Legal Writing
May 7, 2025 2025-05-22 9:12Legal Writing
Legal Writing
Welcome to the Making Law Notes page.
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, straightfo.
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. Avoid passive voice.
Use active voice to make your writing clearer and more direct.
6. Know your audience.
Tailor your writing style and content based on who will read it—judge, client, or fellow attorney.
7. Proofread thoroughly.
Typos and grammar mistakes undermine credibility. Always revise your writing before submitting.
8. Avoid legalese.
Replace archaic legal jargon with plain language wherever possible.
9. Use headings and subheadings.
Break up your content with clear sections to improve readability.
10. Stay objective.
Let the facts and logical arguments speak for themselves instead of inserting too much emotion or bias.
11. Back your claims with authority.
Support arguments with case law, statutes, or regulations where relevant.
12. Vary sentence lengt
Use a mix of short and long sentences for better flow and rhythm.
13. Use transitions.
Link paragraphs and ideas with transitions to improve coherence.
14. Define key terms.
Make sure your reader understands legal or technical terms by defining them briefly.
15. Don’t overuse quotes.
Paraphrase legal authorities when possible, and use direct quotes sparingly.
16. Focus on clarity.
Make sure your argument is easy to follow, even to a non-expert.
17. Avoid redundant phrases.
Phrases like ‘null and void’ or ‘cease and desist’ can often be shortened without loss of meaning.
18. Use bullet points for lists.
Bullets help break down complex arguments and make them easier to follow.
