The Ultimate Life-Suckers of Legal Writing

Dear Legal Writer, “As regards,” “Regarding,” and “In regard to” are the ultimate life-suckers of legal writing. In fact, you can lose the word “regard” altogether.

—> “Regard” creates clauses that are long, clunky, and awkward.

Instead, try using “On” or “As to.”

❌ “Regarding the first claim, plaintiff cites no support.”

✅ “As to the first claim, plaintiff cites no support.”

—

❌ “In regard to the Rule 12(b)(6) motion, we are still awaiting the court’s decision.”

✅ “On the Rule 12(b)(6) motion, we are still awaiting the court’s decision.”

—

RECAP:

“regard” —> long, clunky, awkward

“as to”/“on” —> short, pithy, clean

Bonus: This edit will save you space, too!

💌 Amanda

#DearLegalWriter

P.S. There is nothing grammatically wrong with “Regarding,” “In regard to,” or “As regards” (—although the last one screams nails-on-a-chalkboard to me.)

🗳️ What think you? Will you try “On” or “As to”?