Include a Cover Memo with Your Writing Sample

Dear Rising 2L: It’s best to include a short, concise cover memo with the writing sample you send to prospective employers.

Why? Because it’s a golden opportunity to set the stage and to start “making friends” with your Reader.

I recommend approaching cover memos with these thoughts in mind:

-What does your Reader need to know before starting your memo or brief?

-How can you interest your Reader to go and actually read it?

🔷 Here’s the type of substantive content to include:

1: An explanation of when and for what purpose you wrote the sample.

2: A short description of the topic about which you wrote, if it would be necessary or helpful for the Reader’s orientation.

3: A statement that you have received permission to use the sample (if required).

4: An assertion that the sample is substantially your own work (if required).

5: An indication that the sample is a shorter excerpt from a longer piece (if applicable).

🔷 Beyond that, try to be a little original in what you say—including in your sentence structure, word choices, and style.

In other words, try to make yours NOT read exactly like the model your school provided. Make yours better written and more clear and informative than that of everyone else.

👉 Finally, your OCI application packet should include parts that all look like they belong together:

The “title,” or “header,” at the top center of your cover memo should look exactly the same as that on your resume and cover letter. (Name, Phone, Email, etc.)

Fondly,
💌 Amanda

P.S. The cover memo does not count as a “page” and should not have a page-number footer.

#LawStudents
#LawSchool