External Research Publishers (ERPs) are authors who are interested in independently researching and authoring their work. Unlike JRFs, who get guidance from senior editors, associate editors, and advisors throughout the writing process, ERPs research, write, and edit on their own, submitting a finished paper partway through the Volume Editorial process.

The Editorial Board reviews submitted ERP papers, and successful ones move directly into the final editorial stages—typically requiring fewer revisions than other papers to fit the Volume. This route suits students confident in working independently, while those who want more support tend to prefer the fellowship path instead.

Who is Eligible?

External Research Publishers (ERPs) are upper-year post-secondary students, graduate students, or recent university graduates who are interested in academic legal research and writing. 

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External Research Publishers are expected to write a research paper that will contribute to knowledge about a legal topic of their choice. ERPs skip the first editorial stage and move directly to the second.
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To submit as an External Research Publisher at CLR, you must have at least completed high school and are either: ​​

1. Currently enrolled in your 3rd year or higher, or have completed an undergraduate or collegiate program; or,

2. Currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate program; or, 

3. Have relevant work experience post-high school of more than 4 years.

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Please note that as a policy, we aim to limit graduate applicants to two years post-graduation to focus on highlighting student scholarship. If you have completed your graduate/legal studies more than two years ago, you may submit an addendum explaining why you'd like to submit in our journals. Decisions will be made on an ad hoc basis.