Dear 1L: Top 10 Legal Writing Mistakes 1Ls Make

✏️ Dear 1L Writer. Many of you have said I should write posts with checklists that don’t take long to read. (1L is a busy time!) And so, in that spirit, here are are the top 10 writing mistakes I see 1Ls make:

1: Too much passive voice. (Prefer the active.)

2: Needlessly long sentences. (Keep ‘em short.)

3: Needlessly complex sentence structure. (Keep ‘em simple.)

4: “However,” to start a sentence. (Find an alternative, e.g “but” or “yet.”)

5: Use of “As such” to mean “Therefore.” (It does not.)

6: Use of “in the case at bar.” (Just don’t.)

7: “Due to the fact that,” “in light of the fact that,” & “on account of.” (Just say “because.”)

8: Lack of topic sentences. (Yes, you need those in legal writing, too.)

9: Starting sentences with “There is” or “There are.” (Snooze-fest.)

10: Writing “Court” when “court” is proper. (Learn when to capitalize “court.”)

There is much more to say about all of these. I’ve written on before, and I’ll have examples and explanations for each, but I know time is short. Try to improve your draft by avoiding as many on the list as possible.

I’m happy to answer any questions.
_____________

📫 What would you add? What’s been the best constructive criticism you received on your early legal writing?

I’m thinking of all of you. This is the heart of the semester, and I know you’re all drowning a bit. Sending you some happy, positive cheer!

Fondly,

💌 Amanda