You've tweaked your resume and cover letter for the judicial clerkship position, now it's time to add the other three essential components to your application.

1.    The writing sample.  As we mentioned in our previous blog, the cover letter is your first writing sample that judges will see; but with the official writing sample, candidates will need to illustrate their legal analysis ability.  When choosing a writing sample make sure that it highlights your ability to evaluate and analyze a factual and legal situation, research applicable law and reach a logical conclusion.  A writing sample could be a law review article, a moot court brief, a memorandum or a paper written for a law school class. The writing sample should be 5 - 10 pages long and include a cover page with your name, address and a brief explanation of why the writing sample was originally created.

2.    Your law school transcript. Although some judges will accept an unofficial transcript, it may be worth the effort to send an official transcript.

3.    Your letters of recommendation. You judicial clerkship application should include 3 to 4 letters of recommendation.  The letters should be from law school faculty and/or legal employers who can comment on your research skills, writing and intellectual abilities. Make sure that you choose these individuals carefully and provide a current resume and a note explaining the judicial clerkship requirements, so they can reference it while writing the letter of recommendation. Once you have chosen the individuals to write your letter of recommendations, provide them with an envelope and ask them place the completed letter of recommendation in the envelope, seal it and sign the seal. You can include these sealed letters with your application.