Buckley to Lead Virginia Law Review

Second-year law student Sarah Buckley has been named editor-in-chief of the Virginia Law Review, the most prestigious student-run journal at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Hometown: Richmond, Va.

Prior education: B.A. in environmental thought and practice, and political philosophy, policy and law from the University of Virginia

Prior work experience: For two years I served as legislative aide to Del. David J. Toscano, who represents Charlottesville and parts of Albemarle County in the Virginia General Assembly.

Future career plans: After graduation, I am excited to have the opportunity to clerk for Judge T. S. Ellis of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. After that, I plan on pursuing a career in environmental litigation in Washington, D.C.

Favorite law class or subject: I have a strong interest in environmental law and regulatory issues, so I have really enjoyed classes like Environmental Law and Land Use Law, but also classes that touch on the theoretical and practical structure of our governing system, like Constitutional Law, Federal Courts and Administrative Law.

Extracurricular activities at the Law School: The Public Interest Law Association, Virginia Law Democrats, several pro bono projects and softball.

Advice for students who want to make Law Review: Work hard and have confidence. Find joy in engaging in your classes and getting to know your professors; you're more likely to be successful and get the most out of your law school experience. During the journal tryout, take time to organize your thoughts — and to take care of yourself. Also, after the journal tryout, consider applying through the "Virginia Plan" by submitting a personal statement about how your attributes and experiences would benefit the Law Review or otherwise contribute to the diversity — construed broadly — of our organization. Students who place in the top third of the journal tryouts and top third of grades who submit this statement will be considered.

Goals for the Virginia Law Review in the coming year: This year's managing board is the Virginia Law Review's 100th, and I know we are all honored and humbled to take the reins of one of the premier law journals in the country. In the next year, I hope to continue the Law Review's tradition of excellence, both in publishing top-flight scholarship and in maintaining our high standards of professionalism. We also will be preparing for our centennial symposium, a celebration of our last hundred years, and continuing to develop our online presence, positioning us for many successful years to come.