Really need to brush up on my legal writing... Forum

[anonanonny]

Any suggestions for books to read to help me brush up on my brief writing skills? It feels like an eternity since I've written one and I would like to do some review prior to my SA.

Thanks in advance!

[k5220]

Bryan Garner's articles for the ABA Journal are pretty helpful (e.g. http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/arti ... al_writing more at: http://www.abajournal.com/topic/bryan_garner_on_words )

[RaceJudicata]

I don't know if this advice is credited, but I like to look at briefs filed by well-known litigators. You should be able to get ahold of plenty of briefs on Westlaw or Lexis. No guarantee that they are "good," and its difficult to fully grasp the briefs without context. That said, if you read enough of them, you will start to see trends and stylistic elements that are common. Add those things to your repertoire. Also, look up briefs from your summer firm / partners in your office.

Yes, this borders on creepy - and I wouldn't say "oh hey, I read all of your work." But this method has helped me tremendously.

Caveat on all this: You can mirror the person you are working for's past work, and they will still find plenty of edits and return the document blood red.

[ph14]

Go buy some Bryan Garner books like Legal Writing in Plain English, Making Your Case, The Winning Brief, etc.

[anonanonny]

Great ideas everyone, thank you!