Writing Sample Length Question Forum

[jackattack17]

Is 9 pages too long? It is, right? Even if it's an opinion I drafted for my internship with a judge this summer?

If so, should I use something else, or cut out a few of the issues (there are 6)?

What would the ideal length be, if the employer doesn't specify?

Thanks

[Judge Philip Banks]

There's no correct answer to this, but I don't think 9 pages is too long if it is a solid opinion you wrote. I'd keep it as is, but if you feel the need to make it shorter, cut the weakest/shortest issue out. Ideally, I'd think a writing sample should be about 7 pages or so, but even 5-10 pages should be fine.

[Anonymous User]

Kind of off topic but relevant, if a firm says bring a 10+page writing sample but none of your LRW stuff are over 8 pages, what to do?

[dixon02]

Is 9 pages too long? It is, right? Even if it's an opinion I drafted for my internship with a judge this summer?

If so, should I use something else, or cut out a few of the issues (there are 6)?

What would the ideal length be, if the employer doesn't specify?

Thanks

Probably a question for your CSO. Ours (UVA) recommends 8-10 pages.

[jackattack17]

Thanks, guys. I guess 9 isn't too long after all. Next question then: How is this for a little "explanatory opener" for my writing sample:

This writing sample is an opinion I drafted during the course of my internship with X judge of the X court. The opinion is substantively all my own work, though it went through four drafts with the judge.

Thoughts?

[drd]

Is 9 pages too long? It is, right? Even if it's an opinion I drafted for my internship with a judge this summer?

If so, should I use something else, or cut out a few of the issues (there are 6)?

What would the ideal length be, if the employer doesn't specify?

Thanks

Probably a question for your CSO. Ours (UVA) recommends 8-10 pages.

double spaced? or 1.5 spaced? i have a 10 page memo from an internship that's 1.5 spaced, but i'm thinking it's too long

[dixon02]

Is 9 pages too long? It is, right? Even if it's an opinion I drafted for my internship with a judge this summer?

If so, should I use something else, or cut out a few of the issues (there are 6)?

What would the ideal length be, if the employer doesn't specify?

Thanks

Probably a question for your CSO. Ours (UVA) recommends 8-10 pages.

double spaced? or 1.5 spaced? i have a 10 page memo from an internship that's 1.5 spaced, but i'm thinking it's too long

I assume double-spaced (mine is).

[dixon02]

Thanks, guys. I guess 9 isn't too long after all. Next question then: How is this for a little "explanatory opener" for my writing sample:

This writing sample is an opinion I drafted during the course of my internship with X judge of the X court. The opinion is substantively all my own work, though it went through four drafts with the judge.

Thoughts?

You should add that you received the judge's permission to use it. And if you haven't, you need to get it before using it.