Dear Legal Writer, I turn to these five books so often that I need them no matter where I am.

Dear Legal Writer, I turn to these five books so often that I need them no matter where I am.

So as I head home today to Philly and leave these copies behind in Rhode Island, it’s not because I can do without them—it’s because they’re so essential to me, I keep a set in each place.

📘 Bryan A. Garner’s “Legal Writing in Plain English”:

This is the book that, two decades ago, first energized me to try to become an excellent legal writer. It remains gold today. Every legal writer NEEDS this book.

📘 Simon & Cooney’s “The Case for Effective Legal Writing”:

This 2024 release immediately grabbed my attention. It’s full of compelling examples showing how poor legal writing led to actual legal consequences. A must-read for legal-writing professors and coaches.

📘 Ryan McCarl’s “Elegant Legal Writing”:

Also new in 2024, this book offers a clear, organized discussion of everything you need to write well. Whenever I’m unsure about a writing principle, I check to see what Ryan says.

📘 Ross Guberman’s “Point Made”:

Every time I return to this book, I find something new and insightful. Ross walks you through each section of a legal brief, sharing the best examples from top appellate writers. It’s gold—worthy of being savored by all appellate writers everywhere.

📕 Amanda Haverstick’s “Dear 1L”:

My own book for incoming law students, but it’s proved its value as a reference for all stages. Inside, you’ll not only find practical writing strategies from my 20 years in Big Law, but also answers to legal-writing questions that arise all the time (“which v. that” and how to use “However,” to name a few).

I use it myself, often, and every legal writer will find it a welcome addition to their library.

**
As I leave these copies behind, I realize again how vital good books are to our growth as legal writers.

📬 What book has most transformed your writing? I’d love to hear what tops your list.

📬 Anyone like me leave a copy of a book in two places?

💌 Amanda

#DearLegalWriter