Big law department-specific writing sample question Forum

[serenitynoww]

Question about writing samples for specific departments in big law. Current fed clerk here applying to some open biglaw lit positions. Specifically want to join an L&E or White Collar department and am targeting those open positions. I have some good writing samples, but my most substantive one is not L&E or White Collar related. I am currently working on a very big L&E order that would be perfect to use, but it won't be ready for another few weeks. Does it make sense to wait till its completed to apply to the positions, or should I just apply with what I have now? I don't want to sit on my hands too long and have the position vanish because I didn't have a perfect sample ready.

Was curious about people's thoughts on this issue, specifically recruiters or people who have experience with hiring.

Thanks!

[The Lsat Airbender]

Just apply - having a practice-specific sample isn't a big deal. Nobody expects it for entry-level hires.

Your relevant experience is a plus, of course, but you can bring it up in your cover/letter interview.

[serenitynoww]

Thanks so much for the response. A follow up question, though. Does it make a difference if I am more of a "lateral" candidate? I did one year of biglaw -> clerkship and now want to go back to biglaw. Thanks!

[run26.2]

Thanks so much for the response. A follow up question, though. Does it make a difference if I am more of a "lateral" candidate? I did one year of biglaw -> clerkship and now want to go back to biglaw. Thanks!

You want to submit the best writing sample you can, first and foremost. I would even argue that a sample targeted to a particular practice group has some downside risk, e.g., through you not getting every fine point of the law correct. Mostly, the writing sample is used to ensure you are an effective writer and communicator, which is demonstrated through structure, logic, persuasiveness, and attention to detail.

[serenitynoww]

Great, thank you!