Meet the New Leaders of the Virginia Law Review

Courtney Capen Douglas, a second-year student at the University of Virginia School of Law, has been named the new editor-in-chief of the Virginia Law Review. Douglas takes the role this month at the student-run publication, now in its 111th year of operation.

In a Q&A, Douglas discusses her favorite law school experiences, goals for the Law Review and advice for first-year students. Tryouts for all student journals start Feb. 23, with personal statements due March 15.

Where is your hometown?

Coronado, California

What is your prior education?

B.A. in English, Stanford University

What is your prior work experience?

After college, I interned at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, which provides free legal services to journalists nationwide. I then spent two years conducting historical research at the Center for International Security and Cooperation.

What are your future career plans?

This summer, I will return to Akin’s Washington, D.C., office as a summer associate through their Pro Bono Scholars program. I hope to clerk after graduation.

What is your favorite law class or subject?

Choosing one would be impossible — Virginia Law’s academic opportunities have been transformative for me. I am most grateful to have taken Feminist Jurisprudence with Professor Anne Coughlin, Constitutional Law with Professor Deborah Hellman, and Speech and Press with Professor Frederick Schauer. These courses have pushed me to examine how existing legal doctrines and theories affect people’s lives. They have also inspired me to envision change that would advance equality and justice in our legal landscape. In addition, I grew the most as a student in Professor Sarah Stewart Ware’s Legal Research and Writing course, especially through the support of my extraordinary Legal Writing Fellow, Abigail Hauer.

Are you involved with any other activities at the Law School?

I work as a research assistant for Professor Hellman and am primarily focused on supporting her equal protection scholarship. I also participate in the First Amendment Clinic, which has offered invaluable opportunities to learn about media law and develop practical skills alongside my fantastic classmates. Through Virginia Law’s Pro Bono Program, I have also worked for the Reporters Committee, where three brilliant Virginia Law alumnae — Jennifer Nelson ’11, Emily Hockett ’22 and Katie Townsend ’07 — among many other dedicated media lawyers, have taught me so much about the law and press freedom advocacy.

What are your goals for VLR?

It is a privilege to begin the hard work of this journey alongside our talented, inventive managing board and our astute, industrious editorial board: together, a remarkable team. First and foremost, we hope to advance the Law Review’s mission of publishing high-quality legal scholarship. It is mission-critical for us to foster a scholarly environment that is as diverse, inclusive, welcoming and open-minded as it is ambitious. Institutions are at their strongest when all voices are heard and valued. Some of our other priorities for this upcoming year include expanding opportunities for student scholarship and promoting scholarship on timely issues through the Virginia Law Review Online.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

My extended family is from Montana, and we return to the state every year. Spending so much time in the Rocky Mountains throughout my life has given me a deep appreciation for the magic of the outdoors.

What’s your advice for 1Ls?

First, law school is a team effort. Prioritize treating each other with kindness and generosity, especially when you feel most challenged. The lifelong friendships we have the privilege of forming here make us all more capable future lawyers and better people.

Second, lean into discomfort, whether you’re wrestling through tough legal concepts in class or preparing for your first oral argument this spring. As Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in her 2013 memoir, “A surplus of effort [can] overcome a deficit of confidence.” And as Taylor Swift once said, “If you’re experiencing turbulence or pressure, that probably means you’re rising.”

Third, be judicious in choosing work that aligns with your goals. All of you bring a wealth of talents to a law school full of endless opportunities. Yet your time is limited. At every stage of decision-making, look inward to ensure that the endeavors you pursue are true to you. Your path belongs to no one else. Fourth, consider getting involved in pro bono or clinical work. Incorporating public service work into your life — whatever your vision for your career path — will generate opportunities to help others, learn and develop a sense of purpose.

Finally, make time for joy. Wake up early to hike Humpback Rocks with your section-mates; host the potluck dinner; call your best friends; adopt the cat. In law school, you have the opportunity to set a precedent of sustaining a strong, independent sense of self, even as you chase your dreams in a demanding profession. Caring for your mental and physical wellness is intrinsically important. It is also essential to your professional success.

Rounding out the managing board are:

Managing Editor

Jeff Stautberg

Assistant Managing Editor

Jack R. Parker

Membership Development Editor

Ethan W. Brown

Membership & Inclusion Editor

Danielle M. L. Ramsay

Articles Development Editors

Connor A. Fitzpatrick
Leah F. Schwartz

Articles Editors

Lauren S. Emmerich
Jake S. Flansburg
Alyssa T. Gao
Maya E. McCollum
Caroline A. Morris
Anthony Valdez
Andrew S. White
Kyle F. Ziemnick

Notes Development Editor

Amy B. Vanderveer

Notes Editors

Bryce M. Campanelli
Seth Coven
Mackenzie L. Kubik
Katie G. Poore

Online Development Editor

Kevin A. Hoang

Online Editors

Benjamin D. Baldwin
Cameron N. Beach
Elizabeth Reese Torstrick

Lead Executive Editor

Benjamin T. Leonard

Executive Editors

Jordan S. Allen
William T. Bleveans
Anne Crumley
Noa K. Jett
Julia D. Kelly
Rohini Kurup