Regarding writing samples – (I am gleaning information written in the Recorder from an article under the section YOUR SKILLS). Anyone forced to read something craves something short and clear, and in the legal world – nearly everything written is because an employer demands it not because we’re feeling creative. A supervising attorney who asks an associate to write a memo is not looking forward to reading that memo. That’s the honest truth of being a lawyer – no one wants to read what you write – the truth is you can’t make the audience want to read what you write – but you can tailor the writing to the audience. In the legal field it is desirous to keep it short and clear. Communicating with maximum efficiency – writing with the fewest possible words. This is advice regarding legal writing in general. Regarding a writing sample when applying for a position – I think the foregoing rings true, too. Of course, you cannot tailor the writing sample to the audience (in this case the potential hiring law firm) but you can choose a writing sample that is most relevant to the position you seek and what best reflects your writing ability. I believe the most important factor is to display your writing ability.
