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Unconventional Writing Sample
Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 5:59 pm
by 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.
Re: Unconventional Writing Sample
Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 6:03 pm
by ben4847
I'm more inclined that you should spend a few days fixing your LRW memo
Re: Unconventional Writing Sample
Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 6:45 pm
by Anonymous User
do you think hiring people really read writing samples?
Re: Unconventional Writing Sample
Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 8:02 pm
by dixiecupdrinking
I think your idea sounds fine. Just my two cents.
Re: Unconventional Writing Sample
Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 10:49 pm
by Perseus_I
Anonymous User wrote: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.
Re: Unconventional Writing Sample
Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 11:13 am
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:do you think hiring people really read writing samples?
I do, for judicial interns.
Re: Unconventional Writing Sample
Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 11:45 am
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote: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.