USDOJ: OARM: Component Writing Sample, Resume, and Transcript Requirements

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Attorney General's Honors Program Summer Law Intern Program

A. Attorney General's Honors Program Requirements. Only the components listed below request writing samples, resumes, or transcripts from Honors Program interview candidates. Please follow the submission requirements listed for each component as guidance differs. Any questions relating to the writing sample or other submissions should be addressed to the Attorney Recruitment Coordinator(s) (ARCs) for the specific component. Components requiring writing samples or other submissions at or prior to Honors Program interviews are:

Antitrust Division      Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives     Civil Division
Civil Rights Division      Criminal Division     Environment and Natural Resources Division
Executive Office for Immigration Review     Federal Bureau of Prisons     Tax Division
U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts     U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California      U.S. Trustee's Offices

ANTITRUST DIVISION: Antitrust requests a writing sample and a transcript.

Submission Deadline	Not later than October 12, 2007
Format	Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat PDF, or Word Perfect
Type of Writing Sample	Interview candidates should submit one writing sample only, not to exceed 15 pages in length. An excerpt from a longer piece is acceptable. The sample should provide evidence of the candidate’s skills in legal analysis and writing. It should represent the candidate’s own work, without extensive editing by anyone else.
Submission Method	Submit by writing sample and transcript by e-mail as an attachment to: atr.personnel@usdoj.gov. If transcript cannot be sent via e-mail, it can be faxed to (202) 514-0580. All writing sample submissions should include a standard subject line formatted as: HP Writing Sample – Name of Candidate For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” should read: HP Writing Sample – J.Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	Candidates should place their name in the top right-hand corner of the documents.

BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS & EXPLOSIVES: ATF&E requests a writing sample and a transcript.

Submission Deadline	At the time of the interview.
Format	Paper copy.
Type of Sample	Legal analysis writing sample not to exceed 10 pages in length. Do not submit work that has been heavily edited by others. Extracts from an article, brief, or memorandum are acceptable. If the work is authored by more than one person, the candidate should highlight the portions that he or she authored.
Submission Method	Writing samples and transcripts will be collected at the interview.
Special Instructions	Candidates should place their name on the upper right-hand corner of the first page of the of the writing sample and ensure their full names and law school are on the transcript.

CIVIL DIVISION: The Civil Division requests a writing sample and an electronic resume.

Writing Sample and Resume Submission Deadline	Not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect or Adobe Acrobat PDF
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one writing sample only, not to exceed 15 pages in length. An excerpt from a longer piece is acceptable. The sample should provide evidence of the candidate's skills in legal analysis and writing. It should represent the candidate's own work, without extensive editing by a third party.
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to: Civil.HP-SLIP@usdoj.gov The email subject line should include the candidate’s name and the letters “HP” or the words “Honors Program” For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” should read: HP Writing Sample – J.Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	The document submitted should contain the candidate’s name at the top, right corner. Each candidate selected for interview must also submit an electronic copy of his/her resume, in addition to the writing sample. The resume should be submitted to the e-mail address listed above.

CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION: The Civil Rights Division requests a writing sample.

Submission Deadline	October 12, 2007 (If notified of selection late, within 3 business days following notification of selection for interview.)
Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only, of sufficient length to demonstrate the candidate’s writing abilities. The sample should be the candidate’s exclusive work, unedited by third parties
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to: Harry.Vickers@usdoj.gov The email subject line should include the candidate’s name and the letters “HP” or the words “Honors Program” For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” should read: Honors Program Writing Sample – J.Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	The document submitted should contain the candidate’s name at the top, right corner.

CRIMINAL DIVISION: The Criminal Division requests a writing sample.

Submission Deadline	Not later than three business days following notification of selection for an interview.
Format	Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, or Adobe Acrobat
Type of Sample	Legal analysis writing sample not to exceed 10 pages in length. Do not submit work that has been heavily edited by others. Extracts from an article, brief, or memorandum are acceptable. If the work is authored by more than one person, the candidate should highlight the portions that he or she authored.
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to: crmwritingsamples@usdoj.gov. All submissions should include a standard subject line formatted as: Writing Sample – Name of Submitter For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” should read: Writing Sample – J.Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	Candidates should place their name on the upper right-hand corner of the sample.

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION: ENRD requests a writing sample.

Submission Deadline	As soon as possible but not later than five days following notification of selection for an interview.
Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect or Adobe Acrobat
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only reflecting the candidate’s best writing. The sample should be an original piece of the candidate’s choice, not too lengthy, and should not have been extensively edited by a third party (e.g., not a heavily-edited law review article or a judicial opinion).
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to: Marcia.Burke@usdoj.gov or to Janelle.Marshall@usdoj.gov. The email subject line should reflect: “Writing Sample – Honors Program.” For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” could read: Writing Sample – Honors Program (J.Q. Candidate)
Special Instructions	The document submitted should contain the candidate’s name at the top, right corner.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW: EOIR requests a writing sample (both electronic and hard copy) and a transcript.

Writing Sample Submission Deadline	Not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Wednesday, October 17, 2007.
Writing Sample Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only reflecting the candidate’s best writing. The sample should be an original piece of the candidate’s choice, not too lengthy, and should not have been extensively edited by a third party (e.g., not a heavily-edited law review article or a judicial opinion).
Submission Method	Submit writing sample by e-mail as an attachment to: EOIRhonors.writingsamples@usdoj.gov The email subject line should reflect: “Honors Program Writing Sample.” For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” could read: Honors Program Writing Sample (J.Q. Candidate)
Special Instructions	The document submitted by e-mail should contain the candidate’s name at the top, right corner. EOIR will collect a paper copy of the writing sample and the candidate’s transcript at the interview. Candidates should ensure their full name and law school is on the transcript.

FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS: BOP requests a writing sample.

Submission Deadline	Not later than five business days prior to the interview date
Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only reflecting the candidate’s best writing. The sample should be an original piece of the candidate’s choice, not more than 10 pages in length.
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to: mmcbride@bop.gov The email subject line should reflect: “Honors Program Writing Sample” and include the candidate’s name. For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” could read: Honors Program Writing Sample – J.Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	The document submitted should contain the candidate’s name at the top, right corner.

TAX DIVISION: The Tax Division requests a writing sample and a transcript.

Submission Deadline	October 9, 2007 or within 3 days following notification of selection for an interview.
Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one writing sample only, reflecting his or her best writing. The sample should be an original piece – if possible, an advocacy piece (e.g., a brief or motion) – and not one extensively edited by a third party (e.g., not a heavily-edited law review article or judicial opinion).
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to: Taxhonors@usdoj.gov. All email writing sample submissions should include a standard subject line formatted as: Honors Program Writing Sample –Candidate First and Last Name For example, a sample submitted by “Jane Q. Candidate” should read: Honors Program Writing Sample – Jane Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	Candidates should place their name in the top right-hand corner of the writing sample. The Division prefers candidates to e-mail their transcript to the address above, but if that is not possible, candidates can mail a transcript to the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, Attn: Connie Adkins, Human Resources Specialist, P.O. Box 813, Washington, DC 20044. Candidates must ensure that their full name and law school are on the transcript. Candidates who mail a transcript must also bring a copy to the interview in case there are delays in delivery.

U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA: The Central District of California requests a writing sample, resume, and a transcript.

Submission Deadline	As soon as possible after notification of selection for an interview.
Format	Hard copy print version (no electronic submission)
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only, of sufficient length to demonstrate the candidate’s writing and analytical abilities. The sample should be the candidate’s exclusive work, and should not have been extensively edited by a third party. Candidates who have published writings on legal topics (e.g., books, law review articles, etc.) should include a list giving full citations, dates, and a general description of the subject matter.
Submission Method	Submit by mail, along with a cover letter, resume, and a transcript to: Sally Meloch United States Courthouse 1200 312 North Spring Street Los Angeles, California 90012.
Special Instructions	Candidates must attach a cover letter, current resume, and a law school transcript to the writing sample, and indicate that he or she was selected for an Honors Program interview. Candidates should ensure their full names and law school is on the transcript.

U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA: The Southern District of California requests a writing sample and a resume.

Submission Deadline	As soon as possible after notification of selection for an interview.
Format	Hard copy print version (no electronic submission)
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only, of sufficient length to demonstrate the candidate’s writing and analytical abilities. The sample should be the candidate’s exclusive work, and should not have been extensively edited by a third party. Candidates who have published writings on legal topics (e.g., books, law review articles, etc.) should include a list giving full citations, dates, and a general description of the subject matter.
Submission Method	Submit by mail, along with a cover letter and a resume to: Renee Miranda Southern District of California 880 Front Street, Room 6293 San Diego, CA 92101-8893
Special Instructions	Candidates must attach a cover letter and current resume to the writing sample, and indicate that he or she was selected for an Honors Program interview.

U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS: The District of Massachusetts requests a writing sample, resume, and Parts VII – XI of a specific AUSA application form (see special instructions).

Submission Deadline	As soon as possible after notification of selection for an interview. Materials should arrive not later that 5 business days prior to the interview.
Format	Hard copy print version (no electronic submission)
Type of Writing Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only, of sufficient length to demonstrate the candidate’s writing and analytical abilities. The sample should be the candidate’s exclusive work, and should not have been extensively edited by a third party. Candidates who have published writings on legal topics (e.g., books, law review articles, etc.) should include a list giving full citations, dates, and a general description of the subject matter.
Submission Method	Submit by mail, along with a cover letter, a resume, and Parts VII through XI of the USA Job Application form (see special instructions below), to: U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Massachusetts John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse Attn: First Assistant U.S. Attorney 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 Boston, MA 02210
Special Instructions	Candidates must attach a cover letter indicating that he or she was selected for an Honors Program interview and a current resume to the writing sample. Candidates must also submit (in hard copy) parts VII through XI of the USA Job Application form specific to the District of Massachusetts. The USA Job Application form is at www.usdoj.gov/usao/ma/documents/USAapplication.pdf. It can also be accessed from www.usdoj.gov/usao/ma/employment.html. Candidates should bring copies of all submissions with them to the interview.

U.S. TRUSTEE'S OFFICES: The U.S. Trustee Program requests a writing sample and transcript.

Submission Deadline	Writing samples and transcripts will be collected at the time of the interview.
Writing Sample Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one writing sample only, reflecting his or her best writing.
Submission Method	Submit in printed format at the time of the interview.
Special Instructions	Candidates should place their name in the top right-hand corner of the writing sample document.

B. Summer Law Intern Program Component Writing Sample Requirements. Only the components listed below request writing samples, resumes or transcripts from candidates selected for consideration for employment. Please follow the submission requirements listed. Any questions relating to the writing sample or other submissions should be addressed to the Attorney Recruitment Coordinator(s) (ARCs) for the specific component. The Office of the Solicitor General and the Office of Legal Counsel may independently contact candidates to request writing samples. Components requiring writing samples or other submissions as part of the consideration for the SLIP are:

Antitrust Division      Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives      Civil Division
Civil Rights Division     Executive Office for Immigration Review
Federal Bureau of Prisons     Office of Justice Programs
Professional Responsibility Advisory Office
Tax Division

ANTITRUST DIVISION: Antitrust requests a transcript.

Submission Deadline	Not later than October 18, 2007
Transcript Format	Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat PDF, or Word Perfect
Submission Method	Submit transcript by e-mail as an attachment to: atr.personnel@usdoj.gov. If transcript cannot be sent via e-mail, it can be faxed to (202) 514-0580.
Special Instructions	Candidates should make sure their full name and school appears on the transcript.

BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS & EXPLOSIVES: ATF&E requests a writing sample

Submission Deadline	To be provided at the time the candidate is contacted for a telephone interview.
Writing Sample Format	Microsoft Word, Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Candidates who are notified of selection for consideration for employment will be asked to provide a writing sample prior to a telephone interview. The candidate will be given the email address or fax number to use for submission upon being contacted for the interview. Request a legal analysis writing sample not to exceed 10 pages in length. Do not submit work that has been heavily edited by others. Extracts from an article, brief, or memorandum are acceptable. If the work is authored by more than one person, the candidate should highlight the portions that he or she authored.
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to the address provided when contacted for a telephone interview or fax to the number provided. All e-mail submissions should include a standard subject line formatted as: SLIP Writing Sample –Candidate First and Last Name For example, a sample submitted by “Jane Q. Candidate” should read: SLIP Writing Sample – Jane Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	Candidates should place their name on the upper right-hand corner of the first page of the writing sample.

CIVIL DIVISION: The Civil Division requests a writing sample.

Submission Deadline	Not later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only, not to exceed 15 pages in length, reflecting the candidate's best writing. The sample should be an original piece - if possible, an advocacy piece such as a brief or motion, legal memorandum, or an early draft of a published note or article. The submission should not be extensively edited by a third party (e.g., not a heavily-edited law review article or a judicial opinion).
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to: Civil.HP-SLIP@usdoj.gov The email subject line should read “SLIP Writing Sample.” For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” should read: SLIP Writing Sample – J.Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	The document submitted should contain the candidate’s name at the top, right corner and indicate that it is for the Summer Law Intern Program. The Civil Division does not conduct formal interviews (either in person, by telephone, or via teleconference) for the Summer Law Intern Program.

CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION: The Civil Rights Division requests a writing sample.

Submission Deadline	Within 3 business days following notification of selection for consideration for employment.
Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only, of sufficient length to demonstrate the candidate’s writing abilities. The sample should be the candidate’s exclusive work, unedited by third parties
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to: Harry.Vickers@usdoj.gov The email subject line should include the candidate’s name and the letters “SLIP.” For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” should read: SLIP Writing Sample – J.Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	The document submitted should contain the candidate’s name at the top, right corner and indicate that it is for the Summer Law Intern Program. The Civil Rights Division will conduct SLIP interviews by telephone.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW: EOIR requests a writing sample.

Submission Deadline	Not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Friday, October 19, 2007.
Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only reflecting the candidate’s best writing. The sample should be an original piece of the candidate’s choice, not too lengthy, and should not have been extensively edited by a third party (e.g., not a heavily-edited law review article or a judicial opinion).
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to: EOIRhonors.writingsamples@usdoj.gov The email subject line should reflect: “SLIP Writing Sample.” For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” could read: SLIP Writing Sample - J.Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	The document submitted should contain the candidate’s name at the top, right corner.

FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS: BOP requests a writing sample.

Submission Deadline	Not later than five business days prior to the interview date
Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Candidates selected for consideration for employment should submit one sample only reflecting the candidate’s best writing. The sample should be an original piece of the candidate’s choice, not more than 10 pages in length.
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to: mmcbride@bop.gov The email subject line should reflect: “SLIP Writing Sample” and include the candidate’s name. For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” could read: SLIP Writing Sample -J.Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	The document submitted should contain the candidate’s name at the top, right corner.

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS: OJP requests a writing sample.

Submission Deadline	To be provided at the time the candidate is contacted for a telephone interview.
Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only, not to exceed 10 pages in length, reflecting the candidate’s best writing. The sample should be an original piece - if possible, an advocacy piece such as a brief or motion, legal memorandum, or an early draft or a published note or article. The submission should not be extensively edited by a third party (e.g., not a heavily-edited law review article or a judicial opinion).
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to: OJP.HP-SLIP@usdoj.gov All submissions should include a standard subject line formatted as: SLIP Writing Sample – Name of Candidate For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” should read: SLIP Writing Sample – J.Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	The document submitted should contain the candidate ’s name at the top, right corner and indicate that it is for the Summer Law Intern Program. The Office of Justice Programs will conduct SLIP interviews by telephone.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY ADVISORY OFFICE: PRAO requests a writing sample and a transcript.

Submission Deadline	Not later than one week following notification of selection for consideration for employment.
Format	Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Interview candidates should submit one sample only, not to exceed 15 pages in length, reflecting the candidate’s best writing. The sample should be an original piece – if possible, an advocacy piece such as a brief or motion, legal memorandum, or an early draft or a published note or article. The submission should not be extensively edited by a third party (e.g., not a heavily-edited law review article or a judicial opinion).
Submission Method	Submit writing samples by e-mail as an attachment to: Maria.McClam@usdoj.gov The email subject line should include the candidate’s name and the phrase “SLIP Writing Sample” For example, a sample submitted by “J.Q. Candidate” should read: SLIP Writing Sample – J.Q. Candidate. Submit transcripts by e-mail to the same address if possible. If e-mail submission of transcripts is not possible, it can be faxed or mailed to: Maria McClam, 1425 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 12000, Washington, D.C. 20530, (Fax) (202) 353-7483.
Special Instructions	The writing sample document submitted should contain the candidate’s name at the top, right corner.

TAX DIVISION: The Tax Division requests a writing sample and a transcript.

Submission Deadline	To be provided at the time the candidate is contacted for a telephone interview.
Format	Microsoft Word, Word Perfect
Type of Sample	Candidates who are notified of selection for consideration for employment will be asked to provide a writing sample prior to a telephone interview. The candidate will be given the email address to use for submission upon being contacted for the interview. The sample should reflect his or her best writing and be an original piece – if possible, an advocacy piece (e.g., a brief of motion) – and not one extensively edited by a third party (e.g., not a heavily-edited law review article or judicial opinion.)
Submission Method	Submit by e-mail as an attachment to the address provided when contacted for a telephone interview. All submissions should include a standard subject line formatted as: SLIP Writing Sample –Candidate First and Last Name For example, a sample submitted by “Jane Q. Candidate” should read: SLIP Writing Sample – Jane Q. Candidate
Special Instructions	Candidates should place their name in the top right-hand corner of the document and indicate that it is for the Summer Law Intern Program. The Division prefers candidates to e-mail their transcript to the address provided, but if that is not possible, candidates can mail a transcript to the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, Attn: Connie Adkins, Human Resources Specialist, P.O. Box 813, Washington, DC 20044. Candidates who mail a transcript must also bring a copy to the interview in case there are delays in delivery.


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