One L Judicial Internships and Writing Samples Forum

[CSKNJ]

I'm sending out judicial internship mailers and was wondering if I should include my writing sample (first semester memo) or wait for the judge's office to request one? Thanks.

[Geist13]

I included mine. Figured if they didn't want to read it, they could put it in the trash where it belongs anyway.

[missinglink]

Include it.

It's more work on their end if they have to contact you and request it.

[Anonymous User]

When I applied, I didn't include one. But now that I'm a law clerk responsible for deciding who gets hired, I can definitely say that I prefer to see a writing sample. That being said, I typically look at the writing sample only to rule out candidates. So if your cover letter is perfect and your resume is acceptable, I would not include one.

[Geist13]

When I applied, I didn't include one. But now that I'm a law clerk responsible for deciding who gets hired, I can definitely say that I prefer to see a writing sample. That being said, I typically look at the writing sample only to rule out candidates. So if your cover letter is perfect and your resume is acceptable, I would not include one.

Are you implying that if your application materials are solid, the writing sample can only serve to harm you until it is actually requested?

[Anonymous User]

When I applied, I didn't include one. But now that I'm a law clerk responsible for deciding who gets hired, I can definitely say that I prefer to see a writing sample. That being said, I typically look at the writing sample only to rule out candidates. So if your cover letter is perfect and your resume is acceptable, I would not include one.

Are you implying that if your application materials are solid, the writing sample can only serve to harm you until it is actually requested?

Yes.