50 Years of Excellence: A History of the St. Mary's Law Journal

Founded in 1969, the St. Mary’s Law Journal has climbed the road to excellence. Originally built on the foundation of being a “practitioner’s journal,” the St. Mary’s Law Journal continues to produce quality scholarship that is nationally recognized and frequently used by members of the bench and bar. From its grassroots origins to the world-class law review it is today, the St. Mary’s Law Journal continues to maintain its prestigious position in the realm of law reviews by ranking in the top five percent most-cited law reviews in federal and state courts nationwide. In celebration of the St. Mary’s Law Journal’s fifty years of excellence, this Article traces the history of the St. Mary’s Law Journal as told by former members, staff, deans, professors, and authors to recreate the untold story behind the St. Mary’s Law Journal’s rise to prominence.

This Article does not focus on the substantive topics published over the last five decades, but rather, tells the unwritten, human side of the St. Mary’s Law Journal’s story over the last fifty years. Through this personal account, it is clear the St. Mary’s Law Journal has enjoyed a rich history and continues to have a lasting impact on all who have contributed to the St. Mary’s Law Journal’s success.