Introduction to Legal English: Writing

MODULE 1: Before writing: how to read legal English

Objectives

• Understand that every legal matter can be looked at as Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion (IRAC)
• Be able to use the color method for identifying IRAC
• Be able to apply IRAC when reading legal memos and cases
• Be able to apply IRAC to all reading (including emails, directions from superiors, internal discussions)

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MODULE 2: Planning

Objectives

• Be able to determine a logical sequence
• Understand how to present facts in chronological order
• Understand how to “chunk” material
• Be able to divide thoughts into sections and subsections
• Understand how to outline a document

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MODULE 3: Writing in Plain English (1)

Objectives

- Understand and apply the following rules of English writing:

• Do not write in the first person
• Avoid multiple negatives
• Avoid contractions
• Avoid acronyms
• Avoid rhetorical questions
• Refer to people and companies by name

- Understand the importance of simple English – writing as you speak

MODULE 4: Writing in Plain English (2)

Objectives

• Be able to use strong, precise verbs
• Know how to turn -ion words into verbs
• Recognize and apply the active voice over passive
• Understand how to avoid legalese
• Recognize the importance of not using shall
• Understand how to use numerals, not words (and never numeral and word)
• Understand how to correctly write dates

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MODULE 5: Keeping it simple

Objectives

• Recognize the importance of writing in short sentences
• Be able to recognize and omit needless words
• Understand how to keep the subject, verb and object together
• Know how to end sentences emphatically
• Be able to simplify phrases

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MODULE 6: Sentences to paragraphs

Objectives

• Be able to use a topic sentence to introduce each paragraph
• Be able to keep paragraphs simple
• Understand how to place a bridge between paragraphs
• Be able to build in signposts

MODULE 7: Introduction to the IRAC Style of Writing

Objectives

• Understand what IRAC is
• Recognize the importance of order
• Understand how to draft informative headings
• Understand the need to keep it relevant: have a point and prove it

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MODULE 8: Identifying the issue and the Rule

Objectives‍

• Understand that knowing the issue means knowing your conclusion
• Be able to discuss legal issues individually, in a logical order
• Be able to identify and summarize relevant laws
• Understand how to link facts to the rule

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MODULE 9: Analysis and Conclusion

Objectives

• Be able to summarize and clearly present the law when writing for expository purposes
• Be able to clearly present the facts to tell a compelling story when writing for persuasive purposes
• Be able to address counterarguments without contradicting the conclusion
• Be able to state the conclusion in precise terms

MODULE 10: Putting together a complete document

Objectives

• Understand how to use an introduction paragraph to present a map of the document
• Understand how formatting helps guide the reader
• Understand the elements of a complete IRAC memorandum
• Understand the importance of using attention-getters to highlight ideas

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MODULE 11: Citations and Editing  

Objectives

• Understand how to use quotes
• Be able to use Bluebook citations
• Know the importance of limiting quotations in the text of a document
• Recognize the key aspects of a document to focus on when editing

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MODULE 12: Billing and Drafting Emails

Objectives‍

• Be able to write concise, professional emails in English
• Be able to utilize the correct verb form and other language to clearly enter billable hours