Dear 1L: State How the Court Came Out

Dear 1L,

When describing what happened in the cases you cite, make sure to include how the case came out procedurally. Do this for every case if you discuss its facts—whether you’re relying on it for support, or seeking to distinguish it.

SUMMARY JUDGMENT BRIEFS:  If you are writing on summary judgment (SJ), include your answer to this question:  

🔹Did the court grant the moving party’s SJ motion, deny it, or do something else? 

Always answer this question for all cases with facts you discuss. 

APPELLATE BRIEFS:  If you are writing on appeal, include how the court ruled on the lower court case:

🔹Did the court affirm the lower court’s ruling, reverse it, or do something else?

Always answer this question for all cases with facts you discuss. 

✏️ Don’t make a court clerk or law firm partner have to look up the cases you cite just to determine how they came out. Remember, your Reader is busy. Your Reader has little time, little patience. Your Reader will become annoyed with you if you make things hard.

✏️ Always make your Reader’s experience as simple and pleasurable as possible.

Please let me know any questions.

I am sending you fortitude and determination during your writing process. I know it can become all-consuming. I’m rooting for you behind the scenes.

Fondly,

Amanda

P.S. Follow —> #Dear1L to receive future letters.

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