The Best Briefs Contain No Unnecessary Words

Dear Legal Writer, The best briefs contain no unnecessary words. To that end, check out this savvy sentence-shortener:

 ➡️ “is not required to” —> “need not.”

For example—

Instead of:

“The defendant is not required to disprove the plaintiff’s claims.”

Try:

“The defendant need not disprove the plaintiff’s claims.”

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👉 And here’s a bonus: The same “need not” works without any form change when you have plural subjects.

✖️ “Defendants are not required to disprove . . .”

✔️ “Defendants need not disprove . . .”

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So next time you want to cut words or add punch to your briefs, try replacing “is not required to” with “need not.”

Cheers-

💌 Amanda

#DearLegalWriter

P.S. This clever fluff-cutter may just be my all-time fave for briefs.

What’s yours?