Top Law Schools

Cover letter, resume, and transcript.

Or writing sample too?

I am, because the firms that have an online application form instead of just an email contact usually ask for a writing sample. So I decided to send it to everyone.

And a reference list? I mean, do we just send them the whole shebang?

onehellofaride wrote:And a reference list? I mean, do we just send them the whole shebang?

I haven't been sending references unless a firm asks for it. Only one has that I've run across so far.

But yes, basically, you're sending them an entire application packet.

I didn't do writing sample unless it was requested.

onehellofaride wrote:And a reference list? I mean, do we just send them the whole shebang?

Wait until they ask.

I would not send a writing sample or references unless asked. The writing sample is more likely to hurt than help. Lawyers often forget how bad legal writing of 1Ls generally is. If writing samples are required, you are being judged against your peers and the reader's expectations will be set. If writing samples aren't required, the attorney reviewing it may naturally judge what you sent against associates and that comparison is less likely to be favorable. (Likely they won't look at more than a page, if they look at all, though).

No need to hand out your references info until asked. If the firm wants them, they will ask.