Daniel Richardson, a second-year student at the University of Virginia School of Law, has been selected as editor-in-chief of the Virginia Law Review.

The journal, which is in its 104th year of publication, is one of the nation’s most prestigious law journals.

Richardson is also currently serving as president of the Virginia Employment and Labor Law Association, and he is the vice chair for career and alumni engagement for Lambda Law Alliance.

Hometown: Leesburg, Virginia 

Prior education: B.A. in political science and a B.S. in public management from James Madison University

Prior work experience: Before law school, I spent three years working in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Judiciary and the Congressional Research Service. 

Future career plans: I am excited to join Sullivan & Cromwell in Washington, D.C., this summer and will be clerking for Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III ’72 of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit after graduation. 

Favorite law class or subject: I am interested in understanding how government works and the different ways public policy takes shape through the law. I have enjoyed exploring these issues through my constitutional law, administrative law, and regulatory law and policy courses. 

Goals for the Virginia Law Review in the coming year: The outgoing board has done such tremendous work to position the Virginia Law Review for the future. Our first commitment is to continue to publish high-quality legal scholarship and maintain the review's strong reputation in the field. We also look forward to finding opportunities to connect with our alumni, engage students and faculty in new ways, and partner with the Law School to meet our shared goals. These relationships are vital to our success as an organization and will be a priority. 

Advice for students who want to make Law Review: Most of the first year of law school, including the journal tryout, can appear daunting because it is unlike anything any of us has done before. To be successful, it is important to remember that the skills that got you to UVA Law are the same skills that matter in the classroom or during the journal tryout — hard work, organization and dedication. When taking the tryout, remember to stay organized, support your arguments and have confidence. 

In law school more generally, take advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities that UVA has to offer, including visits to office hours and discussions with classmates. I often find that talking things over with friends is the best way to learn, so don't be shy about bouncing ideas off your peers or debating concepts with each other.   

Every student should also think about how they can bring new perspectives to the law review and consider submitting a personal statement for the Virginia Plan. 

Rounding out the remainder of the managing board are

  • Managing editor: Connor J. Kelley
  • Articles development editors: Jennifer M. Davidson and Katie L. Montoya
  • Articles editors: Joseph E. Barakat, Natasha C. Pereira, Alana Reid, Tanner M. Russo, Rebecca L. Sciarrino, Megan R. Shoell, John B. "Jay" Swanson and Trevor M. Topf
  • Notes development editor: Anna M. Searcey
  • Assistant managing editor: Cassondra Jo Murphy
  • Notes editors: George Carotenuto, Jim Dennison, Jennifer N. Popp and Phillip T. Ogea
  • Online development editor: Clayton L. Bailey
  • Online editor: Michael P.E. Dooley
  • Executive editors: D. Vincent Flynn III, Timothy E. Durkin Horley, Elizabeth G. Johnston, Megan N. Moore, Brandon Newman and Ryan J. Witt

Founded in 1819, the University of Virginia School of Law is the second-oldest continuously operating law school in the nation. Consistently ranked among the top law schools, Virginia is a world-renowned training ground for distinguished lawyers and public servants, instilling in them a commitment to leadership, integrity and community service.