12 resolutions for eager-to-be-better legal writers:

In 2026, I will:

Put more verbs in the active voice (1)
& use “that,” not “which”
when given the choice (2).

I’ll use “therefore” or “thus”
(but never “as such”) (3),
and I’ll throw away my “However, . . .” crutch (4).

I’ll stop putting an “of” after the word “comprise” (5);
I’ll say “use” when I mean it
(I loathe “utilize”) (6).

I’ll stop using dated formalities,
for “under” beats “pursuant to”
when writing more classily (7).

I’ll put commas and periods BEFORE
their quotations (8)
and keep subjects and verbs
in close proximation (9).

I’ll stop dropping “that,”
when it’s just to save space (10)
(for clarity beats concision,
in the most important race).

I’ll turn “of the” into a possessive word (11)
and for the Oxford comma,
I’ll become a big nerd (12).

🔹 And last but not least, for a baker’s dozen this year:

I will fill my verbs with greater alacrity,
to guide my reader through happily (13).

👉 And happily is how I hope you’ll be writing this year.
I’ll be here each day to encourage and cheer.

We’re now off to the 2026 races,
so in the comments below, I hope to see your faces!

💌 Amanda

#DearLegalWriter

P.S. And lest these tips out of your memory fall,
would you save it, print it, and put it on your wall?