Stop Using “Such” in Legal Writing

“Such” is vague.
“Such” is overused.
“Such” makes your sentences sound AWKWARD!

Worse, when used to refer back to something, “such” can create real confusion about what is actually being referenced. ⤵️

🔹 “The respondent must provide documentation of such expenses within 30 days.”

—> Which expenses?

Be specific!

🔹 “The defendant filed a motion, and such motion was denied.”

 —> Just say “the motion” or “defendant’s motion.”

Otherwise, it suggests you might be referring to some other motion.

🔹 “The contract includes a force majeure clause. Such clause protects against unforeseen events.”

—> Simply write “This clause” or “The force majeure clause.”

⬇️

Let’s leave “such” to the Shakespeares out there, OK?

We need to start writing like lawyers who actually WANT to be understood.

💌 Amanda

#DearLegalWriter

P.S. I do use the word “such” as an intensifier in informal writing:

“It was ‘such’ a great post,” “I had ‘such’ a great time,” etc.

You might also say, “How did you get such a crazy idea?”

I don’t see any issue with those.

It’s the use of “such” to refer back to a prior noun in legal writing that’s the problem.

**

P.P.S. “Such” seems to me like one of those words that law students wouldn’t think to use except they see it so much in legal writing that they think they should start using “such” to sound more like a “real” lawyer.

Please do not fall into that trap! “Such” might make you sound lawyerly, but it won’t make you sound clear—OR smart.