Every year the editors at practicelaw look forward to the ABA Journal Blawg 100, which lists the top 100 legal blogs selected by the journal’s editors. Last year we thought, “Hey! Where are the Minnesota blogs?” and decided that the next time around we’d recognize our fellow local bloggers.

Thus, this year’s inaugural Top 25 Minnesota Blawgs. First things first. We need you to nominate blogs that qualify for the list: Nominate a blog here. Sorry, nominations are closed.

What blogs qualify for the Top 25 Minnesota Blawgs list?

It must be about law or the practice of law.  Blog + Law = Blawg.

In addition — to keep it local — all submissions must have at least one of the following characteristics:

1. The author is a Minnesota attorney or judge, or
2. The subject of the blog is Minnesota law or practice.

You can’t submit your favorite gardening blog just because it’s written by a Minnesota attorney (unless it’s really about land use). But one about practice management or family law would fit the bill.

Not sure if a blog qualifies? Go ahead and submit it. We’ll take a look and make a determination.

Can I nominate my own blog?

Yes. But consider submitting someone else’s blog to spread the love around.

How many can I nominate?

As many as you want, so long as they meet the criteria.

When is the submission deadline?

October 31. The list will be released in November on December 14, after the hubbub over the ABA Journal Blawg 100 dies down we have time to sort through the submissions.

Who picks the top 25?

practicelaw editors. This is the inaugural contest, so we’re trying to keep it fun and informal this time around.

We will assign categories rather than rank the top blogs. If you wish to provide a description of your blog or suggest a category, there is a place on the submission form to do so. Feel free to be creative. Though we expect to have some generic categories like “Best Client-Focused Blawg” or “Best Criminal Law Blawg,” expect some yearbook-type categories. Like “Blawg with the Coolest Design” or “Blawg Most Likely to Make You Think.”

We will give preference to blogs that are regularly updated and contain original opinion or analysis (similar to the ABA Journal rules).

What do the best blogs get?

A bit o’ publicity and the warm fuzzy feeling that someone likes what you do. You can also check a box with your submission to be included on practicelaw’s blogroll. Maybe we’ll even throw in a bit of swag.

I don’t have a blog to nominate, but I’m interested in blogs or blogging.  Where should I go?

Check out our blogroll on practicelaw. Or take a look at our Off the Clock videos about starting a blog from the ground up. Maybe you’ll be inspired to start one yourself.