Legal Writing by Design : A Guide to Great Briefs and Memos

by Rambo, Teresa J. Reid; Pflaum, Leanne J.

• ISBN13: 9780890899106
• ISBN10: 089089910X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-04-01
• Publisher: Carolina Academic Pr

Table of Contents

SECTION I: THE DESIGN OF LEGAL REASONING

Introduction to Reasoning

Reasoning: Deductive, Inductive, and Analogical

Language and Relevancy

From Reasoning to Writing: Organizing our Thoughts

Reading and Interpreting Cases

Using Cases in Writing a Memo or Brief

Examples of Using Cases in Writing a Memo or Brief

SECTION II: THE BASICS: DESIGNING CLEAR AND EFFECTIVE WRITING

Brevity

Artistry: Choosing the Right Word or Phrase

Simplicity: Avoiding Confusion

Impact: Making Every Word Count

Cohesion: The Power of Transitions

Style: Writing with Elegance

SECTION III: DESIGNING THE LEGAL MEMO

The Legal Memo: Preliminary Matters

Question Presented and Brief Answer

The Facts

The Discussion

The Conclusion and Authorities Cited

SECTION IV: DESIGNING THE BRIEF

Introduction to Appellate Advocacy

The Appellate Brief

Statement of the Case and Facts

Standards of Review

Questions Presented

Argument Headings

Summary of Argument

The Argument

The Other Parts of the Brief

Oral Argument

SECTION V: BEGINNING, MIDDLE, AND ENDING

The Blank Page: Tips on Getting Started

Making it Shine: Editing Tips for the Memo and Brief

Sample Analytical Brief of a Case

Ethics and Professionalism: The Practice of Law

SECTION VI: THE SAMPLES

Court Opinion

Legal Memo

Lionell's (Appellant's) Brief

Walker's (Appellee's) Brief

Lionell's Reply Brief