Instructions to Authors

The Canadian International Lawyer (CIL) Editors invite submissions of manuscripts focusing on issues relevant to international legal practitioners.  

The CIL is a bilingual (English and French) peer-reviewed journal. Authors may provide submissions in the official language of their choice. All manuscripts are evaluated anonymously by the Senior Editors and subject to one to two blind peer reviews. Authors should have a J.D., LL.L., or equivalent law degree or Master’s degree in law.

The CIL is comprised of four sections: feature articles, comments, views from the Bar, and practice notes. Manuscripts should be submitted electronically.

Please note: 

  • Only original articles will be accepted, therefore submissions should be accompanied by the author’s assurance that the article has not been published elsewhere. Should the same article be accepted for publication elsewhere, the author must notify CIL immediately. 
  • Manuscripts should range as follows (please include footnotes plus a 200-word (maximum) abstract):
    • Feature Articles: 5,000 to 7,500 words in length 
    • Comments (analysis of a single case, treaty, or legislation): 2,500 to 3,000 words in length
    • Views from the Bar: 1,500 to 2,000 words in length
    • Practice Notes: 1,200 to 1,500 words in length 
  • Authors are requested to submit their manuscripts as follows:
    • With no identifying information about the author(s) (blind);
    • With a separate title page, including the author’s name, manuscript’s title, and email address; and 
    • With a curriculum vitae or electronic link for each author
  • The CIL uses the most recent edition of the Canadian Guide to Uniform Legal Citation (McGill Guide). Authors are requested to consult and follow this style.
  • Notification of acceptance, rejection, or need for revision are expected to be given generally within 10 weeks of receipt of the manuscript.