How long should a writing sample be?

[Jhuen_the_bird]

Also a question that will be going to the CPD office, but would like a "second" opinion -

How long of a writing sample should be included when it is requested?

A paragraph?

A page?

A whole memo? (Hah, I would think not)


Thanks!

[xferlawstudent]

about 10 pages

[Jhuen_the_bird]

about 10 pages

Hah ... good job being snarky.

[drbuff123]

the one I used was 7 pages, I wouldn't go over 10

[be10dwn]

I dont think that was snarky...mine is 12 fwiw

[Bob Loblaw Esq.]

not sure if this is a serious question....

From my experience, 10pgs seems to be the average limit, unless the employer says otherwise.  I had a few that had a 5 page limit.  so yes, a "whole memo", depending on # of pgs is normal.  your should try submitting one paragraph though, i'm sure it would give rise to a few chuckles. 

[Jhuen_the_bird]

Wow ... 5-10 pages just seems really long ... are they really going to read all that?

Guess I'm just surprised!

[1Lchica]

Mine was 7.

[Alamo79]

Wow ... 5-10 pages just seems really long ... are they really going to read all that?

Guess I'm just surprised!

Yeah, given the length of time it takes a 1L to write a memo, it is surprising from that perspective, but an experienced attorney can probably scan it and get a good idea of the quality of your writing in a minute or two.  Make sure you have the bluebooking down perfectly, and make it as concise and well-organized as possible.  Good luck.

[thorc954]

mine was 5 ish, i used a memo, cut out the crap (facts, etc), then did a brief cover letter summarizing it and stating i had permission to use it.