Unconventional Writing Sample Forum

[Anonymous User]

So I'm not sure what to use as an OCI writing sample. My LR class memos were horrible (i received a pretty terrible grade in that class - one of the worst). I've written two memos for my summer job, but both have been group memos with other research associates. The only thing I can think of is a proposed rulemaking summary. Basically, we were given 300 page Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) from X agency and then were told to comb through them and summarize them into 7-8 "issue posts". Each post tackles one of the proposed rules, explains the problem the rule is trying to address, and the potential consequences for x interest groups. This is all supposed to be readable to a layperson. I'm still waiting to get clearance by my employer to actually use this as a writing sample, but if I do get clearance, would this be acceptable? I'm thinking I'd reformat the citations to conform with the bluebook and then have a small blurb at the top explaining what this is.

[ben4847]

I'm more inclined that you should spend a few days fixing your LRW memo

[Anonymous User]

do you think hiring people really read writing samples?

[dixiecupdrinking]

I think your idea sounds fine. Just my two cents.

[Perseus_I]

do you think hiring people really read writing samples?

Yes. Granted, one was a gov. 1L job, and one was a lit boutique. But the point is, you never know.

[Anonymous User]

do you think hiring people really read writing samples?

I do, for judicial interns.

[Anonymous User]

do you think hiring people really read writing samples?

Yes, I've talked to two attorneys (1 midlaw, 1 biglaw) whose only job during hiring season is to read the writing samples. I am not sure how much weight they carry in the hiring decision though.