Brief Writing
-
Technology
For Legal Research, Brief Analysis Is The New Vogue
Just in the last 10 days, two major legal research companies have launched brief-analysis tools. -
Boutique Law Firms, Litigators, Small Law Firms
The Jerk Store
Litigators too often take an overly cautious approach and are afraid of making decisions. Don't fall into this trap. - Sponsored
Document Automation For Law Firms: The Definitive Guide
Legal document automation is no longer only for the exclusive few. -
Boutique Law Firms, Litigators, Small Law Firms
To Win, In Your Writing Assume Your Audience Will Give You Next To No Time or Attention
We spend more time on our writings than our audiences ever will.
-
Boutique Law Firms, Litigators, Small Law Firms
Discipline Yourself In Writing: No Adverbs In Persuasive Writing
You’re not writing a novel or a short story. You’re writing a legal paper. Make it focused. -
Boutique Law Firms, Small Law Firms
Think Like A Pilgrim: Striking The Right Balance Of Legalese In Client Communications
Take a lesson from the Pilgrims and the spirit of Thanksgiving for better client communications all year long. -
Boutique Law Firms, Litigators, Small Law Firms
Keep In Mind The 'Ignorant Reader' To Produce The Best Persuasive Writing
Even the best, most hardworking judges will be able to devote only a small amount of time to your briefs and letters. -
Federal Judges, Litigators
An Effort To Make Verbose Lawyers A Little Less Verbose
A new rule of federal appellate procedure takes effect on December 1. -
In-House Counsel, Litigators
The 5 Edits I Make Most Frequently
In-house columnist Mark Herrmann identifies the lingering problems he still encounters even in generally solid briefs. - Sponsored
Early Adopters Of Legal AI Gaining Competitive Edge In Marketplace
How to best leverage generative AI as an early adopter with ethical use. -
Benchslaps, Federal Judges, Litigators
Benchslap Of The Day: Don't You Dare Put Citations In The Footnotes
Where do YOU come down on this hot topic in legal writing? -
9th Circuit, Alex Kozinski, Litigators
Is The 'Kozinski Solution' To The Problem Of Overlong Briefs Gaining Traction?
Could this become a trend in the federal appellate courts? -
In-House Counsel, Litigators
3.125 (Three Point One Two Five) Reasons To Approximate
When does precision matter? Insights from columnist Mark Herrmann. -
9th Circuit, Alex Kozinski, Litigators
Judge Kozinski Won't Read Your 'Fat' Or 'Chubby' Brief
Protip: when in the Ninth Circuit, avoid filing an overlength brief at all costs. -
5th Circuit, Conferences / Symposia, Litigators
Bryan Garner's 3 Neglected Keys To Effective Advocacy
The noted legal writing expert offers insights for litigators who have already mastered the basics.
Sponsored
How AI Is The Catalyst For Reshaping Every Aspect Of Legal Work
Are Small Firms Going Big On Legal Tech?
Document Automation For Law Firms: The Definitive Guide
Sponsored
Early Adopters Of Legal AI Gaining Competitive Edge In Marketplace
Profit Powerhouse: Elevating Law Firm Financial Performance
-
Technology
How To Be A Better Writer And Other Easy Word Tips
Helpful hints from technology columnist Jeff Bennion on how to better use Microsoft Word. -
Litigators, Small Law Firms
Be Careful How You Write Always
Lawyers should make sure that everything they write in their work is up to the highest professional standards, both to protect themselves and to be great lawyers. -
In-House Counsel, Litigators
4 Edits I Have Never Made
What edits has columnist Mark Herrmann never made to a brief over the course of three decades practicing law? -
Non-Sequiturs
Non-Sequiturs: 09.01.15
* More concrete rumors are swirling that President Obama will teach at Columbia Law School once his term is up, with Columbia University president Lee C. Bollinger seemingly confirming Obama would have some role at the school in 2017. [Quartz]
* We told you Amal Clooney just lost a big case, but did the AP lose even more when they tweeted about the case referring to the human rights lawyer as an “actor’s wife”? [Legal Cheek]
* Everyone knows the legal profession has a… problem when it comes to substance abuse. But do lawyers overshare their issues? Or does an open attitude about these problems create a culture where more are willing to seek help? [Law and More]
* Yes, that clerk in Kentucky, Kim Davis, is still refusing to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. Maybe we should blame her lawyers. [Slate]
* If you want to be the best, learn from the best — writing tips from none other than Justice Kagan. [Business Insider]
* Some tough words for lawyers that want the easy life: you shouldn’t get the clients. [It’s Not About The Lawyers, Teacups]
* How do we go about changing the public defense system, which serves ~80% of all defendants? [Fulling the Promise]
-
Technology
The Importance Of Having A Technically Perfect Document
Technology columnist Jeff Bennion identifies a helpful resource for improving your legal writing. -
In-House Counsel, Litigators
Easy Writer (Or: An Analogue To Pile-O'-Crap Syndrome)
Many court rules are designed largely to hedge against inept litigators heaping piles o’ crap on the court, according to veteran litigator Mark Herrmann. -
Screw-Ups, Technology
Practice Pointer: Don't Let Your iPhone Spellcheck Your Brief
Check out this error, which is both entertaining and educational.