What if I don't have a legal writing sample?

Asked by: Moses Howe  |  Last update: December 25, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (72 votes)

If you have to choose between your best writing and the most relevant writing, go with your best writing. o Especially for your 1L summer, it's ok if you don't have a writing sample specific to the area of law your reader will find most relevant. Just choose your best legal writing.

Do law schools see your writing sample?

Once completed, reviewed, and approved, your writing sample will be shared with the law schools to which you have applied. Test takers will be required to have an approved writing sample in their file in order to see their test score or have their score released to law schools.

What are the requirements for a legal writing sample?

The writing sample should be five to ten pages in length, unless otherwise indicated by a particular employer. If you have selected a longer sample, you can provide an excerpt from the sample and add a cover page that provides the appropriate context, as described below.

What counts as legal writing?

Some of the most common forms of legal writings include briefs , memoranda , client letters, and even judicial opinions .

What do I use for a writing sample?

If you have any writing samples about books--and preferably not academic analysis--that'll be your best bet. A reader's report from a different job, a book review, an editorial letter from a writing workshop.

12 Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Writing Samples

21 related questions found

What if I don't have a writing sample?

What if I don't have an appropriate, recent sample? Write one! There is no rule that your writing sample must be something you wrote for work or a class.

Can I submit my thesis as a writing sample?

The writing sample may be an academic paper you have previously submitted to a class, or as part of your senior thesis. It does not have to focus on your proposed area of research, but it will be beneficial if it does.

What are good legal writing samples?

Share your best legal writing.

Examples could include: moot court brief; upper year seminar paper or research project; memo, letter, administrative comments, or advocacy piece from an internship or externship; clinic work sample; or journal note. o Remember that your sample should (usually!) be only 5-10 pages.

What counts as in writing legally?

In Writing means any mode of written communication or a communication made using telegraph or fax. Seen in 269 SEC filings. In Writing means represented in a visual form, either written, printed or lithographed, or any combinations of these.

How long should a writing sample be?

Many employers will specify the desired length of your writing sample. If no desired length is given, choose a writing sample that is two to five pages long. If you'd like to highlight a section of a longer paper, be sure to include your best two to five page selection.

What to redact for a legal writing sample?

Make sure you redact any confidential or sensitive information. someone else, neatly cross out sections that are not your work. Alternatively, you can attach only your sections and explain in the cover sheet that the sample is only a section of a brief that was written by you.

Should I include references in a writing sample?

You will want to ask the program their preference, but usually references do not count unless they explicitly say they do. Images do count and could be included, but also make sure they aren't taking up a lot of your space needed to show your ability to think and write.

Can a writing sample be edited?

Many employers will request an “unedited” writing sample. This means that the work must be substantially your own and should not have been edited by another person. You may personally edit any document, including one that was produced at a law-related job.

How many pages a day do you read in law school?

Not count- ing legal research and writing assignments, most first year law students meet with three classes on average per weekday. Thus, an average reading load could range from thirty-six to over seventy-five pages of reading on "school nights" - well over 2,000 pages of dense reading a semester.

Do law schools check your social media?

Law schools often look at your social media presence when reviewing applicants' candidacy. You don't have a lot to gain, but so much to lose by posting inappropriate things to social media. Use this helpful law school application social media checklist to make sure you are covered!

Can I use scratch paper on the LSAT?

Yes, remote test takers are permitted to have six (6) blank sheets of 8.5”x11” scratch paper. The paper may be lined, unlined, or graphed. For more information, please review Section 14 of the LSAC Candidate Agreement. Please note that scratch paper is not allowed for taking LSAT Argumentative Writing.

Is email considered a legal written notice?

Generally, yes — email is considered written notice. While states have varying laws regarding when property owners should provide written notices and what forms of communication count as such, emails are generally accepted as written notices.

How many pages should a legal writing sample be?

Writing samples should be five to ten double-spaced pages in length, excluding any cover page.

Does a signed paper hold up in court?

The Power of a Legally Binding Document

Any written or verbal agreement between two or more parties can be legally enforced in court.

What can I use as a writing sample?

Writing samples can consist of:
  • Research papers.
  • Narrative papers.
  • Professional blog posts.
  • Journal articles.
  • Press releases.
  • Articles.
  • Other written contributions.

What is an example of bad legal writing?

BAD LEGAL WRITERS USE PASSIVE VOICE a) "the ruling was made by the judge" b) "the complaint was filed by the plaintiff" c) "It was held that..." GOOD WRITERS USE THE ACTIVE VOICE a) "the judge ruled" b) "the plaintiff filed a complaint" c) "the court held..."

How do you ace legal writing?

7 Legal Writing Tips for Law Students
  1. Embracing Legal Writing as a New Discipline. ...
  2. Clarity and Precision. ...
  3. Research and Organization. ...
  4. Persuasion and Reader-Centric Writing. ...
  5. Don't Quote too Much. ...
  6. The Revision Process. ...
  7. Be Prepared for Feedback.

Can I pay someone to write my thesis?

Rely on our professional thesis writers

Our company ensures that your thesis will be written by the most experienced writer with a degree in your specific subject area. We guarantee confidentiality, zero AI involvement, and 100% original, plagiarism-free content—all at an affordable cost.

How many writing samples should I send?

Typically, 8-12 pieces showcasing a range of styles, topics, and formats can make a strong impression. Ensure each sample highlights your writing skills, versatility, and expertise relevant to your target audience or niche.

What happens if you don't submit your thesis?

It's important to meet the submission deadline for your thesis, as failing to do so can result in failing the examination, having to start the process all over again with a new topic, in a delay in graduation or even the loss of your funding.