Publications

Illinois Bar Journal
Articles From Maureen B. Collins

Writing That Stirred Your Souls By Maureen B. Collins July 2001 Column, Page 377 We asked you, Gentle Readers, to send us writing that moved you. Here are excerpts from your responses.
The Message, the Method, the Madness By Maureen B. Collins June 2001 Column, Page 321 For some communication, e-mail is just the thing; other times, only a phone call will do. As you think about what message to send, consider how best to send it.
Point/Counterpoint: Crafting a Counter-Argument By Maureen B. Collins May 2001 Column, Page 267 Learn to counter your opponent's arguments without giving them too much weight.
Writing as Art By Maureen B. Collins April 2001 Column, Page 207 Some writing has special power; the power to move people. And isn't that what lawyers aspire to do?
Don't Just Say It; Present It By Maureen B. Collins February 2001 Column, Page 99 Use technology to project; literally; an image that will impress your audience.
The Lost Art of Drawing a Conclusion By Maureen B. Collins January 2001 Column, Page 45 Somewhere between "the one hand" and "the other" may be the answer your client hired you to provide.
Legal Writing Can be a Scream By Maureen B. Collins December 2000 Column, Page 725 A gallery of horrors awaits legal writers who aren't attentive to; or who play fast and loose with; the details.
Bluebook Blues: Changes in the Seventeenth Edition By Maureen B. Collins November 2000 Column, Page 663 Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, the new edition of the Bluebook is waiting to taunt you with its incomprehensible minutiae.
A Civil Action By Maureen B. Collins October 2000 Column, Page 601 It may not be in your client's best interest to approach your relationship with opposing counsel as if it were war.
E-mail and Attorney-Client Communications By Maureen B. Collins September 2000 Column, Page 541 The dangers of e-mail communication and how to reduce them.
An Editing Checklist By Maureen B. Collins July 2000 Column, Page 415 Learning to be your own editor is an important but challenging job. This checklist can help you revise your own work.
A Legal Writer's Bookshelf By Maureen B. Collins June 2000 Column, Page 359 Been a while since you sharpened your writer's saw? These books can help.
Lawyer as Storyteller By Maureen B. Collins May 2000 Column, Page 289 To be truly persuasive, don't just write a brief; tell a story.
Recommendations for Rookie Writers By Maureen B. Collins April 2000 Column, Page 237 Okay, you've got a real job now; how do you transfer your writing skills from the classroom to the real world of lawyering? Here are some tips.
Drafting with Style By Maureen B. Collins March 2000 Column, Page 173 In the last two columns we looked at the drafting process and component parts of transaction documents.
Drafting Transaction Documents: The Pieces of the Puzzle By Maureen B. Collins February 2000 Column, Page 110 Assemble the standard provisions and create the picture of a well-done deal.
Creating a Document to Meet Your Client’s Needs By Maureen B. Collins January 2000 Column, Page 47 Drafting a seaworthy document requires more than pasting form provisions into place; you have to learn the facts and the law.
Hiring Good Writers By Maureen B. Collins September 1999 Column, Page 499 Here's how to screen prospective hires for good legal writing skills.
Politically Correct Speech: Readers Respond By Maureen B. Collins June 1999 Column, Page 335 Professor Collins touched a nerve with last month's column. Here are some of your responses and her reactions to them.
Writing with Your Audience in Mind By Maureen B. Collins May 1999 Column, Page 285 Give your audience what it wants; first, though, figure out who your audience is.
Politically Correct Speech: A Call for Common Sense By Maureen B. Collins April 1999 Column, Page 223 When does a word mean what it means rather than what people hear it to mean?
Saying What You Mean: the Sequel By Maureen B. Collins March 1999 Column, Page 171 Attorneys are not above the laws of good marketing; ignore them at your peril.
Saying What You Mean: A Mini-Usage Guide By Maureen B. Collins December 1998 Column, Page 699 The difference between the right word and the wrong word is the difference between ... regardless and irregardless.
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