Your writing sample must be well-organized, free of typographical and grammatical errors, and demonstrate your legal research and analytical skills. Although there is not typically an official page limit, your sample should be from
8-15 pages
.
What makes a good clerkship writing sample?
Best piece of legal writing to date, e.g., your note,
a memo that you wrote at your job
(pending your employer’s approval), a moot court brief or bench memo, or a paper that you wrote for class. Try to limit length to approximately 15 pages (but not required; many send their entire note).
How long should a legal writing sample be?
Although there is no definitive ideal length for a writing sample,
5-10 pages
typically demonstrates your writing ability. If your writing sample falls within 5-10 pages, single- or double-spaced text is fine (though be sure to check if an employer expresses a preference on this).
Should a legal writing sample be double-spaced?
What is the proper format? Page length: 5 to 10 pages, double-spaced. … The writing sample, including the cover page, should
fit into the employer’s given page limit
. You should also include a header or footer with your name and page number on every page.
What makes a good legal writing sample?
Your writing sample should be
recent work product that is from your practice experience
. Be sure that it can be shared without disclosing confidential information. It is important that whichever sample you choose is wholly your own work, with minimal editing from partners or senior attorneys.
Can I use a brief as a writing sample?
A memo or brief you prepared for lawyering seminar
can work well as a writing sample. Employers are looking for clear, effective legal writing and analysis. An objective interoffice memo or a persuasive brief are both acceptable vehicles for demonstrating your writing and analysis abilities.
What can you redact in a writing sample?
In particular, redact the
client/parties’ names and any other key identifying items
. It’s often best to play it safe by using a brief, motion, or other writing that has been filed publicly — if you don’t have to redact, the writing is likely to flow better. But client memos are just fine if properly redacted.
What is the purpose of a writing sample?
The goal of a writing sample is
to measure your ability to write professionally, clearly, and succinctly
. The best way to demonstrate this ability is by discussing an issue area relevant to the position or program for which you’re applying.
How do you introduce a writing sample?
If you want to send a sample of a larger document,
select a 2-5 page section and introduce it with a paragraph
that puts the selection into the proper context. Avoid sending 10-15 page research paper even if you received a good grade.
What are law firms looking for in a writing sample?
Legal Reasoning—A writing sample must
demonstrate your legal reasoning and analytical skills
, i.e., apply law to facts, and distinguish cases on their facts. Thus, an academic survey of case law or a note that summarizes a recently published decision is not the best choice as it does not include legal analysis.
What is an unedited writing sample?
Many employers will request an “unedited” writing sample. This means
that the work must be substantially your own and should not have been edited by another person
. You may personally edit any document, including one that was produced at a law-related job.
Does a writing sample need a cover page?
If a writing sample is an excerpt of a longer piece, describe the nature of the larger document and provide context and background information regarding the excerpt.
Should writing samples be in PDF?
When sending your writing sample you should
save the paper as a PDF
so the formatting does not change when it is sent.
Do you include sources in a writing sample?
Submit only your own work.
Be sure to cite your sources
(A short bibliography does not usually count towards your total number of pages.)
What do you do if you don’t have a writing sample?
- Follow the Guidelines. Be sure to read all the guidelines when an employer or graduate program asks you for a writing sample. …
- Keep it Clear and Concise. …
- Proofread.
