A recent remark by a BigLaw partner stopped me dead in my tracks.
Dear Legal Writer,
A recent remark by a BigLaw partner stopped me dead in my tracks.
On a post about legal writing (not mine), he commented,
“This is what I tell my firm’s associates:
I don’t have the time to teach you how to write by going over your draft with you and explaining why certain parts are good or bad, and why I revised or rewrote certain sections.
Rather, if your product was a pretty good starting point, I revised it to make it better, silently decided whether to send you future work, and then kept moving forward–all without having a teachable moment with you.”
Yikes! Is this really what it’s come to?
I have a lot to say, but first is this:
In 2024 and beyond, if you want to become a better legal writer, YOU need to take the lead.
That’s Step 1, and it’s non-negotiable.
Here are 9 more steps you can pick & choose from to help you learn:
2️⃣ Don a thick skin.
The earlier you start taking all feedback as a gift, the faster you’ll improve. Resist the natural tendency to take negative critique personally (even when it’s delivered insensitively).
3️⃣ Build a reference library.
Start a shelf of go-to resources. I grew up on Bryan Garner, so perhaps I’m biased, but I see his works as the most logical place to start. Legal Writing in Plain English, The Winning Brief, and Garner’s Modern Legal Usage should all be on your shelves.
4️⃣ Find top writers to emulate.
I’d start with one name—perhaps someone at your firm or industry whose writing is highly regarded—or check out the best appellate writers featured in Ross Guberman’s tour de force, Point Made.
5️⃣ Become an active reader.
When you read top writers, don’t be passive. Notice & learn new ways to combine words, new ways to structure sentences, and other features you see and like.
6️⃣ Become an active writer.
Learn as you write. Instead of reworking a sentence to avoid words or phrases you’re not sure how to use, spell, or punctuate, look up how & implement. Eventually, you’ll start using new techniques naturally, without even thinking about.
7️⃣ Write what you learn.
Keep track of the feedback you receive & the new techniques you find by memorializing them. That will reinforce your learning & also generate a future reference file.
8️⃣ Teach what you learn.
Reinforce what you learn by explaining it to someone else. They’ll ask questions, expose gaps in your thinking, and help you hone what you think you know.
9️⃣ Lean on tech.
The number of available tools is vast and growing fast. Don’t be shy; find the apps that best suit you, and use them to their full potential.
🔟 Work with a coach.
Ok, this one’s admittedly self-serving, but it can be key—especially to get you started in a personalized, fun, and judgment-free learning zone.
Reach out today at DearLegalWriter .com (no space), or follow along here —> #DearLegalWriter.
Let’s make 2024 the year YOU become a better writer!
💌 Amanda
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🗳️ Any thoughts on the lead-off partner comment?