RECREATING YOUR ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE
BASED ON THE PRESENTATION BY TARYN LAMME*
SUMMARY: A law journal may need to recreate its
organizational structure if its board size changes or its editing
process requires it. To effectively restructure, law journals
should follow three basic steps: (1) set a goal, (2) develop a
plan and execute it, and (3) consider all factors. Following
these three steps and remaining flexible will increase the
journal’s potential for success.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Change is inevitable. Change
helps law journals grow. So while change is not something to
be feared, it is something that must be dealt with effectively,
which requires a plan.
There are many reasons that law journals may need to restructure,
such as a new board size or change in the editing process. No matter
what the reason is, a law journal should follow three basic steps to
recreate its organizational structure: (1) set a goal with the board, (2)
develop a plan and execute it, and (3) consider all factors.
While the steps are basic, there are a few words of caution. Law
journals should make sure their goals are realistic and can be
effectively implemented within the board’s year. Further, the goals
should not overtake the board’s time. These goals are to be
accomplished in addition to each member’s responsibilities,
including editing. And board members are not alone is this
restructure. They should lean on their members, editors, and
predecessors when trying to improve the law journal.
* Ms. Lamme was the Managing Editor of the Oklahoma City University
Law Review at the time of this presentation. She is currently an Associate at Stacy
Shaw & Associates, LLC in Kansas City, Missouri. She received a B.A. with
Honors in Political Science and a Minor in Theatre from the University of Missouri
in 2010. She lives in Platte City, Missouri with her fiancé, Eric.
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THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW REVIEW
[Vol. 30:2
I. CHANGE IN BOARD SIZE
For example, law journals may need to restructure because the
board is significantly larger or smaller than in a prior year. Law
journals must adapt to the size of their board, and this may
sometimes involve adding or taking away positions. To determine
what positions to add or take away, the Editor-in-Chief and
Managing Editor must creatively brainstorm how they can improve
the law journal. It is important that these members review the law
journal’s bylaws and position descriptions. One of the most difficult
parts of adding new positions is defining the roles and duties so they
do not overlap with current positions. The key to success is in
training and guiding the new members, as well as organization.
II. CHANGE IN EDITING PROCESS
Another reason that journals may need to restructure is if they
wish to change their editing process. To determine if restructure is
needed, the board should evaluate each member and his or her
position. This allows the board to determine if a change is truly
needed. For example, the board may determine that their members
will produce higher quality work if they are given a smaller workload
than previously assigned. This may mean that the law journal needs
more members focusing on that area of the editing process.
III. CONCLUSION
While these are just two examples, there are many reasons a
board may need to restructure. But if the board follows the three
basic steps while remaining flexible, it has a greater potential for
success.