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I'm applying to some firms that require a writing sample that is "original student work product." Does that mean I can't submit a LW memo if my LWI commented on it and I made changes based on that?

TLSNYC wrote:I'm applying to some firms that require a writing sample that is "original student work product." Does that mean I can't submit a LW memo if my LWI commented on it and I made changes based on that?

No.

Submit the best writing sample that you can. For what it's worth, I've always interpreted the rule as only prohibiting substantial edits.

Microsoft Word's paperclip dude corrected some of the grammar in my memo. Does this mean I can't submit that?

Are you all kidding?

TLSNYC wrote:I'm applying to some firms that require a writing sample that is "original student work product." Does that mean I can't submit a LW memo if my LWI commented on it and I made changes based on that?

Let's put it this way, would the legal writing department of your school allow teachers or TAs to add their own original content to your memo?

Anonymous User wrote:Submit the best writing sample that you can. For what it's worth, I've always interpreted the rule as only prohibiting substantial edits.

Your "interpretation" is wrong and possibly unethical.

leobowski wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Submit the best writing sample that you can. For what it's worth, I've always interpreted the rule as only prohibiting substantial edits.

Your "interpretation" is wrong and possibly unethical.

I think his interpretation is fine. Some people don't have anything that's totally sans edits, and you obviously aren't expected to write something new to send to employers.

flcath wrote: I think his interpretation is fine. Some people don't have anything that's totally sans edits, and you obviously aren't expected to write something new to send to employers.

I've always viewed it as original= original. If it's received minor, non-substantive edits, just mention it in the cover letter.

leobowski wrote:

flcath wrote: I think his interpretation is fine. Some people don't have anything that's totally sans edits, and you obviously aren't expected to write something new to send to employers.

I've always viewed it as original= original. If it's received minor, non-substantive edits, just mention it in the cover letter.

Yeah, this sounds like a good option.

My best work actually did happen to be totally unedited, but I could totally see some schools having it set up where essentially all of your work goes through some editing.

You guys joking? If you submit a first draft you are just dumb and deserve not to get the job. The guy who gets the job isn't turning in a first draft.

MrAnon wrote:You guys joking? If you submit a first draft you are just dumb and deserve not to get the job. The guy who gets the job isn't turning in a first draft.

you could edit your own stuff, obviously

leobowski wrote:I've always viewed it as original= original. If it's received minor, non-substantive edits, just mention it in the cover letter.

This. I always had a cover page on my WS introducing the document and noting that it incorporates minor editing suggestions from my previous supervisor.

-Pufer