** Generally, when applying to a firm as a lateral associate, you will need to provide a resume, representative matters sheet (a “deal sheet” for corporate associates), a J.D. transcript, and a writing sample for litigation candidates. Very few positions will also require an undergrad transcript.
Sample Work Product.
Litigation: Writing sample that showcases your skills. Ideally, the document should be entirely your work; it should be persuasive, dispositive, and successful. If the filing is not public, a draft of a motion is also acceptable, but it must be a redacted version.Nov 19, 2012How to write a good law firm lateral or law school writing sample?
In addition to your resume, representative matters sheet, and J.D. transcript**, as a lateral litigation associate candidate, you will need to include …
How long should a writing sample be for legal jobs?
sample of your legal writing skills. Mitchell Length of the Sample The writing sample should be five to ten pages in length, unless otherwise indicated by a particular employer. If you have selected a longer sample, you can provide an excerpt from the sample and add a cover page that provides the appropriate context, as described below.
What do employers look for in a sample for a legal job?
Nov 19, 2012 · This is the first of a three-part series on making a lateral move. Part 1: Resume, Transcript, and Writing Samples. by Angela Kopolovich. The legal job market is still shaky. Yet, despite predictions of more layoffs and a shrinking market, there is a fair amount of lateral movement in the associate ranks.
Do you have the right writing for law practice?
Job Search Tools; Sample Lateral Application Materials; ... Sample Lateral Application Materials. Resumes. Junior Level Lateral Resumes. Corporate. Mid to Senior Level Lateral Resumes. Corporate Litigation. Cover Letters. ... Legal Careers; Jobs at SLS; News & Media. News Center; Media Coverage; SLS Blogs; Stanford Lawyer Magazine;
What can I use as a writing sample for a lawyer?
Publicly filed documents are generally your safest option for writing samples. Patent attorneys often share published patent applications for this reason. If you do not have a publicly filed document, you may be able to redact party names in order to protect identities.
What kind of writing sample Do law firms want?
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.
Can I use a motion as a writing sample?
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. ... Some decision-makers will give the writing sample more weight; others will not read it at all.Oct 2, 2020
How long should a writing sample be lawyer?
If you use a document prepared for a prior employer, obtain the employer's permission and make sure you have made all necessary modifications and redactions to preserve client confidentiality. Although there is no definitive ideal length for a writing sample, 5-10 pages typically demonstrates your writing ability.
What is a good writing sample?
How long should a writing sample be? In most cases, your writing sample should be around 750 words or between one and two pages. Like your resume, employers have a limited amount of time to review your writing sample. A brief, impactful writing sample is better than a long, less impressive one.
What is an example of a writing sample?
Here are some examples you may want to consider: Research papers from a job or class. Narrative papers from a job or class. Other writing assignments.Nov 23, 2020
How many pages should a legal writing sample be?
The legal writing sample is an integral part of the hiring process for lawyers. Here are tips for preparing the best sample of your legal writing skills. The writing sample should be five to ten pages in length, unless otherwise indicated by a particular employer.
Can I use a judicial opinion as a writing sample?
Your writing sample must be your own work. ... Documents produced in a judicial externship or clerkship: Opinions you draft belong to the judge and are NOT appropriate for submission as writing samples. Memoranda and the like that are exclusively your work product can be used as writing samples.
How long should a writing sample be?
Many employers will specify the desired length of your writing sample. If no desired length is given, choose a writing sample that is two to five pages long. If you'd like to highlight a section of a longer paper, be sure to include your best two to five page selection.
What is a law 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.
How do you structure a writing sample?
How to Create a Perfect Writing SampleStep 1: Study the Job Ad to Identify Key Criteria. ... Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas for Your Writing Sample. ... Step 3: Select One of Your Ideas. ... Step 4: Find Models To Emulate. ... Step 5: Outline & Write Your Idea. ... Step 6: Edit Your Writing Sample.Jun 30, 2021
What is a 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.
Proofread Your Writing Sample for Legal Job Multiple Times:How Many Times do I need to proof my lega...
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of proofreading your samples several times. Good legal writing isn’t enough; it also needs to completely pr...
Corporate/Transactional Attorneys:If I’m a transactional or corporate attorney, do I still need to h...
I’m addressing corporate/transactional attorneys upfront because their situations are unique. Although most firms don’t require corporate attorneys...
Length of Writing Sample:How will the reader know what I’m writing about in my example of legal writ...
Typically, I suggest legal writing sample length should range from 8 to 20 pages. This should be considered the legal writing sample format as it p...
Using an Introduction/Overview to Provide Your Reader with Context:Should I include and introduction...
For any attorney writing sample, especially if it requires context, should come with a written introduction. This will ensure that the reader is no...
Be Clear That You’re Providing a Sample:How may I make sure that my writing sample isn’t confused wi...
As to an attorney writing sample format, it should be clear that what you’re using is just a sample. A header or footer should be included on each...
What is Confidential/Privileged?Can I use a brief even if it was filed in court for a legal writing ...
When in doubt as to whether something should be included in a writing sample for law firms, you should always check your local rules and relevant s...
Redacting Confidential/Privileged Information:What do I do if my legal writing sample is confidentia...
There are several options. Some people change company names to generic names such as ACME or XYZ Corporation. However, depending on your preference...
Joint Author/Collaboration Issues:I didn’t write the brief myself, can I still use it for my legal w...
While the ideal sample would be 100% your writing, this is rarely the case as most documents involve another person's edits/changes. If the work wa...
What the Sample Should Contain:Can my legal writing sample include the “facts” section of a brief?
The ideal writing samples show your analytical and persuasive writing abilities. While facts sections of briefs may show basic writing skills, they...
Alternatives to the Traditional Brief or Memorandum:Can I use a persuasive letter written to opposin...
If you have letters or other types of materials that highlight your persuasive and analytical writing skills, there’s nothing wrong with using thes...
What to do if you haven't submitted a writing sample?
If you haven’t submitted a writing sample beforehand, take one to your interviews in case you are asked for it. Although employers will accept whatever you have, you’ll be a stronger applicant if you take pains to prepare your best possible writing sample. See the following articles for more information:
What is the purpose of a writing sample?
The purpose is to point out where your writing sample could be better. You should make the improvements. When refining your writing sample, you need to consider several factors. First, your writing sample should be in plain English. Second, it should have a sound, economical, and well-organized analysis.
What is persuasive writing?
Persuasive writing allows employers to evaluate your advocacy skills. Good choices include a memorandum of points and authorities or a brief. Some kinds of analytical (as opposed to persuasive) writing are fine. For example, a bench memorandum for a judge puts a premium on practical research and writing skills.
What is a writing that does not involve research?
Writing that does not involve research, or that is scholarly but not practical, is less satisfactory. Provide something from an actual or simulated legal position. Except for positions in academia, employers want something you wrote as a law clerk or extern, or a school assignment that simulates such a product.
Do you take pains with your resume?
You probably take pains with your résumé. You may even take pains with your cover letters. But chances are you don’t take pains with your writing sample. The vast majority of students I know act as if writing samples don’t matter. That’s a mistake.
Can you put a writing sample in a binder?
Documents like appellate briefs that are customarily bound are fine, but when you stick your writing samples in binders just to dress them up, you create problems for employers who don’t want to keep binders in their files. Provide your writing sample when the employer asks for it.
What to remember when doing a phone interview?
There are a few important things to remember with a phone interview. First is the obvious – always interview in a quiet place (that isn’t at your current firm). Second, print out and assemble your notes for reference including your resume, writing sample, interviewer profiles, notes on the practice area (s) and firm, a list of key points (e.g., ...
What to do before a second interview?
Before your second interview, reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of your first interview and seek to improve your responses. A recruiter can typically give you insight on your performance as well as provide coaching to strengthen your responses so you are prepared to answer the more arduous questions in subsequent interviews. In the second round, your primary goal is to prove that you aren’t just a strong candidate, but the best fit for the position. You will also have more opportunities to ask in-depth questions, and it’s always a good idea to refer to previous conversations with other interviewers to steer your questions.
How to prepare for a first round interview?
Utilizing your research and interview preparation, focus on connecting with the interviewers and demonstrating your competence for the position in the first round. Stay positive, ask questions and be an active listener. For a firm, you want associates to see you as a person they want to work with and you want partners to see you as a devoted attorney for their practice group and firm. Tailor your questions to specific partners and associates. For instance, ask associates about the work they are currently doing and how cases and deals are assigned. If an associate lateraled in, ask about his or her experience in the transition. Consult partners about the big picture; inquire about how the firm/practice area (locally/ nationally) will change in the coming years or the biggest challenges the department currently faces. Ultimately, your first round interview should grant you a strong overview of the work environment and provide a good comparison to your other options.
What is the first step in interview preparation?
Self-assessment is the first step in interview preparation – know your strengths and weaknesses and be able to articulate them well. Likewise, consider your motivations for moving and formulate a strong and positive explanation for your interviewers.
Who is Raj Nichani?
Raj M. Nichani, Esq. is the president of The RMN Agency, a full-service legal search and staffing company specializing in the permanent and temporary placements of legal attorneys and professional staff with law firms and corporate legal departments. Raj and his team are dedicated to placing the highest quality candidates based on their own unique needs. The legal recruiting company was recently ranked the best legal staffing firm of 2014 by The Daily Report. You can reach Raj at (678) 842-5855 or by email at [email protected] or by visiting thermnagency.com for updated job postings and further information on the recruiting process.
Why should a writing sample be recent?
Your writing sample should be as recent as possible because your writing skills are constantly improving. Although an old writing sample may be convenient because it’s already "done," using this is not putting your best foot forward and will shortchange your candidacy.
What time does Harrison Barnes do a webinar?
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom.
Is proofreading a sample of an attorney sample enough?
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of proofreading your samples several times. A good attorney writing sample isn’t enough; it also needs to be completely proofed and error-free. Remember, most of what you’ve written was likely done under duress and against looming deadlines.
Is proofreading a good idea?
Proofreading is much more effective when you review the actual document on hard copy as opposed to the computer screen. Another good legal writing sample tip is to read the document from the end to the beginning, sentence by sentence.
Can you copy and paste a PDF into a Word document?
Also, even if you send it as a PDF, this can be circumvented: Somebody could copy the text from the PDF and paste it into a Word document and remove the highlighting. To be extra safe, the best thing do to is highlight the information in black, print it out, and then scan it in as a PDF.
Is writing samples hard?
Preparing writing samples is hard work. Reading briefs can be grueling. But the goal is present the best representation of your skills to maximize your chances of getting the job you want. Follow these tips and make sure to make full use of every advantage at your disposal.
Who is the founder of BCG?
Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.
How long should a legal writing sample be?
Length of writing samples: Follow the employer’s instructions regarding the length of your samples. In the legal field, writing samples tend to be longer (5-10 pages) to enable employers to evaluate your ability to make a persuasive legal argument and analyze points of law.
How to submit a writing sample?
Always follow the job ad or potential employer’s instructions for submitting writing samples, particularly with respect to: 1 Type of samples: Make sure that the type of sample you submit (i.e., brief, correspondence, motion) matches the employer’s request in terms of format, style, and content. If you don’t have a relevant sample in your portfolio, draft a new writing sample to fit. 2 The number of writing samples: Don’t submit too many or too few samples. If a number is not specified, a good rule of thumb is two samples (one at a minimum and three samples max). Busy employers rarely have time to read more than three writing samples. 3 Length of writing samples: Follow the employer’s instructions regarding the length of your samples. In the legal field, writing samples tend to be longer (5-10 pages) to enable employers to evaluate your ability to make a persuasive legal argument and analyze points of law. 4 The manner of submission: Some employers may want samples submitted as e-mail attachments while others prefer that they appear in the body of the e-mail or are mailed to their address.
How many writing samples should I submit?
The number of writing samples: Don’t submit too many or too few samples. If a number is not specified, a good rule of thumb is two samples (one at a minimum and three samples max). Busy employers rarely have time to read more than three writing samples.
What is a poorly written sample?
A poorly written sample that contains fundamental errors in grammar, word choice, sentence construction, or other quality problems is a red flag for employers. Below are a few issues to watch:
Can a legal position require a writing sample?
If you are applying for a legal position, employers will frequently request a writing sample. Furnishing a poor writing sample can destroy your chance of landing the job. On the other hand, an excellent writing sample can help you get a leg up on the competition. It is a good idea to build a portfolio of writing samples during school ...
Should I build a portfolio of writing samples?
It is a good idea to build a portfolio of writing samples during school and your early years of practice. This portfolio should include your best work in a variety of genres. Below are five common mistakes applicants make in submitting writing samples.
Do you submit a senior term paper on psychosocial behavior?
If, for example, you are applying for an associate position, don’t submit your senior term paper on psychosocial behavior. Instead, submit a sample that demonstrates that you can perform the job for which you are applying.
General Interview Preparation
Self-assessment is the first step in interview preparation – know your strengths and weaknesses and be able to articulate them well. Likewise, consider your motivations for moving and formulate a strong and positive explanation for your interviewers. Make sure your motivation doesn’t give the impression that you will …
Phone Interviews
- There are a few important things to remember with a phone interview. First is the obvious – always interview in a quiet place (that isn’t at your current firm). Second, print out and assemble your notes for reference including your resume, writing sample, interviewer profiles, notes on the practice area(s) and firm, a list of key points (e.g., why a lateral move), and questions to ask inte…
In-Person Interview, Round I
- Utilizing your research and interview preparation, focus on connecting with the interviewers and demonstrating your competence for the position in the first round. Stay positive, ask questions and be an active listener. For a firm, you want associates to see you as a person they want to work with and you want partners to see you as a devoted attorney for their practice group and fir…
In-Person Interview, Round II
- Before your second interview, reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of your first interview and seek to improve your responses. A recruiter can typically give you insight on your performance as well as provide coaching to strengthen your responses so you are prepared to answer the more arduous questions in subsequent interviews. In the second round, your primary goal is to prove t…
Poor Writing Sample
A poorly written sample that contains fundamental errors in grammar, word choice, sentence construction, or other quality problems is a red flagfor employers. Below are a few issues to watch: 1. Sentence clarity 2. Word choice 3. Redundancies and/or inaccuracies in the text 4. Consistency 5. Tone and voice 6. Content organi…
Typographical Errors
- While applicants give much attention to creating an error-free resume and cover letter, their writing samples often receive a less meticulous review. We have seen many writing samples with typographical errors – many of them published online, in law review journals and legal publicationsor filed with the court. A single typo is enough to instill doubt in the reviewer and eli…
Off-Topic Samples
- Make sure your writing samples match the employer’s request and the needs of the position. If, for example, you are applying for an associate position, don’t submit your senior term paper on psychosocial behavior. Instead, submit a sample that demonstrates that you can perform the job for which you are applying. For example, if you are applying for a position as an associate in the …
Failure to Follow Instructions
- Always follow the job ad or potential employer’s instructions for submitting writing samples, particularly with respect to: 1. Type of samples:Make sure that the type of sample you submit (i.e., brief, correspondence, motion) matches the employer’s request in terms of format, style, and content. If you don’t have a relevant sample in your portfolio, draft a new writing sample to fit. 2. …
Disclosing Confidential Information
- Writing samples in the legal profession require special care due to attorney/client privilege, sensitive information, and confidentiality concerns. When submitting writing samples from a past or present case or transaction, even if that case is closed or terminated, it is important to remove the names of all parties, names of clients, and any other sensitive or confidential information. T…
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