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In order to perfect legal writing skills takes time and practice. Superior writing skills is required for your work to be successful. Here are a few ways to improve your written legal skills.
First, remember your audience, and tailor your writing for them. Depending on who will be reading your work, the piece will have to be altered in several different tones and styles. A memo to a client will be much less complex, than a brief submitted to the court. So, always remember who is reading the work you are submitting.
Next, you must properly organize your work. Use an intro paragraph, and transitional words (however, moreover), to lead into new paragraphs. Use a topic sentence to introduce each new paragraph’s theme, and use headings and sub-headings where needed. Limit each paragraph to a specific topic, and organize the whole piece for smooth flow from one topic to the next.
Avoid legalese and legal jargon, which does not do anything grammatically or professionally for the work. Words such as aforementioned, wherein, or heretofore do nothing for the work – so get rid of them. Use clear and easy words that your audience will understand. Be concise in your writing. Shorten sentences, remove unnecessary words, and eliminate redundancies in your work.
You will also want to use words provoking action. They will make your work more dynamic and vivid. Words, which require an action to be taken, will show the feeling and will provide for a better-written piece. You must also avoid using the passive voice when possible. Use words that speak in terms of today and future actions.
Lastly, it is important to edit your work several times. Carefully proofread for spelling, grammar, and other errors that may be present. In a document turned into the court or a client, there should not be a single error. These errors will undermine your expertise and credibility as a lawyer.
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