How Do You Submit An Article To The Bar And Bench?

Need it fast?

What’s the deal with submissions?

You’ve crafted a solid piece and now want it published on Bar & Bench. As of 2026, the process is refreshingly simple—but only if you dot every i and cross every t. Bar & Bench and similar platforms publish daily legal news, analysis, and commentary. They’re picky about formatting, submission guidelines, and technical specs. Miss a single detail—like skipping the word count or sending a PDF instead of a Word doc—and your submission could end up in the trash, even if your content is brilliant.

They get hundreds of submissions monthly. Most rejections come down to formatting errors or ignoring guidelines—not the quality of the writing itself.¹

How do I actually submit my article?

Here’s the no-nonsense process to maximize your chances of getting accepted.

1. Pick the right way to send it

   Bar & Bench only accepts email submissions—specifically to submissions@barandbench.com. Skip any online forms unless their latest guidelines explicitly direct you to one. As of 2026, they still rely on email for original content submissions.

2. Format your article properly

   Save your file as a Microsoft Word (.docx) document with a clear filename (e.g., “Smith_JudicialReview_2026.docx”). Stick to 12pt Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing, and 1-inch margins. Add a 150–200 word abstract at the top and a 3–5 word author bio at the end. Aim for 1,000 to 2,500 words unless you’ve agreed otherwise with the editors.

   Bar & Bench’s team won’t even glance at .pdf files or Google Docs links—they’ll bounce right back.²

3. Nail the email subject line

   Use this exact format:

   Submission for Bar & Bench – [Article Type] – [Topic] – [Date]

   For example:

   Submission for Bar & Bench – Analysis – Arbitration Reform in India – May 2026

   This keeps your email from getting lost in the shuffle.

4. Add the right details in your email

   Keep your cover email short (3–4 sentences) and include:

   • Your full name and professional affiliation
   • Word count
   • Article title
   • A 2–3 line summary
   • Any conflict of interest (if applicable)

   Don’t attach images, charts, or links unless they’ve given you the green light. Bar & Bench prefers clean, ready-to-publish content.³

5. Wait for confirmation—and follow up if needed

   You should hear back within 3–5 business days. No reply? Resend with “URGENT: Follow-up on submission” in the subject line. Editorial decisions usually take 10–14 days. If they accept your piece, you’ll get a contract and a timeline. If they reject it, don’t expect feedback—they’re swamped.