Hi:
I have been asking questions on writing sample but did'nt get any response. Anyway, I have completed my writing sample that concerns a court discussion and decision I was a part of at the Delhi High Court, Delhi, India.
Most of the words and phrases used and even teh language is not what is being used in America.
Would it still be appropriate to submit that or do I need to make changes.., (I do not wanto change th elanguage used by Hon'le Judge of the HC while making the decision)
Any advise would be appreciated..
Thanks.....

Writing sample to where? When you apply for an LL.M. program, you need to submit one or two essays, not writing samples. What you mean, exactly? Besides, if it's your writing sample, why would you send a decision written by a high court judge? You might as well send a dissenting opinion witten by Oliver Wendell Holmes.

But if you wish to analyze a court decision, you may quote the decision, and then analyze on your own terms. If you put quotation marks, it doesn't matter whether it's American English (as long as it's English) or Indian English.

Thanks a lot for ur suggesation. Anyway, its not analyzing the court case, I was part of the research team and our firm represented the Plaintiffs. What I am submitting is a brief on arguments before a court case that I was actively involved in.
I am touching only one part of the dcision and arguments, that was mainly emphasised and argued about. I have to quote the decision or the body of teh decision verbatim..shouldn't I?
Thanks again..Tmalmine..

You're welcome. I'm still wondering where you are going to send your sample to. LL.M. admission committees don't ask for them.

I don't want to sound rude or discouraging, but I'm afraid your idea is not a good one. I don't think anyone in American law schools would be really interested in reading a appellate trial brief. If they ask for a writing sample, they would probably like to read an essay or part of an article etc. The brief was prepared by a law firm, and it's not really yours, is it? Anyway, it would be somewhat unethical to submit a brief written for a client for your personal gain. I suggest you start writing an essay or research proposal or something like that instead.

Of course if you mean that you will analyse the court decision itself, it might be a good idea. But make sure it is an analysis, not advocacy. But tell me, what do you need the writing sample for?

Well it is for submission as an attachment with my application for admission to LL.M program. It's not a brief prepared for a client, but a decision of the High Court in a case where we were the Plaintiffs and did research on issues involved. (It was an injunction applicatio). Though, the application was dismissed but the decision has proved to be a landmark decision and the research wk was specifically appreciated by the Court, as also embedded in the decision.

Andya, thanks for ur keen interest tho. Anyway, one more ? if u may ans, how long does it take for the schools to reply to you regarding their decision whether u've been accepted or dya have to make any kinda inquiries?
Thanks again..

It depends. For Yale it took approximately 3 months. For Columbia it took much longer. Some schools, like Georgetown, have early-admissions process that might be quicker than their regular one.

Regarding inquiries: they are not necessary, but you might want to ask whether your application has arrived if you don't hear from them.

Actually, most law school provide all this information on their website. From there you can also learn that writing samples are not required. I suggest you browse the web, to find out which schools you want to apply, and to learn more about applying etc.

Best,
Toni

Thanks Toni, actually the writing sample is for Fordham, they require it. I did receive emails from fordham and cardozo for additional information which I duly complied with. Now wat u'ink, how long should I wait?
And I would like to know abt u too, if u don mind..
Cheers.....