Amanda’s Archive
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Amanda’s Archive
Dear 1L: on “However, …”
Dear 1L: On Starting a Sentence with “However,”
Dear 1L: MSJ Primer
Dear 1L, Most of you are writing summary judgment briefs this spring. You approach…
Dear 1L: IRAC Outline – Standing
Dear 1L, Here is the start of an outline template for an IRAC exam…
Dear 1L: Interview Tips
Dear 1L, I have been conducting mock Zoom interviews of law students during the…
Recent Posts
“Who vs. Whom”
Dear Legal Writer, I’ve got a MONSTER today: “who vs. whom” Truth is: I’ve been…
7 Ways to Take Ownership in Big-Law
Partners ought to do a better job explaining what it means to “take ownership.”…
Don’t Surprise the Court
Dear Legal Writer, Don’t surprise the court. Judges hate surprises. Like “surprise facts.” Those…
When Should the Word “Court” Be Capitalized
Dear 1L, When should the word “court” be capitalized? Here are the rules, and…
3 Legal Writing Questions
Dear Legal Writer, ▪️ What’s better in legal writing? “prior to” or “before”? ▪️…
Why Law Students Should Use LinkedIn
It’s the winter before you start law school. You’re excited but nervous. You’re not…
Stop Saying “The Same” in Legal Writing
“The same” wreaks havoc. To illustrate: 🔹 “She delivered the goods to the warehouse…
Think About Your Reader as You’re Writing
Dear Legal Writer, “Don’t forget me when you write.”That was a note from your…
How to Use “As Such”
Dear Legal Writer, “As such”: 95% of legal writers get this WRONG. So please…
The Book “Lessons From the Admiral,” Gets My Highest Praise
Dear Sir Mark C. Fava, Your book is ridiculously good. I got up through…
Boys Are Raised to Be Brave, Girls Are Raised to Be Perfect
Here’s a story I can’t stop thinking about: A job posting lists 10 qualifications….
Should You Start an Email Newsletter?
Perhaps you prefer the hand-written letter by snail mail. We sure don’t get them…
A Company Is an “It,” Not a “They”
Dear Legal Writer, A company is an “it,” not a “they.” Do you question…
You Tell Me You Want to “Leverage” LinkedIn
Lawyers—You tell me you want to “leverage” LinkedIn. You’re making 3 big mistakes. Here’s…
You Really Need a Good Organization System
As the junior associate staffed on several firm matters, YOU are expected to know…
Legal Writing Is the Opposite of Purple Prose
I’m working on slides for my prelaw writing course, and I learned 2 new…
Avoiding Depression and Anxiety
I’d spend weeks toiling over a long, hard brief. All I’d hear back from…
If You Mean “Because,” Say “Because”!
Dear Legal Writer, If you mean “because,” say “because”! The word “since” is a…