ISBN : 9780199589890
Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice provides an up to date and comprehensive guide to writing and drafting - from the first stages of preparation to the final edit - for anyone starting out on a legal career.
Unlike an English usage text or style guide or a specialised drafting or precedent book, Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice condenses and combines the main principles, rules, techniques and conventions in one volume for newcomers to legal writing and drafting. It is designed to accompany readers from vocational study through to their qualification as solicitors, as well as throughout the early years of practice.
Coverage of email and other electronic communications is included, as are a wide range of legal writing formats such as reports and memoranda. Featuring checklists and examples, it can also be used as a reference for suggested approaches to common problems.
Part 1. Plain English and the General Principles of Legal Writing and Drafting
1: Preparation
2: Sentences and Paragraphs
3: Punctuation
4: Sentence Construction and Grammar
5: Verbs
6: Words and Phrases
7: Avoid Redundant Words and Phrases
8: Repetition and Elegant Variation
9: Using the Right Words
10: Checking your Documents
Part 2. Letters, Emails and and Other Forms of Written Communication
11: Preparation
12: Form, Style and Layout Conventions
13: Letters: Language, Tone, Politeness and Humanity
14: Letters to Clients
15: Letters to Third Parties
16: Email
17: Email Policies
18: Email Etiquette
19: Email Writing
20: Internal Notes, Memoranda and Reports
21: Checking
Part 3. Drafting
22: Preparation and Taking Instructions
23: The Contents and Principal Clauses
24: Planning the Document
25: Layout Conventions and House Style
26: Construction
27: Expressions Relating to Time
28: Definitions
29: Use of Imprecise Words and the Burden of Proof
30: Standards of Obligation
31: Sentences and Paragraphs
32: Choice of Words
33: Final Considerations