Legal Writing

by Barber, Steve

• ISBN13: 9780827375390
• ISBN10: 0827375395
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-01-07
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

The importance of communication in the legal environment cannot be underestimated. Effectively using the written word in dealings with clients, legal adversaries, the court, and interoffice communication is vital to ensuring a successful legal career. It examines research strategies and explains when to stop researching and start writing. Each of the five most common forms of legal writing are discussed from briefs to transaction documents. The final section explores methodology, style, editing and publishing the document.

Table of Contents

Preface	xiii
CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Legal Writing	1	(29)
1.1 Variety of Legal Documents	2	(6)
Litigation Documents	2	(3)
Briefs	5	(1)
Memoranda	6	(1)
Transaction Documents	7	(1)
Correspondence	7	(1)
1.2 The Importance of Legal Writing Skills	8	(1)
1.3 Characteristics of Legal Writing	9	(7)
The Author	9	(1)
The Audience	10	(3)
The Writing	13	(2)
The Speech Community	15	(1)
1.4 The Rules of Construction	16	(3)
The Consistency Principles	17	(1)
The Specific Limits the General	17	(1)
Context Clues	18	(1)
Intended Omissions	19	(1)
1.5 The Counterrules of Construction	19	(2)
1.6 Applying Writing Skills to the Legal Writing Process	21	(9)
Beyond Technical Writing	22	(1)
Learning About Your Subject Matter	23	(7)
CHAPTER 2: The Prewriting Process	30	(22)
2.1 The Importance of the Prewriting Process	31	(1)
2.2 Stages of the Prewriting Process	31	(18)
Identifying the Source Law	32	(7)
Reading the Law	39	(6)
Analyzing the Law	45	(2)
Applying the Law	47	(1)
Evaluating the Law	48	(1)
2.3 Tips for the Prewriting Process	49	(3)
CHAPTER 3: Structure in Legal Documents	52	(15)
3.1 The Design of a Legal Document	53	(2)
Omit Nothing Important	53	(1)
Add Nothing Superfluous	53	(1)
Use Parallel Structure	54	(1)
3.2 Outline: The Basics of Design	55	(7)
Division	55	(1)
Classification	56	(1)
Sequencing	57	(1)
The Importance of Headings	58	(1)
A Basic Outline for Memoranda and Briefs	59	(1)
Paragraph Design	60	(2)
3.3 Sentence Structure	62	(5)
Vary Sentence Length	62	(1)
Vary Sentence Type	62	(1)
Use Sentences to Create Special Effects	63	(4)
CHAPTER 4: Diseases of Legal Writing	67	(21)
4.1 Avoid Ambiguity	68	(2)
Words with Multiple Meanings	68	(1)
Syntax Problems	69	(1)
Vagueness	69	(1)
4.2 Avoid Inconsistency	70	(1)
The Ultraquistic Subterfuge	70	(1)
The Elegant Variation	71	(1)
4.3 Avoid Redundant Pairs	71	(1)
4.4 Avoid Noun and Verb Strings	72	(1)
4.5 Avoid The Vague Referent	73	(2)
Specific Troublesome Words and Phrases	75	(1)
4.6 Avoid Legal Jargon	75	(1)
4.7 Learn the Difference Between Shall and May	76	(2)
The Proper Use of Shall	77	(1)
The Proper Use of May	77	(1)
4.8 Know How to Use and and or	78	(1)
Do not use and/or	79	(1)
4.9 Avoid Problem Modifiers	79	(5)
The Unnecessary Modifier	79	(2)
The Squinting Modifier	81	(1)
Successive Prepositions	82	(1)
The Use of and or or with Adjectives or Adjective Phrases	82	(1)
Terminal Because Clause	83	(1)
The Vague Participle	83	(1)
4.10 The Importance of Spotting Diseased Writing	84	(4)
CHAPTER 5: Style: Polishing Your Writing	88	(20)
5.1 Build Sentences Around Verbs	89	(1)
Avoid Overuse of Inert Verbs	90	(1)
Avoid Superfluous Verbs	90	(1)
5.2 Choose Active Rather than Passive Voice	90	(2)
Active Voice Identifies the Person Responsible for an Action	91	(1)
Active Voice Aids Readability	91	(1)
When to Use the Passive Voice	92	(1)
5.3 Do Not Overuse Prepositional Phrases	92	(1)
5.4 Avoid Fat Nouns	93	(1)
The Nominalized Noun	93	(1)
The Superfluous Noun	94	(1)
5.5 Be Positive, Not Negative	94	(1)
Negatives Convey Imprecision	94	(1)
Negatives Emphasize Important Points	95	(1)
5.6 Use Correct Tense	95	(1)
Briefs and Memoranda	95	(1)
Transaction Documents	96	(1)
5.7 Think Singular (Even When Using Plural)	96	(1)
5.8 Use Third Person Except for Correspondence	97	(1)
Transaction Documents	97	(1)
Correspondence	97	(1)
5.9 Use Nonsexist Language	97	(2)
Avoid Standard "Gender Definition" Paragraphs	98	(1)
Replace Gender Pronouns	98	(1)
5.10 Avoid Intrusive Words	99	(1)
Keep the Subject and Verb Together	99	(1)
Keep Objects with Their Verbs and Prepositions	99	(1)
5.11 Put Modifiers in Their Place	99	(1)
Split Infinitive Only to Prevent Ambiguity	100	(1)
Use Familiar Words	100	(1)
5.12 Omit Needless Words	100	(4)
Intensifiers	100	(3)
The Unnecessary Windup	103	(1)
Words Between the and of	103	(1)
5.13 Include All Necessary Words	104	(1)
That	104	(1)
The Whiz Deletion	104	(1)
5.14 Write Naturally	105	(3)
CHAPTER 6: Editing	108	(25)
6.1 The Difference Between Macro and Micro Editing	109	(1)
6.2 Macro Editing	110	(4)
Is the Tone Appropriate?	110	(1)
Is the Writing Coherent?	111	(2)
Is the Writing Complete?	113	(1)
Does the Document Comply with All Laws?	114	(1)
6.3 Micro Editing	114	(15)
Check Style	114	(1)
Check Spelling	115	(1)
Check Word Usage	116	(2)
Check Grammar	118	(2)
Check Punctuation	120	(2)
Check Pronoun Reference	122	(1)
Check Capitalization	123	(1)
Check Enumeration	124	(1)
Check Dates, Ages, and Weights	125	(1)
Check Definitions	126	(1)
Check Citations	127	(1)
Check Quotations	128	(1)
6.4 Some Final Editing	129	(1)
Edit and Reedit	129	(1)
Shorten the Document	129	(1)
Proofreading Symbols	129	(1)
6.5 Conclusion: The Importance of the Redraft	129	(4)
CHAPTER 7: Litigation Documents	133	(29)
7.1 Background of Pleading Practice	134	(2)
Common Law Pleading	134	(1)
Code Pleading	135	(1)
Notice Pleading	135	(1)
7.2 Distinction Between Pleadings and Motions	136	(2)
Pleadings	137	(1)
Motions	138	(1)
7.3 Form of Court Documents	138	(3)
Caption	139	(1)
Introductory Paragraph	139	(1)
Recitation of Basis of Relief Sought	139	(1)
Demand or Prayer	140	(1)
Certificate of Service	140	(1)
7.4 The Importance of Deadlines	141	(1)
7.5 The Tools of the Litigation Professional	142	(3)
Court Rule	142	(1)
Form Books	143	(2)
7.6 Guidelines for Preparing Legal Documents	145	(2)
Be Precise and Accurate	145	(1)
Develop the Facts	146	(1)
7.7 Write Simply and Directly	147	(1)
7.8 Sample Pleadings and Motions	148	(3)
The Complaint	149	(1)
The Summons	150	(1)
Responding to the Complaint	150	(1)
7.9 Discovery Practice	151	(1)
7.10 Other Pretrial Motions	152	(1)
7.11 Preparation for Trial	153	(9)
CHAPTER 8: Legal Correspondence	162	(15)
8.1 Functions of Legal Correspondence	163	(3)
To Seek Information	163	(1)
To Persuade	164	(1)
To Provide Information	164	(1)
To Threaten	165	(1)
To Record Information	166	(1)
8.2 Effective Letter Writing	166	(3)
Guidelines for Effective Letter Writing	167	(2)
8.3 The Format of Letters	169	(3)
The Legal Business Letter	169	(3)
8.4 Examples of Legal Correspondence	172	(5)
Settlement Letters	173	(1)
Report Letters	174	(1)
Demand Letters	174	(1)
Opinion Letters	174	(3)
CHAPTER 9: Transaction Documents	177	(26)
9.1 Putting Together Legal Relationships	178	(7)
Objectives of the Parties	179	(1)
Functions of Transaction Documents	179	(1)
Legal and Ethical Considerations	180	(2)
The Details of the Transaction	182	(1)
Practical Considerations	183	(2)
9.2 Volunteering to Draft the Document	185	(1)
Advantages of Drafting the Document	185	(1)
Disadvantages of Drafting the Document	185	(1)
9.3 Consulting Checklists and Form Books	185	(5)
Use of Checklists	186	(1)
Use of Forms	186	(4)
9.4 The Components of the Document	190	(3)
Preamble	191	(1)
Recitals	191	(1)
Consideration	192	(1)
Operative Provisions	193	(1)
The Parties' Signatures	193	(1)
The Importance of Logical Structure	193	(1)
9.5 Examples of Transaction Documents	193	(10)
Bills of Sale	193	(2)
Deeds	195	(1)
Corporate Documents	195	(1)
Promissory Notes	195	(4)
Leases	199	(1)
Contract for the Sale of Real Estate	200	(3)
CHAPTER 10: Legal Memoranda	203	(21)
10.1 What Is a Memorandum?	204	(1)
10.2 Preparing to Write a Memorandum--Some General Guidelines	205	(2)
Give a Neutral Analysis	205	(1)
Get Sufficient Instructions	205	(1)
Ascertain the Objectives of the Memorandum	206	(1)
Learn the Facts	206	(1)
Gather the Source Authority	206	(1)
Organize the Issues	206	(1)
10.3 Form of the Memorandum	207	(13)
Facts of the Memorandum	207	(2)
Issues in the Memorandum	209	(2)
The Discussion Section of the Memorandum	211	(7)
The Conclusion of the Memorandum	218	(2)
10.4 Style of the Memorandum	220	(1)
10.5 A Sample Memorandum	221	(3)
CHAPTER 11: Legal Briefs	224	(24)
11.1 Types of Briefs	226	(1)
Trial Briefs	226	(1)
Appellate Briefs	226	(1)
Other Briefs	227	(1)
11.2 Brief Writing Process	227	(1)
11.3 Form and Content of a Brief	228	(15)
Table of Contents	228	(1)
Table of Authority	228	(3)
Jurisdictional Statement	231	(1)
Statement of the Facts	231	(3)
Statement of the Case	234	(2)
The Issues	236	(2)
Argument	238	(5)
The Conclusion Section	243	(1)
11.4 Style of a Brief	243	(2)
Rules for Effective Brief Writing	244	(1)
11.5 Response or Reply Brief	245	(1)
11.6 A Sample Brief	246	(2)
Appendices	248	(141)
Glossary	389	(4)
Index	393