Re:     Letter of Recommendation for Thomas Chow


Dear Your Honor:

        Please accept this letter of recommendation on behalf of Thomas Chow who has applied for a clerkship in your chambers. I write to enthusiastically support his candidacy.

        Thomas received a high grade in my Advanced Appellate Advocacy course at Hastings College of the Law, and is currently my Head Teaching Assistant for the course this semester. The quality of his legal research and analysis of issues is strong. Thomas is able to focus on an issue, fully explore it, and analyze the law and facts in a succinct, coherent, and organized manner. His writing skills are very strong and continually improving. Thomas eagerly seeks guidance on his work when necessary, and responds positively to constructive criticism. He has the ability to approach even the most tedious assignments with good humor and high spirits.

        A recommendation for Thomas would be incomplete without commenting on his personal qualities. Thomas is an enthusiastic, good-natured, and respectful person. He is unfailingly pleasant! It is a pleasure to converse with Thomas. His interpersonal skills are excellent. His time management skills are highly developed.

        I am a former supervising staff attorney for the Ninth Circuit, and a former judicial clerk to Ninth Circuit Judge Cecil F. Poole. Therefore, I am keenly aware of the professional and interpersonal skills which are necessary not only to perform the work, but also to maintain a standard of excellence. There is no question in my mind that Thomas would be a tremendous asset to your chambers. Therefore, I would respectfully urge you to give his application the utmost consideration.

        Please do not hesitate to call me if I can provide any additional information. I would be pleased to speak with you.


Very truly yours,

Raymond J. Ramsey
Adjunct Professor
HASTINGS COLLEGE OF THE LAW

To Whom It May Concern:

        I teach Appellate Advocacy at Hastings which is why I am briefly writing today.  I've taught at Hastings for almost 10 years.  During that time, I have had a great number of teaching assistants.  Thomas Chow was my head teaching assistant this past semester.  I rank him among the best of all time.  Thomas is mature, hardworking, and extremely dedicated.   He took the lead a number of times on a variety of tasks without any urging from me.  Quite frankly, my class would not have gone as smoothly this past semester without his efforts.  

        He is an excellent writer and has superb oral advocacy skills.  Among his qualifications, you will note the judicial externship and moot court team member.  Making a moot court team at Hastings is not easy.  Hastings is recognized nationally as one of the top moot court programs in the country.  Thus, it is an extremely competitive process. 

         I hope you will give Thomas strong consideration.  I have no doubt he would be a plus to your team.  Best regards. 

Very truly yours,

Raymond J. Ramsey
Adjunct Professor
HASTINGS COLLEGE OF THE LAW