Dear Brief Writer, You won’t see a court oder that reads, “Motion denied: no rhythm.” But judges absolutely feel when your writing has no beat.
They feel it when:
🔻 your prose plods,
🔻 every sentence marches at the same tempo,
🔻 every paragraph lands with the same dull thud.
And they also feel the opposite—when a brief has “lift,” so the language carries them forward effortlessly.
🎵 That lift comes from sound. 🎵
We all know music helps memory. Can you say the 26‑letter alphabet without singing?
—Probably. But that A‑B‑C song sure helps, doesn’t it?
It’s the same with briefs:
✔️ Adding sound makes your arguments more memorable, and memorability is the first step in persuasion.
So, as you edit your next brief, don’t just ask “Is this complete?”
👉 Ask:
1 – How does this sound when I read it aloud?
2 – Where does the pace drag—or rush?
3 – Which sentences land with a satisfying beat?
Because a strong brief doesn’t just say the right thing.
A strong brief sounds right.
And a brief that sounds right wins motions.
💌 Amanda
P.S. This is a joint post with my buddy, Chris Schandevel . He offers AMAZING appellate advice. You should follow him!
P.P.S. Adding musicality helps LinkedIn posts, too. 🤞
🎵 Want a judge to see the light?
Make your brief SOUND just right. 🎵
***
#DearBriefWriter
#DearLegalWriter
