Writing sample length? Forum

[Anonymous User]

How long can the writing sample be?
I have a really well written paper (that is related to the practice area that I want) but is 25 pages in length.
Have another somewhat-mediocre one like 8 pages or so (court motion or brief type).

Also if you recommend using the well written paper after chopping some sections off, any advice as to which sections to take out?
Thanks

[transferror]

I've always heard 5-10 pages if length isn't specified, but it probably depends on where you're applying. When I submit portions of a longer piece, I include a cover page to give context to the writing. Include some quick facts, the type of writing, audience, etc...

If your long piece is more like a note or article, you should probably consider how valuable it will be to an employer. I have no experience or support for this, but intuitively, I bet a motion brief would be a better sample for a firm than an article since it pertains to the type of stuff you will be working on.

[Anonymous User]

I've always heard 5-10 pages if length isn't specified, but it probably depends on where you're applying. When I submit portions of a longer piece, I include a cover page to give context to the writing. Include some quick facts, the type of writing, audience, etc...

If your long piece is more like a note or article, you should probably consider how valuable it will be to an employer. I have no experience or support for this, but intuitively, I bet a motion brief would be a better sample for a firm than an article since it pertains to the type of stuff you will be working on.

OP here. Applying to big law.
My longer piece is a note. It's precisely related to the practice area that I want to work in (which is NOT litigation where motion brief would be more relevant to..)
So would you recommend sending the entire 25 pages with a cover page or just cut sections out to make it less than 10 (and/or still include a cover page)?
Thanks.

[transferror]

I've always heard 5-10 pages if length isn't specified, but it probably depends on where you're applying. When I submit portions of a longer piece, I include a cover page to give context to the writing. Include some quick facts, the type of writing, audience, etc...

If your long piece is more like a note or article, you should probably consider how valuable it will be to an employer. I have no experience or support for this, but intuitively, I bet a motion brief would be a better sample for a firm than an article since it pertains to the type of stuff you will be working on.

OP here. Applying to big law.
My longer piece is a note. It's precisely related to the practice area that I want to work in (which is NOT litigation where motion brief would be more relevant to..)
So would you recommend sending the entire 25 pages with a cover page or just cut sections out to make it less than 10 (and/or still include a cover page)?
Thanks.

Ok, so the note should be fine, but definitely cut it down to 10 pages unless the firm specifically sets a higher page limit.