Articles on Legal Writing

Shakespeare’s cold wisdom—Too early seen unknown, and known too late? By Edward Casmere Bench and Bar, September 2017 The point of this article is not to advocate for a campaign of carpet-bombing legal briefs and arguments with quotes from Shakespeare, but rather to suggest that this giant of the literary world has gifted lawyers with timeless insights that may help us better “suit the action to the word, the word to the action” as we practice our craft.
An author’s guide to publication By Darrell Dies & Jennifer Bunker Trusts and Estates, September 2014 A helpful guide to submitting an article for this newsletter.
Memorandum to potential authors International and Immigration Law, August 2014 Everything you need to know about writing an article for this newsletter.
10 things judges wish you knew about legal writing By Timothy J. Storm Young Lawyers Division, December 2012 Are you aware of the 10 most common writing errors and how to avoid them?
Writing briefs judges want to read By Christine M. Kieta Corporate Law Departments, October 2012 Writing well for litigation is two-fold. First, you want to get the judge actually to read what you write. Second, you want the judge to agree with what you write.  
Tips for authoring a winning brief on appeal By Marron Mahoney Young Lawyers Division, April 2012 The author offers helpful advice to ensure your brief is the best (and most persuasive) it can be.
Meet Scribes—A society that promotes legal writing excellence By Norman Otto Stockmeyer Bench and Bar, May 2011 Scribes is a national organization dedicated to the twin goals of encouraging legal authors and improving legal writing.
Writing as a lawyer By Justin Heather Young Lawyers Division, October 2005 Law school is often touted as “teaching you to think like a lawyer.” But it does not necessarily teach you to write like a lawyer.

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