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Basically, everything I wrote this past summer was informal, unconventional, or is only partly-done due to my supervising attorney's eccentric method of communication, etc. etc.

Point is, I have no acceptable writing sample from this past summer. I've been using a writing sample from my 1L spring writing class where I got the highest grade. Is that good enough or a red flag that I'm using this classwork as a writing sample?

Edit: Will be a 2L this fall. However, I think the poster below answered my question.

It would be helpful if you could say what year you are and what you're anticipating needing the writing sample for.

Either way, whether the summer in question was your 1L or 2L summer, not generating a writing sample during the summer is pretty common. Every firm I've worked at has a blanket rule that no one can use summer work product as a writing sample. If you're a rising 3L, try to write a note or something for a secondary journal. Or if that isn't an option, take a class that requires a paper. You'll want something other than your 1L brief/memo once you graduate.

You’re fine as long as your school sample is good.

I worked in House this summer and therefore only wrote informally. I used a sample from my 1L fall and got a job at oci.