Information for Authors

If you are interested in writing or editing, email Elsa Cournoyer, Managing Editor at ecournoyer@mnbars.org

Submission of Material

The Hennepin Lawyer Committee encourages material for publication from Hennepin County practitioners. While the committee seeks out particular authors for some of the magazine’s articles, unsolicited manuscripts are always welcome for consideration.

The committee strives to publish articles of interest to the practicing bar, with a slant or focus pertaining specifically to the law or lawyers of Hennepin County. Of particular interest are articles that detail recent changes or proposed changes in the law or that stress practice aids. 

THL rarely accepts articles that have already been published. Please also include any  photos, graphs, and/or graphics to be included with your article.  

Query Letters

An editorial calendar is typically prepared 3-6 months ahead by the committee. Authors are encouraged to explore possible editorial interest in a subject before expending significant time and effort preparing a complete article. Potential authors should contact the editor, Elsa Cournoyer, at ecournoyer@mnbars.org.

Length of Articles/Format

Articles on substantive law issues should be 2,500 to 3,000 words in length (8-10 double-spaced pages).  Feature or human interest articles should be 1,000-2,000 words (4-7 double-spaced pages).  Authors’ suggestions for pictures, illustrations, and other sidebar materials are welcome.

Articles should be submitted as electronic files prepared as 8½ x 11-inch pages with one-inch margins. The author’s name, address, phone number, email address, and date of the manuscript should appear at the top right-hand corner of the first page. The preferred format is Microsoft Word, Times New Roman, 12-point type. (Avoid special fonts or formatting such as colors and borders.) A single space should follow sentence-ending punctuation.

Articles should be submitted as Word documents to thl@hcba.org.

Footnotes

Necessary citations, if any, should be placed as endnotes. Citations should be kept to a minimum, with second references incorporated in the text in informal reference more suitable to our magazine format than a law journal approach.  The author must carefully cite-check references.  

Pictures and Biographies

Prospective authors should submit a recent photograph (executive-style head shot) and a short biographical sketch (20-30 words) to accompany the article. The sketch should give pertinent information on the author, including place of current employment, and an indication of any affiliation or bias that may pertain to the content of the article. 

Deadlines

Production schedules are set in advance and late manuscripts create particular difficulties. Articles should be submitted no later than 30 days prior to issue date.  Any articles that are not received on time for publication in a particular issue may be forwarded to future issue for consideration.

Editorial Review

Once received by the executive editor, articles will be forwarded to the upcoming issue editor(s) for consideration. Editorial review includes grammar, punctuation, readability, and consistency of style.  The issue editor has broad discretion in the editorial process.  Significant editorial changes will normally be cleared with the author in advance or publication. “Accepted” articles are not guaranteed publication in any particular issue. Space and other limitations occasionally require holding an article until a later issue.