jeudi 24 avril 2014

The Importance Of A Legal Writing Coach

By Essie Osborn


When writing their presentations, lawyers are needed to do so in a specialized way. These writings need to fully express the analysis of the issue being tackled and have the capacity to convince other individuals on behalf of the client being represented. The writings therefore need to be clear and concise as well as in line with the rules of the profession. This is why you will find the services of a legal writing coach important.

The writings are normally divided into two types. There is that which needs a balanced analysis of the legal problem being handled. It can therefore include letters being sent to the client and inter-office memoranda. In order to do it in the best way possible, the attorney has to take into consideration the level of interest, needs and background of the individuals being sent the document.

If for example one is sending a memorandum to a fellow lawyer in the firm, he/she needs not to define basic law definitions or otherwise the whole thing would be totally inefficient and may even lead to annoyance. However, this is not the same when the person being addressed is a client who does not understand much about law. If he/she is sent the same writing as the other lawyer, then he would only remain confused.

The other type of writing is the persuasive one. This includes writings such as negotiation letters being sent on the behalf of the client and appellate briefs. Here, the lawyer needs to put out his point straight without arousing any provocations by making the other party to feel disrespected. He should also not write unnecessary information to the individual as this would be just a waste of time. If a document is being presented to an administrative agency or a court of law, then it must be written in the right style.

Other legal documents that are normally drafted by lawyers include wills and contracts. If they are drafted in the wrong manner, then the interests of the client may end up being injured. Even though there are guides for lawyers on how to write these documents, there is a unique application of the form in regards to the facts that are required.

A coach can help the lawyer in knowing the right citation to use. This is because it normally provides experienced readers with just the right information needed to retrieve and evaluate the authorities which have been cited. The services of the coach will also include teaching the lawyer about the citation format needed, as specified by court rules, for brief and memoranda being done with the court.

During the coaching session, the lawyer will first present one of his/her past legal writings. This will then be reviewed for its style, structure and as well the substance in it. Once the technique of self-editing is mastered by the student, his/her talent can then be natured.

Most coaches will ask their lawyer clients to submit their projects for review. They will then focus on the structure and substance of the argument as they edit it. Other will first do complete editing on a line-by-line basis. Thereafter, they review for structure, logic, tone, integrity, persuasiveness and balance. They then give their comments to the lawyers and work it out again with them so that they may learn the technique.




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