Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice

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