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Writing Sample for COA internship

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:56 pm
by Anonymous User
Applying for a COA internship for 1/2 summer and I am trying to figure out what would be best to use as a writing sample. I have 3 options: 1) I have been using a memo I wrote for a professor I RA'd for, but it doesn't have much in the way of legal analysis. 2) I could use my LR comment, but it is long and not really "legal writing." 3) I could use my Appellate Brief which I got a good grade on, but I would probably have to cut out facts, procedural background, etc. Thoughts?

Second question - If there isn't a max page limit for writing sample on the application, should I still abide by the 10 page rule of thumb? I am not talking about sending in a 30 page writing sample, but my appellate brief w/ statement of facts, case, etc. is 16 pages.

Thanks for help.

Re: Writing Sample for COA internship

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 12:02 pm
by A. Nony Mouse
Use what shows the most legal analysis, which, it sounds like, is your appellate brief. I would stick with the 10pp rule of thumb - if they want to see the rest they'll ask you for it (won't happen though). You can summarize briefly whatever you have to cut in a cover page.

Re: Writing Sample for COA internship

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 7:12 pm
by Anonymous User
A. Nony Mouse wrote:Use what shows the most legal analysis, which, it sounds like, is your appellate brief. I would stick with the 10pp rule of thumb - if they want to see the rest they'll ask you for it (won't happen though). You can summarize briefly whatever you have to cut in a cover page.
OP here - Looks like shortened brief it is. If I am cutting things out, should I put something in the WS like [Omitted], or just explain in the cover letter that all parts except the issue presented and the argument have been removed? Thanks for the help

Re: Writing Sample for COA internship

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 7:47 pm
by Anonymous User
OP one last time - nvm that previous question, it was dumb. :oops:

Thanks for the help, everyone