Writing coach Marie Buckley, author of The Lawyer’s Essential Guide to Writing, was interviewed for the December issue of the ABA Newsletter, where she shared some tips for improving one’s legal writing.
Her advice includes the following:
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Lead from the top, meaning always lead with your conclusion. Leading from the top tells your reader what to look for in the rest of your paper, much like the literary technique of foreshadowing.
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Don’t forget to tell a story. Stories involve real people and events, so they have emotional appeal. Every research memorandum or brief should begin with a few sentences that explain the context in which an issue arises.
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When writing about a case, talk about the facts of the case. Also let your readers know the weight of every case you cite.
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Avoid jargon and legalese and use short sentences. Strong writing is concise and establishes a measured pace that flows smoothly.
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Be careful when using bullets in writing. They are a good technique for presenting simple material or lists, but do not simplify complex material to fit into a bulleted format or you may sacrifice content for form.
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