Writing Tips to Give you the Legal Edge – for Law Clerks and Paralegals

The written word is essential in the legal world, and the pressure as a law clerk or paralegal to research, craft and deliver documents that are accurate, concise and persuasive for high-powered professionals can be daunting. It doesn’t have to be … with a few insights and practice.

In a leading-edge legal program, law clerk course or classes for paralegal you will learn, in depth, the types of documents you will be responsible for delivering, from emails to clients and internal memos, to persuasive submissions to judges, wills, resolutions, contracts and legal filings of every variety. But the common thread in all, is the quality; this will be critical to your success, can be the difference in the very outcome of a case, and will build the credibility of the people and organization you represent. It is essential that you understand why your writing matters and how to master your process and delivery.

If you’re training to be a paralegal, are considering education for legal assistant or are launched into the industry and looking to up your game … this is what you need to know.

Writing Insights & Tips to Give You That Legal Edge

Why Are Your Legal Writing Skills Essential?

Ready or not, the moment at which you launch your legal career, all eyes are on every detail of what you write. You must be prepared, and to do that you need to understand why your writing matters, to you, to the clients you represent, and the colleagues you work alongside.

• Creates a Foundation of Credibility – People need to know that what you write, they can trust, every single time. Judges, lawyers and clients count on the fact that what you write is accurate, can deliver a compelling argument to persuade, is professional and error free, and that no matter the pressure, you will craft it in a timely manner. Writing is the very foundation of your career, is your voice of professionalism, and done well, can be become the very thing to propel your success, as you begin and expand your legal career.
• Boosts Your Arguments Persuasiveness – Your ability to persuade is essential to convincing those you deliver to that there is merit in your case, in the consideration of the facts as you present them. Every legal document should open with the specifics of the applicable law, the legal question at hand, and the facts that reveal the conclusion you’re driving toward and a call to action. Your research, accuracy, citations, and presentation will make all the difference in how compelling your argument is.
• Influences Your Firm’s Reputation – Whether you work within a firm or seek to build your own as you gain experience, your writing is a reflection of the whole. It is essential that every document you craft is free of errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and is presented in the proper format. Mastering this in all your communications, will be the difference between opposing council, clients and judges taking your firm seriously or not.
• Can Make or Break a Case – While you may not be the legal professional presenting the details of a case, your work behind the scenes, from interviewing clients and research to drafting agreements and resolutions and internal documents for trial, prepares your legal team to deliver. Winning or losing the case truly can depend on the accuracy, clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Writing Tips to Give You That Edge

1. Consider Your Audience – Most of the time you’ll be writing for a professional audience, requiring high-level skills, but not always. Recognizing the competency and comprehension level of those you’re communicating with is essential. Your writing a memo internally will be different than the language you use for a document for a judge and again when crafting an email to a client. Your ability to relate to each and having them understand and respect you for your delivery, will depend on how well you consider and adapt your writing to what they will relate to.

2. Outline Your Information – Planning for what you need to communicate is as essential as the final piece. Putting into bullet form the purpose and points you want to make will provide a framework as you organize thoughts and details and determine the most accurate sequence for delivery.

3. Review Legal Writing and Standards – Whether you’re enrolled in or considering a law clerk program or training and becoming a paralegal in Ontario, your education should cover the variety of documents you could potentially be responsible for and provide you with key examples of effective writing. Immersing yourself in legal writing, getting to know the flow, sequence of details, power of a compelling argument and the essential nature of citations, will help you hone your own skills.

4. Research, Research, Research – From laws and statutes that apply to the position you’re taking, to past cases and teams that set precedence and made compelling arguments, research is your best defence and offence when crafting a legal document. Use both print resources and the internet to suss out details and demonstrate your ability to leverage facts to present and persuade.

5. Practice Being Concise – The legal world is fast-paced and focused on accuracy and efficiency; the writing you provide to the legal team and your clients will be respected if it delivers details quickly and clearly. Use language that is professional and to the point. Complex words can confuse; simplicity is the key. This skill takes time to master but absolutely can be with determined practice.

6. Learn to Use Citations – Citing sources is essential and expected. Writing legal analysis is more compelling when you use past cases and research to create a convincing argument. The ability to show reasoning behind your argument ensures judges understand your position. Depending on where you are practicing, the rules regarding citation can vary, so make sure you understand the standard used in your area. And remember to keep citations in balance, using them to support your position but not so many that it becomes confusing to the reader.

7. Proofread and Edit to Perfection – No matter how seasoned a writer, proofreading is key, and second eyes even better. The first round of editing is essential for catching spelling and grammar errors. And each subsequent round of review allows you to hone the language, cut back on superfluous details and create a final piece that is concise and compelling with just the right number of citations. And if you have a legal friend or colleague who understands the audience you’re addressing, a second set of eyes often provides invaluable insight.

8. Seek Professional Feedback – If you are committed to upping your game, the best way to do this is to put your pride aside – you know, that part of us that wants to prove we’re good all on our own – and ask for feedback. At Anderson College, all our legal programs are taught by legal experts in the industry and their insight is powerful as you learn to find your own voice and way in your new career. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; our team is here to ensure you are skilled, confident and in demand as you launch your legal career into the world.
—————————-

Your commitment to mastering your writing skills will have a formidable and lasting impact on your career. With these insights and tips, you have a head start.

If you’re still determining if a legal career matches your interests, you can always take the “Anderson College Legal Career Training Readiness Quiz”.

But if you’ve got a feeling this field may be for you, we’re here to help you navigate your way from program selection and determining if you’re eligible for financial assistance to graduation and landing the position of your dreams. Let us help you get launched into a Legal career, book a virtual appointment with one of our amazing Admissions Advisors today.

Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!

We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:

• Anderson College’s Comprehensive Legal Programs
• Paralegal Programs – Mississauga / Windsor
• Law Clerk Program & Courses at Anderson College
• Powerful Insights into Paralegal Training with Grad Samantha
• 8 Essential Insights You Need to Know Before Becoming a Paralegal
• Your Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Law Clerk
• Study Law Clerk and Be More Than Just a Number – a Graduate’s Perspective