VAULR is a bi-annual publication, publishing one edition per semester. It also features an online Journal with short-form pieces.
Each article evaluates a substantive legal question. VAULR differs from most law reviews by having an in-house Staff Writers, rather than soliciting article submissions. Members serve in the below roles:
- Staff Writers publish one article per semester, either in long-form (approximately 10 pages, double-spaced) or short-form (op-ed length). Each writer receives extensive, personalized guidance in exploring their topic of choice; as such, legal writing experience is not required.
  - As of early 2025, we have around 32 active staff writers.
- Editors enhance the quality of Staff Writers’ pieces by evaluating them on multiple levels, including strength of argument, clarity, and grammar. Editors also produce law school-style Bluebook citations—a rare opportunity for undergraduates. Editors hold an invaluable role in assuring that articles’ quality and scope are aligned with the mission and standards of a law review.
  - As of early 2025, we have around 32 active editors.
- Executive members run the publication and its operations. There are 5 elected positions (Editor-in-Chief, Director of Operations, and Executive Editor (3)) and 8 appointed positions (Managing Editor (5), Deputy Director of Operations, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, and Director of Membership).
Several spaces on Grounds facilitate indirect, but valuable, engagement with law through interdisciplinary inquiry. VAULR is a supplement: a publication for Hoos who want to engage directly with law as undergraduates.
As UVA’s first and only legal publication, VAULR is an uncommon venue for students to develop valuable legal writing skills—including Bluebooking—and explore their interests.
While an interest in attending law school is by no means a requirement to join, VAULR prides itself on providing a holistic experience for students interested in a legal career. It does so by:
- Hosting distinguished law students and attorneys as guest speakers. This includes robust engagement with professors and law students at the School of Law.
- Connecting students to a network of driven, supportive, and welcoming Hoos pursuing legal careers.
- Facilitating leadership opportunities with uncommon responsibility for those interested.
- Allowing members to gain uncommon legal writing experience and signal well-considered legal interests, distinguishing them in future endeavors.
In less than three years, VAULR alumni have received admission to Harvard Law School, University of Chicago Law School, University of Virginia School of Law, Duke University School of Law, Georgetown University Law Center, and UCLA School of Law, among other well-regarded programs.
No. Most new members do not have direct experience with legal writing; for many, VAULR is their first law-related involvement. VAULR invites applicants from a range of backgrounds. Most important is evidence of an applicant’s ability to contribute, in a holistic sense, to VAULR.
As of early 2025, we have published approximately 100 articles (85 long-form pieces and 15 short-form)! We look forward to continuing to explore diverse areas in the law and growing our archives.
Our application for the 2025–2026 academic year will open here in August 2025. To receive important updates, subscribe to our interest list and follow our Instagram.
Our application contains two components: a legal interests essay and a relevant experiences essay. The goal of these two components is to convey each candidate’s interest in the law as well as their fitness for serving on the staff of a publication.
No. Reflecting its commitment to equity and accessibility, VAULR is proud to provide entirely free membership now and into the future. This includes dues-free access to the Bluebook and social events.
Acknowledging the pitfalls of admissions-based student organizations, as well as the legal profession’s unrepresentative historical demographics, VAULR is committed to an intentioned pursuit of diversity.
As such, VAULR is proud to:
- Be majority-female, both in its general membership and in its Executive Board, reflecting broader changes in the legal profession.
- Employ a Director of Membership & Inclusion who exercises integral input in all major decisions.
- Provide entirely free membership, reflecting its commitment to equity and accessibility.
- Admit members from a wide variety of academic and personal backgrounds.
VAULR is committed to applying continuous and earnest scrutiny to its practices. Please direct relevant inquiries to vaulr@virginia.edu.
Please direct all other inquiries to VAULR's Director of Operations, Robert Favaro, at xfp7aa@virginia.edu.
Enough questions!

Staff Spotlight: Ali Holtz!

This semester, I explored how varying definitions of sexual consent across states and institutions shape legal and social understandings of accountability. Policymakers and administrators play a critical role in determining what constitutes reasonable behavior versus blameworthy conduct. My article investigates the notable difference between criminal legal standards of consent and the “affirmative consent” model adopted by many universities. I consider how definitions shape the adjudication of sexual misconduct and the strengths and limitations of affirmative consent. Writing this article deepened my understanding of university sexual misconduct guidelines and highlighted a key area of reform within Title IX adjudication systems. I hope this work with VAULR invigorates conversation and contributes to a more just process for survivors of sexual violence.