Application Materials

i. Purpose of Writing Sample—a few employers, and most judges, will ask for a writing sample as part of their applications. Those who ask for writing samples are gathering information on their applicant’s writing skills.

ii. Tips for Preparing Writing Samples

• Unless otherwise specified in the application, a writing sample should be 5–12 pages.
• If the writing sample is longer than the requested or typical length, you will need to provide the most important excerpts in a condensed document within the specified page range.
• Provide the employer with a cover sheet that has a short explanation to help them understand what they are reading.
• For 1L law students, the memo or brief from the 1L Legal Writing class is usually a good writing sample.
• For 2L and 3L law students, the result of your substantial writing class, something that will be published in a legal journal or a “real-world” sample, (something written for a legal employer) should be a good sample.
• Your sample should always show your best analytical and writing skills.
• If you are using a sample from your job, be sure to get permission from your employer prior to using the sample.
• For a “real-world” sample, be sure to redact any names or other sensitive information.

iii. Material to Assist in Thinking About a Writing Sample

• Writing Sample Guidelines
• Writing Sample Cover Letter Template