “Go-To” survey in December called Go-To Law Schools: Other Employment , which included rankings for the top 50 law schools that sent students to judicial clerkships, government jobs, and public interest positions.

“Congratulations to our remarkable 2023 graduates and thank you to our faculty, staff, and alumni who have supported them on Northwestern Pritzker Law being recognized as the #1 Go-To Law School in the country in Law.com’s 2024 Big Law report,” said Dean Hari Osofsky. “This recognition is a testament to our extraordinary graduates, who have exceptional legal and professional skills and are already making an impact. We are extremely grateful to the many faculty, staff, and alumni whose efforts have made a difference for these graduates and wanted to give special thanks to Associate Dean Donald Rebstock, Assistant Dean Dave Diamond, and the Career Strategy Center team; Associate Dean Darnell Hines and the Alumni Relations and Development team; Assistant Dean Juliann Cecci and the external partnerships team; Associate Dean Susie Spies Roth and the Students Services team; and Assistant Dean Johann Lee and the Admissions team.”

Dave Diamond of the Career Strategy Center team agreed that the list demonstrates the Law School’s strong reputation among the nation’s elite law firms, as well as the continued dedication of the entire Law School community. “This result reflects what we hear in our conversations with law firm recruiting personnel – that our students and graduates are highly valued and sought,” said Diamond.

“It ultimately takes a community-wide effort,” added Don Rebstock, Associate Dean of Admissions and Career Services, “starting with the exceptional students our admissions team attracts and continuing with our innovative and interdisciplinary educational program; the full range of services we provide across the entire Law School; and our supportive and powerful community. These combine to ensure that our students have the legal and business knowledge and the other intangible qualities necessary to hit the ground running.”

The Law.com ranking has existed for 17 years, and Northwestern Law has been ranked in the top five for 13 of those 17 years. This is the first time the Law School has achieved a number one ranking since 2010.

President Biden Taps Georgia N. Alexakis (JD ’06) for District Court Judge

On February 21, 2024, President Biden nominated Georgia N. Alexakis (JD ’06) to serve as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Illinois. Alexakis has been an Assistant ...

Northwestern Pritzker Law Alumnus Confirmed to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals

President Biden nominated Joshua Kolar (BA ’99, JD ’03) to a seat on the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination in January 2024. Kolar is Biden’s ...

W. Neil Eggleston (JD ’78) Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From The American Lawyer

The American Lawyer honored W. Neil Eggleston with a 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award late last year. The Harvard Law School lecturer and Kirkland & Ellis partner received the award at a black-tie ...

Yale Class of 1963 - 50th Reunion New Haven, CT May 30-June 2, 2013

Personal Essay

Immediately following graduation from Yale, I went to law school. I spent one year as a law clerk in the Federal Court of Appeals in New York, and then went to work for the firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, where I have been ever since. I have learned a great deal from my clients and from the talented lawyers I have worked with and against. However, all good things eventually come to an end, and on March 31, 2013, having reached our firm’s mandatory retirement age of 70, I am scheduled to retire from active practice. My first marriage, to Catherine Tolstoy Arapoff, an artist, ended in divorce in 1985. We have two children, Andrew (a litigation lawyer in Los Angeles) and Cathie (a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School). Andy’s two children, Elizabeth and Jack, are as yet my only grandchildren. In 1986 I married Marcia Mayo Hill, an interpreter at the United Nations, whose principal career since her retirement in 2004 has been as a master swimmer, swimming competitively at both regional and national levels. All of you who have seen us together know how much I owe to Marcia, who has made my life anything but ordinary. We have four children, Frank (a second-year medical student), Guy Jr. (a graduate of SUNY Albany), Beverly (who died at the age of one year following a failed heart operation, and whom we remember constantly), and Elena (whom we adopted in Moscow following Beverly’s death). I am very much in the market for good ideas about what to do in retirement. For the time being, my principal idea is to go back to what I have always loved to do, namely, learn new things. Starting the day after retirement, I intend to take the set of textbooks on Anglo-Saxon that my father bought many years ago, and start learning the language. This essay would be incomplete without mentioning how much I have learned from reunions and other activities of our Class over the years. Perhaps the most educational thing about Yale for me has been the journey we have all taken together since graduation. I look forward to continuing that journey at our 50th Reunion. The following story will illustrate what I mean. Ian Robertson is a very good friend, and a stalwart of our 50th Reunion effort. Our paths did not cross in college. Recently Ian told me that, during our freshman year, he saw me waiting in line for dinner in Commons, and felt very sorry for me. As soon as Ian said that, I saw myself then as Ian saw me, an awkward, clueless 16-year-old, and for a moment I felt sorry for myself too. Then I remembered that the story does not end there, that Ian and I have since gotten to know each other, and that now, half a century later, he and I are fast friends. That would never have happened but for our continuing involvement with the Class.

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The Evening

Netanyahu called aid worker deaths tragic and unintentional.

Also, Biden had a rare call with Xi. Here’s the latest at the end of Tuesday.

Men in vests that say "UN" and "OCHA" walking near a damaged white car.

By Matthew Cullen

Seven aid workers who had just delivered more than 100 tons of food to central Gaza were killed last night by Israeli strikes . The workers were driving in a clearly marked aid convoy, and they had coordinated their movements with Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized and said Israel “deeply regrets the tragic incident.”

Videos and photos verified by The New York Times suggest the convoy was hit multiple times. The imagery shows three destroyed white vehicles, with the northernmost and southernmost vehicles nearly a mile and a half apart.

“There was a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people in the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu said. “We will do everything so that this thing does not happen again.”

Aid organizations and several governments condemned the attack. The workers — a Palestinian, an Australian, a Pole, three Britons and a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen — were with the charity group World Central Kitchen, a newly important player in the effort to alleviate a looming famine in Gaza.

The incident underscored the risks to humanitarian workers in the area. At least 196 have been killed in Gaza and the West Bank since October, a senior U.N. official said. World Central Kitchen said it was suspending its operations in Gaza.

In other news from the region: Some U.S. officials are worried that a recent Israeli strike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria could spur retaliatory attacks on Israel and the U.S.

Biden had a rare call with Xi

In their first known conversation since November, President Biden spoke over the phone this morning with President Xi Jinping of China. Xi warned that supporting Taiwan’s independence was a red line for U.S.-China relations, and Biden urged Xi to stop aiding Russia’s economy. But the call mostly served as an effort to stabilize relations , which hit a low last year.

The call took place days ahead of a trip to China by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen , who will soon be followed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. They will be the first cabinet members to visit China this year.

Is Tesla losing its grip on the E.V. market?

Tesla today reported a drop in quarterly sales , surprising many analysts who had expected the manufacturer’s performance to reflect the rising sales of its electric-vehicle rivals. The slump, its first since 2020, suggested that Tesla’s aging lineup may be losing some of its command of the market.

In China, Tesla faces BYD and dozens of other rivals with ambitions to expand worldwide. In Europe, established carmakers like Volkswagen and BMW have introduced more compelling battery-powered models. Tesla’s shares have fallen more than 30 percent this year, including a 5 percent drop today.

New technologies reshape organ transplantation

The field of transplantation has been undergoing a paradigm shift driven by a technique called perfusion. Newly approved devices preserve organs for a longer time outside the body by keeping them, on some level, alive. The technique fueled a 10 percent rise in lung, liver and heart transplants in the U.S., one of the largest year-over-year increases in decades.

Here’s how it works .

More top news

Ukraine: Exploding drones hit a Russian oil refinery and munitions factory about 700 miles from Ukrainian-held territory, among the longest-range drone strikes of the war .

Politics: Donald Trump is trying to keep voters’ attention on the border during campaign events tonight in the Midwest. Democrats hope Florida’s abortion rulings will change that .

Weather: More than three million people, in the South and Midwest, were under a tornado watch .

North Korea: Analysts said a missile test might have involved a new intermediate-range hypersonic weapon that was faster to launch and more difficult to intercept .

Scotland: A sweeping hate-speech law went into effect, with critics like J.K. Rowling warning that it could chill free speech .

Finland: Authorities detained a 12-year-old after a fatal school shooting .

Bird flu: The federal government paid poultry producers more than half a billion dollars last year for birds they were forced to kill after it was detected on their farms .

Senegal: Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Africa’s youngest president, took office after resoundingly defeating his predecessor’s handpicked candidate .

Lives lived: Joe Flaherty, the actor best known for his performances in the sketch comedy series “SCTV” and “Freaks and Geeks,” died. He was 82 .

TIME TO UNWIND

Chicago picked a young star as its next maestro.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which is known for being led by conducting titans like Georg Solti, Daniel Barenboim and Riccardo Muti, announced today that its next leader would be Klaus Mäkelä, the 28-year-old Finnish superstar . When Mäkelä officially begins his contract in 2027, he will be the youngest maestro in the ensemble’s 133-year history, and one of the youngest ever to lead a top orchestra in the U.S.

When my colleague Joshua Barone profiled him in 2022 , one violinist whom Mäkelä conducted said “after three minutes, it was very clear that we were dealing with the most precocious conducting talent that we’ve seen in the past 50 or 75 years.”

The best places to eat in New York City

Pete Wells, our restaurant critic, today released his updated list of the 100 best restaurants in New York City . He has dined at all but two of them over the past year, in search of locations that represent the city’s neighborhoods and its people.

Pete explains why each entry made the list and why you might want to check out the restaurants.

Dinner table topics

Steamy New York : Orange steam funnels are as closely linked to the city as yellow taxis and 24-hour bodegas. But what are they for?

What happened to the wrap dress? The design popularized in the 1970s made a comeback from the mid-2000s to mid-2010s. Now it’s hard to find in stores .

Fear of flying : Our writer took part in a British Airways program that helps nervous or terrified passengers overcome their anxiety .

Workout benefits: Physical activity improves cognitive and mental health in all sorts of ways. Here’s how to reap the benefits .

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

Cook: The simplicity of this spinach-and-cilantro soup with tahini and lemon belies its depth of flavor.

Watch: Here are three great documentaries to stream right now .

Laugh: Readers wrote in with their favorite funny books .

Listen: Michael Crummey’s novel “The Adversary” makes for a gloriously grim audiobook .

Sip: Instant coffee tastes just OK, and that’s why it’s so great .

Consider: Saving carbs for the end of the meal is probably worth trying , experts say.

Compete: Take our quiz to see if you can recognize the places in these poems .

Play: Here are today’s Spelling Bee , Wordle and Mini Crossword . Find all our games here .

ONE LAST THING

Who should be the next james bond.

Speculation about the next James Bond is one of the British media’s most enduring parlor games. And now that Daniel Craig, the sixth cinematic 007, is officially out of commission, the rumor mill is churning once again. The latest chatter is that 33-year-old Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been offered the role.

Taylor-Johnson mostly fits the Bond mold, but some of my colleagues on the Styles desk said he wouldn’t shake things up as much as they would like. They recently debated their favorite Bond candidates .

Have a valorous evening.

Thanks for reading. I’ll be back tomorrow. — Matthew

We welcome your feedback. Write to us at [email protected] .

photo by Bill Arsenault

Irwin Weil with composer Dmitry Dmitrievich Shostakovich in 1973.

Weil in 1978 at St. Basil's Cathedral near the Kremlin.

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COMMENTS

Law School Personal Statement
Ensure that you answered the essay questions they provided. Remember to put the "personal" in the personal statement - use a personal stories/anecdotes. DO NOT approach this as a "Statement of Purpose" ( which would be an essay about why you want to pursue a law degree) unless the law school essay prompt indicates to do so. Try to ...
PDF Application Requirements and Instructions Fall 2022 Transfer Candidates
•The transfer application form • A current resume • A personal statement • Optional essay(s) • A writing sample from a coursetaken during the first year of law school • The Credential Assembly Service (CAS)Report-LSAT score report-Official undergraduate transcripts-One letter of recommendationfrom alawschool professor who taught youduring your first year of law school
All Online Essays
This Essay is published as part of the Northwestern University Law Review's online essay series. The 2022 topic is "Climate Change & Infrastructure: Existential Threats to Our Built Environment.". Author. Climate Law Fellow and Associate Research Scholar at Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School.
Northwestern University Law School Law School Application Essays
College Application Essays accepted by Northwestern University Law School Diversity Lessons Laura Stafford Northwestern University Law School. In the past, whenever I have been confronted with a question on an application asking about "contributions of your cultural or ethnic background", I have always thought that such essay prompts were not written for me.
JD, FAQs, Admissions: Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
The Report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies on drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this Report by contacting the Northwestern University Police Department Deputy Chief at (847) 491-3256.
How to Write a 'Why This Law School' Essay With Examples
Learn how to write the "why law" school essay here. We help you respond to the prompt, "Why This Law School" and share common mistakes to avoid in your essay. Get in touch: (800) 551-3410. Law School. ... Essay Example "I love Northwestern's academic flexibility, including the freedom of the curriculum to explore a variety of fields ...
Demystifying the Northwestern Law Interview: Tips, Strategies, and
The Northwestern Law interview is conducted by a representative from the school, which may include admissions staff, faculty members, or alumni. Admissions staff are well-versed in the school's programs and opportunities, offering applicants a valuable source of information about the institution.
Application Tips: How to Approach Northwestern Pritzker School of Law's
The Northwestern Pritzker School of Law requires applicants to submit a personal statement and resume. They also invite applicants to consider four optional essays that you should respond to if you can. Compelling responses will only strengthen your candidacy. Here is our advice for makin
Northwestern Law School Acceptance Rate + Requirements
The Northwestern Law School acceptance rate is estimated to be around 15% for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. While specific data regarding the number of admitted students has not been officially released, historical trends suggest that Northwestern accepts around 900-1000 applicants each year. Year.
High School Essay Contest 2022 Winners
The Northwestern Undergraduate Law Journal's 2022 High School Essay Contest ... Honorable Mentions of the 2022 High School Essay Contest (in no specific order): Kamil Mahmood, Cassideee Jackson, and Meg Houseworth. Featured. Mar 29, 2022.
3 Tips to Write a Perfect "Why Northwestern" Essay
Check out our guide to achieving essay perfection, with two Why Northwestern essay examples. Call Direct: 1 (866) 811-5546 Sign In Start Free ... second "Why Northwestern" essay example was written by an admitted student who chose to focus on extracurriculars at Northwestern and how the School of Engineering and Applied Science would benefit ...
Essay Awards
Instructions for Essay Submission. Select an essay topic from the Northwestern California University Awards in Liberty, Freedom, and Justice Essay Competition topic list above. Write an essay of between 3000-5000 words. (Word count should not include name, title, and references.) Submit the essay to the School in both paper printed format and ...
Northwestern Pritzker Law School Named #1 Go-To Law School: Big Law
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law has been ranked number one in Law.com's Go-To Law Schools: Big Law report for 2024. The report ranks the 50 law schools that sent the highest percentage of 2023 JDs into associate jobs at the nation's largest 100 law firms. Northwestern jumped from a number three ranking in 2023 to the top spot in 2024 ...
Longtime Go-To Law Schools Leader Dethroned in 2024 Rankings
The school dropped out of the top 50 last year after coming in at No. 48 in 2022. The University of Minnesota Law School, No. 42, and Loyola Marymount University Law School, No. 43, were also new ...
Yale Class of 1963 50th Reunion Essays
Yale Class of 1963 50th Reunion Essays. Immediately following graduation from Yale, I went to law school. I spent one year as a law clerk in the Federal Court of Appeals in New York, and then went to work for the firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, where I have been ever since. I have learned a great deal from my clients and from the talented ...
Wassily Kandinsky Russian Artist Born Moscow Abstract Work Essay
Download this essay on Wassily Kandinsky Russian artist born Moscow abstract work and 90,000+ more example essays written by professionals and your peers. ... In the year of 1886 he went to Moscow and entered Law Faculty of Moscow University. Graduating with honors, six years later Wassily married his cousin, Anna Chimyakina.
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Hereby I, hereinafter referred to as the «Subject of Personal Data», pursuant to the Federal Law of 27.07.2006 № 152-FZ «On Personal Data» (as amended), freely, of my own accord and in my own interest, give my consent to the Moscow School Management «SKOLKOVO» (hereinafter referred to as the «School», legal address: 143025, Moscow ...
Netanyahu Called Aid Worker Deaths Tragic and Unintentional
April 2, 2024, 5:35 p.m. ET. Seven aid workers who had just delivered more than 100 tons of food to central Gaza were killed last night by Israeli strikes. The workers were driving in a clearly ...
Moscow Knight
A Cincinnati-bred descendant of German Jewish and Lithuanian Jewish immigrants, Weil received his bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago in 1948 and completed his master's degree in Slavic studies there in 1951. Then, after three years of working on a voluminous Soviet census for the U.S. Library of Congress, Weil tackled Harvard ...