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Do employers care how recent writing samples are?
Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 1:04 am
by Anonymous User
I just passed the Feburary bar and was recently sworn in. I'm now looking for a position at a firm. Would it be ok to use a legal memo or a brief from a writing class I took during school about 2 or 3 years ago?
Re: Do employers care how recent writing samples are?
Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 1:17 am
by deference
It’s best to submit something working, like from an internship or summer position, but if something from class is the only available option there’s no harm in submitting it.
The employer likely knows that you have limited experience anyways given the fact you’re applying for an entry level.
Re: Do employers care how recent writing samples are?
Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 10:48 am
by biglaw_advice
I'm a midlevel associate on recruiting committee at a big firm. I'd prefer something work-related but it's not very important to me and I would completely understand if all you have is something from class. When I go through a writing sample, I am making sure that the writing isn't absolutely terrible. I want to make sure the applicant has not demonstrated a lack of judgment and submit something that shows obvious errors. For what it's worth, I've never come across a really bad writing sample. Most of the attorneys I talk to on recruiting don't put too much stock in the writing sample.