Guide: How to Become a Student Contributor for Lawfare
This guide explains how law students and graduate researchers can join the prestigious Lawfare Student Contributor Program.
You will learn what Lawfare publishes, how the application process works, how paid internships differ from voluntary writing, and how a Lawfare byline can launch your career in national security law. Sentences are simple. Follow this roadmap to get published.
Section 1 · The Publication
Understand what Lawfare actually is
Lawfare is not a typical blog. It is a non-profit multimedia publication dedicated to “Hard National Security Choices.” It bridges the gap between legal academia and the daily news cycle.
Unlike casual tech blogs, Lawfare is read by government officials, judges, intelligence officers, and top lawyers. Writing here is about prestige, accuracy, and legal analysis, rather than just “content creation.”
Lawfare covers serious legal and policy issues:
- National Security Law: Surveillance, detention, use of force.
- Cybersecurity: Data protection, cybercrime, tech regulation.
- Foreign Policy: Treaties, sanctions, war powers.
- Court Rulings: Summaries of major SCOTUS or federal circuit decisions.
Most authors are experts:
- Law professors and practicing attorneys.
- Former government officials.
- Student Contributors: Selected law/grad students who produce high-quality analysis.
This guide focuses on the Student Contributor Program, which is the primary gateway for beginners/students.
Section 2 · Eligibility
Are you eligible to contribute?
The Student Contributor Program has strict eligibility rules. It is not open to everyone.
Law Students (2L & 3L)
The program is generally open to students in their second or third year of law school (2L, 3L). First-year (1L) students are typically not eligible for the contributor program, though they might be able to apply for general internships if specified.
Advanced Degree Students
Students pursuing LLMs, SJDs (or foreign equivalents), and graduate students in relevant fields (like Political Science, International Relations, or Public Policy) are also considered.
Section 3 · The Work
What do Student Contributors actually do?
Being a contributor is active work. It is not just writing one opinion piece. It involves three main types of tasks.
Writing quick-turnaround analysis on breaking news.
Example: “Summary of the new Executive Order on AI Safety” or “What the recent DC Circuit ruling means for privacy.”
Helping regular Lawfare contributors (experts) with deep-dive research. You might co-author a piece with a professor or provide the raw data for a major report.
You can pitch your own original ideas.
Rule: Students should generally avoid “Opinion” pieces (Op-Eds). Instead, focus on analytical, in-depth summaries of court rulings, Inspector General reports, or congressional hearings.
Section 4 · Application Process
Step-by-step: How to Apply
Applications typically open at the start of academic semesters (e.g., August/September for Fall). You must watch for the announcement on the site.
Prepare your documents
You will typically need to submit a single PDF containing:
- Resume: Highlight legal research, journal experience, or policy work.
- Law School Transcript: Unofficial is usually fine.
- Writing Sample: A critical piece. See Section 6 for tips.
Wait for the “Open” window
Monitor LawfareMedia.org in late August or early January. Look for articles titled “Student Contributor Program Applications Are Now Open.”
Submit via the portal
Follow the instructions exactly. Often, you must email a specific address (e.g., applications@lawfaremedia.org) or use a provided form.
Subject Line matters: Use the exact format requested, e.g., [Student Contributor Application: Your Name].
Section 5 · Money & Career
How to actually earn money (Internships vs. Contributor)
This is the most important section for those looking to “earn.” There is a difference between being a Student Contributor (often for credit/byline) and a Paid Intern/Fellow.
| Role | Typical Pay* | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Student Contributor | Usually Unpaid / Academic Credit | Byline prestige. Essential for landing big law jobs or clerkships. |
| Lawfare Intern | ~$17.50 / hour | Hourly wage. Work roughly 15-20 hours/week. Real editorial experience. |
| Fellowships | Stipend / Salary ($68k+) | Full salary. For post-docs or full-time summer researchers. |
*Pay rates are based on recent job postings (e.g., Spring 2025 Internship) and can change. Always verify the specific job description.
Section 6 · Writing Guide
Writing Style: The “Lawfare” Voice
To get accepted, your writing sample must match their style. Lawfare is not a law review (too academic) and not a newspaper (too simple). It is in between.
Section 7 · Final Checklist
Ready to apply?
Before you send your application email or form, ensure you have these items ready.
✅ Documents PDF
Merged Resume + Transcript + Writing Sample into ONE PDF file.
✅ Writing Sample Check
Is your sample under 2,000 words? Is it on a relevant topic (security, law, tech policy)? Did you proofread it manually?
✅ Cover Letter / Email Body
Keep it professional. Explain why Lawfare specifically. Mention any relevant coursework (e.g., “I took National Security Law with Professor X”).