Written by Janice Shepherd, Executive Legal Recruiter.

Academic credentials and experience may not be enough to help paraprofessionals stand out in a competitive legal job market. If you’re seeking new roles—whether in law firms or in-house legal departments —the strength of your writing sample can significantly influence a hiring decision. It proves your ability to think, analyze, and communicate legal processes.

Why a Writing Sample?

A writing sample does more than showcase your writing skills. It demonstrates how you organize your thoughts, present case facts and outline next steps. These are all skills that form the core of every legal role.

Hiring managers use writing samples to gauge how you perform under pressure, deal with client matters, or support the litigation process. In transactional roles, where legal memos or emails are common, a well-drafted sample tells them whether you can synthesize information into concise, actionable next steps.

Choosing the Right Sample

Context matters when selecting a writing sample. Samples that align with the role you’re applying for will always carry more weight than a generic paper. For example:

• Case management statement, deposition summaries and correspondence.
• Transactional roles are better supported by contract drafts or internal memos.

Writing Sample as a Conversation Starter

A compelling writing sample can serve as a valuable conversation starter during the interview process. It provides a concrete basis for discussion about your analytical approach, research methodology, and knowledge of legal process.

You should be prepared to discuss your sample in detail, including the context of its creation, the challenges you encountered, and the conclusions you reached. Your ability to articulate your reasoning and engage in a thoughtful discussion about your work further reinforces the strengths demonstrated in the sample.

Considerations to Keep In Mind

Your writing sample is not merely a supplementary document in your resume. The following guidelines can help you draft a compelling writing sample.

Confidentiality and Redactions

If you’re submitting work that you did, you must redact all confidential or identifying information. Failure to do so could breach client trust or professional ethics, which may disqualify you from further consideration.

Formatting and Length

Submitting a 25-page document may not work in your favor since hiring managers and recruiters would be pressed for time. It’s best to aim for a sample that is 5 to 10 pages in length, polished, and to the point. If the original document is longer, include only a relevant excerpt and explain this in a short note. A short cover sheet or header can help give context and clarify complex resolutions.

Recency Bias

While newer samples are generally preferred, quality is what truly matters. A well-crafted document from two years ago is better than a recent one filled with typos or unclear reasoning. You should also remember to proofread your writing sample meticulously. A single formatting error or grammatical slip can send the wrong message.

Practice Area Flexibility

If you’re shifting practice areas or targeting a different type of firm or employer, you may need to create or revise your sample accordingly.

Having a few tailored writing samples can help you be more responsive. Some firms may ask for a persuasive brief, while others prefer an objective memo. Being prepared for both increases your chances of moving forward.

At Access Talent Solutions, LLC, we understand that crafting a compelling writing sample requires time and effort. If you are looking to shift legal firms and are unsure about what to submit, we are here to guide you. Our team has experience helping legal candidates understand the nuances of writing samples and other steps involved in the legal hiring process. Contact us today to learn more!