All writing samples submitted for consideration for employment should comply with the following guidelines:

1. Each writing sample submitted should ideally be between six and twenty pages in length.

2. Each writing sample should be accompanied by a cover page explaining (a) the sample's original purpose (e.g., class assignment, moot court brief, internal memorandum for employer); (b) when and for whom the sample was written; (c) the extent of editing by any third party; (d) if the writing sample is an excerpt from a larger document, the nature of such larger document; and (e) if the sample is a collaborative work, which portion of the sample was written by the applicant.

3. Each writing sample submitted should demonstrate the applicant's ability to analyze legal issues.

4. Each writing sample should ideally be written within two years of submission. The sample should indicate the date on which it was written.

5. The submission of a final judicial opinion or order as a writing sample is permitted with the consent of the judge if such opinion or order has been published. The submission of a draft judicial opinion or order is not an appropriate writing sample.

6. If an applicant chooses to submit a writing sample containing confidential or privileged information, the applicant must identify and explain the steps taken to preserve the confidential or privileged nature of the document (e.g., redactions, changed names, consent obtained from client or employer).

7. If an applicant is unable to comply with any of the above guidelines, the applicant should submit a brief explanation.