Legal Writing
Good Legal Writing Skills
Good legal writing is a skill that every law student needs to learn. After all, lawyers need to be able to communicate clearly and persuasively in order to be successful.
Here are 30 tips that will help you become a better legal writer
1. Use simple, straightforward language.
Avoid using big words or convoluted sentence structure. Instead, use clear and concise language that can be easily understood.
2. Be concise.
Get to the point quickly and try to avoid including any unnecessary information. Every word should serve a purpose.
3. Organize your thoughts then write
Outline what you want to say before you start writing. This will help you stay on track and make sure that your argument is clear and concise.
4. Use strong verbs.
Weak verbs can make your writing sound wishy-washy. Choose words like "claim," "argue," or "demonstrate" to add strength to your writing.
5. Support your assertions with evidence.
When you make a claim, be sure to back it up with evidence. This could include cases, statutes, or other authorities. Without support, your argument will be much weaker.
6. Cite to authority consistently.
When you do cite authority, be sure to do so consistently throughout your paper. Inconsistent citation can make your work look sloppy and unprofessional.
7. Use headings and subheadings.
Headings and subheadings help to organize your thoughts and make your paper easier to read. They also signal to the reader what topics you will be discussing in each section.
8. Construct your sentences properly.
This may seem like a basic tip, but it is important to make sure that your sentences are grammatically correct. Sentences that are poorly constructed can be confusing and difficult to read.
9. Avoid using Legal jargon.
Legal jargon is a specialised legal language that is used in law for example “obita dictum”. It can be helpful in communicating with others who are familiar with the same terminology, but it can be confusing for those who are not.
10. Use A active voice.
Active voice is when the subject of the sentence is doing the verb. For example, "The court held that the defendant was guilty." This is clearer and more direct than passive voice, which would be, "The defendant was held guilty by the court."
11. Use simple words and phrases.
Avoid the use of long or complicated words when shorter and simpler ones will do. This will make your writing easier to understand.
12. Vary your sentence structure.
If all of your sentences are the same length, it can make your writing sound choppy and difficult to read. Mix up your sentence lengths to add variety and interest.
13. Use transitional words and phrases.
Transitional words and phrases help to connect your ideas and make your argument flow more smoothly. Some examples include "however," "furthermore," and "in conclusion."
14. Edit and proofread your work.
Before you submit your paper, be sure to edit and proofread it for any mistakes. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look careless and unprofessional.
15. Follow the instructions.
When you are given writing assignments, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Not doing so can result in a lower grade or even getting the assignment thrown out entirely.
16. Know your audience.
When you are writing, it is important to keep your audience in mind. What do they need or want to know? How much background information do they need?
17. Use persuasive language.
Your goal in legal writing is to persuade your reader of your point of view. To do this, you will need to use language that is clear, convincing, and logical.
18. Be objective.
It's important to remain unbiased in your writing. This means avoiding emotional language and sticking to the facts.
19. strong opening and closing statements.
The beginning and end of your paper are important for making a good impression on your reader. Start strong with an attention-grabbing opening, and end with a powerful conclusion that ties everything together.
20. Support your position with logic.
In addition to evidence, you will also need to use logic and reasoning to convince your reader of your position. This means thinking through your argument and anticipating counterarguments.
21. Anticipate objections.
When you're making your argument, it's important to anticipate any objections that your reader might have. This way, you can address them head-on and show why they are not valid.
22. Cut unnecessary words or phrases.
Legal writing is often very dense, so it is important to be as concise as possible. Cut out any unnecessary words or phrases, and get straight to the point.
23. Use simple sentences.
As with conciseness, using simple sentences can also help to make your writing more understandable. This means avoiding long, complicated sentences with multiple clauses.
24. Make sections
Make sections and break up your paper and make it easier to read. They also give the reader an idea of what each section will be about.
25. Cite your sources.
Any time you use someone else's ideas or information in your paper, you need to give them credit by citing your sources. Failure to do so is plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense.
26. Follow the proper citation format.
There are different citation formats that you might be asked to use, such as Harvard or OSCOLA. Be sure to follow the format that your professor has specified.
27. Use quotes sparingly.
Quotes can be a great way to add support to your argument, but they should be used sparingly. Overusing quotes can make your writing seem choppy and difficult to read.
28. Paraphrase when possible.
If you can paraphrase someone else's ideas instead of quoting them directly, it is often preferable. This shows that you understand the material and can express it in your own words.
29. Organize your paper logically.
Your paper should have a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section should flow logically into the next, and your argument should be clear and easy to follow.
30. Keep an open mind.
When you are researching and writing your paper, it's important to keep an open mind. Be willing to consider other points of view, and be prepared to change your own position if necessary.
Essential Skills You Need to Work On
(Before You Start Writing)
1. Read and understand the assignment.
Before you start writing, it is important to take some time to read and understand the assignment. What are you being asked to do? What is the purpose of the assignment? Make sure you know the answer to these questions before you start writing.
2. Do your research.
Once you understand the assignment, it is time to do your research. This means finding relevant information from sources such as books, articles, and websites. Be sure to take good notes so that you can easily find the information later.
3. Develop a thesis.
Your thesis is the main argument of your paper. It should be clear, concise, and well-supported by evidence. Spend some time brainstorming before you decide on a final thesis.
4. Make an outline.
Before you start writing, it's helpful to make an outline of your paper. This will give you a roadmap to follow and help keep you focused on your argument. Your outline should include your thesis, as well as the main points you want to make in support of it.
5. Start with a strong opening.
The opening of your paper is important because it's your first chance to make a good impression. Start with a strong hook that will grab the reader's attention, and make sure your opening is relevant to the rest of your paper.
Legal Writing - Do's and Don’ts
When it comes to legal writing, there are certain do's and don'ts that you should keep in mind. First and foremost, always remember to use proper grammar and punctuation. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people make simple mistakes that can easily be avoided.
Another important thing to keep in mind is to be clear and concise. The last thing you want is for your reader to be confused or have to read through a long, drawn-out document. Get to the point and make sure your argument is well-supported.
Finally, always proofread your work before hitting send. A few typos here and there might not seem like a big deal, but they can make a big difference in how your work is received. Take the extra few minutes to review your document and make sure everything looks correct before moving forward.
What is the importance of Good Legal Writing?
Good legal writing is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it's a key skill for law students. If you want to get good grades and be successful in law school, you need to be able to write well.
Beyond that, good legal writing is also important in the real world. Lawyers need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely in order to effectively represent their clients. If you can't write well, you are not going to be very successful as a lawyer.
In short, good legal writing is important because it is an essential skill for lawyers. If you want to be successful in law school and in your career, you need to make sure your writing is up to par. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your legal writing is on point and will be well-received by whoever reads it.