Description

Book Synopsis
Elegant Legal Writing helps attorneys elevate their writing from passable to polished. Drawing on ideas from cognitive science, stylistics, and litigation strategy, the book teaches practical techniques by example using fast-paced chapters. Readers will learn the essentials of effective legal composition: Writing clear, efficient prose Crafting strong arguments Telling a client's story through a compelling narrative Overcoming procrastination and drafting more productively Readability, aesthetics, and argumentation are intertwined. Ryan McCarl shows how litigation documents that are easier and more pleasant to read are more likely to persuade judges and other busy readers. The book also discusses parts of legal writing that many guides overlook, including sentence mechanics, writing technology, and typography.

Table of Contents
Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

PART I STYLE
1. Core Principles of Legal Writing
2. Concision
3. Plain Language
4. Strong Sentences
5. Organization and Cohesion
6. Tone and Professionalism

PART II SUBSTANCE
7. Briefs and Motions
8. Using Legal Authority
9. Legal Storytelling

PART III PROCESS
10. The Mental Game of Writing
11. Writing with Technology
12. Document Design

Notes
Other Resources
Index

Elegant Legal Writing

    Product form

    A Hardback by Ryan McCarl

    £56.80

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    RRP £71.00 – you save £14.20 (20%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Sat 5 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher University of California Press
      Published 6 February 2024
      ISBN-13 9780520395787
      978-0520395787
      ISBN-10 0520395786
      Also in:
      Writing and editing guides

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Elegant Legal Writing helps attorneys elevate their writing from passable to polished. Drawing on ideas from cognitive science, stylistics, and litigation strategy, the book teaches practical techniques by example using fast-paced chapters. Readers will learn the essentials of effective legal composition: Writing clear, efficient prose Crafting strong arguments Telling a client's story through a compelling narrative Overcoming procrastination and drafting more productively Readability, aesthetics, and argumentation are intertwined. Ryan McCarl shows how litigation documents that are easier and more pleasant to read are more likely to persuade judges and other busy readers. The book also discusses parts of legal writing that many guides overlook, including sentence mechanics, writing technology, and typography.

      Table of Contents
      Contents

      Acknowledgments

      Introduction

      PART I STYLE
      1. Core Principles of Legal Writing
      2. Concision
      3. Plain Language
      4. Strong Sentences
      5. Organization and Cohesion
      6. Tone and Professionalism

      PART II SUBSTANCE
      7. Briefs and Motions
      8. Using Legal Authority
      9. Legal Storytelling

      PART III PROCESS
      10. The Mental Game of Writing
      11. Writing with Technology
      12. Document Design

      Notes
      Other Resources
      Index

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