Legal Writing and Other Lawyering Skills

, by Schultz, Nancy Lusignan; Sirico, Louis J.

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ISBN: 9780820531205 | 0820531200
Cover: Paperback
Copyright: 4/1/1998

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Supplemental Materials

Part I: INTRODUCTION

Overview

Introduction

(1)

The Legal System and Legal Analysis

(1)

Types of Legal Writing

(2)

The Case Brief

(1)

The Memorandum

(1)

The Client Opinion Letter

(1)

The Settlement Agreement

(1)

Pleadings

(1)

Motions

(1)

Discovery

(1)

Jury Instructions

(1)

The Brief

(1)

Writing Style

(1)

Citation Form

(1)

Communications Skills

(3)

Client Interviewing and Counseling

(1)

Negotiation

(1)

Oral Argument

(3)

Learning About the Legal System

The Legal System and Legal Writing

(1)

Sources of Law and Their Hierarchy

(1)

The Court System

(4)

The State Courts

(2)

The Federal Courts

(1)

The Common Law

(1)

Mandatory Authority

(1)

Persuasive Authority

(1)

The Weight of Authority

(1)

Statutes and Their Interpretation

(9)

The Supremacy of the Legislature and the Legislative Process

(2)

The Relationship Between Statutory Law and Common Law

(2)

The Roles of the Court and the Legislature --- An Illustration

(5)

How to Brief a Case

What Is a Brief?

(1)

Briefing Is Taking Notes

(1)

The Purposes of Briefing

(1)

How to Brief

(10)

The Format

(1)

Parts of the Brief

(1)

An Exercise

(3)

Name of the Case

(1)

Citation

(1)

Facts of the Case

(1)

Procedure

(1)

Issue

(1)

Holding

(1)

Analysis

(1)

More Sample Briefs

(1)

Problem

(3)

Beyond Briefing

(3)

Exercise

(2)

Introduction to Legal Logic

Introduction

(1)

Legal Authority

(1)

Mandatory Authority

(1)

Persuasive Authority

(1)

Arguing Deductively

(2)

Limitations

(1)

Maximizing Use of Deductive Reasoning

(1)

Application

(1)

Applying the Law to the Facts

(2)

Exercises

(1)

Legal Analysis

Introduction

(1)

The Basic Approach

(1)

An Example of Legal Analysis

(4)

Case Analysis

(10)

Exercise

(1)

Exercise

(1)

Statutory Analysis

(6)

Exercise

(1)

Exercise

(1)

Legal Analysis Checklist

(3)

Research Strategy

Introduction

(1)

Where Do You Start?

(18)

Statutes

(1)

Treatises

(2)

The Restatement of Torts

(3)

Legal Encyclopedias

(12)

How Many Places Do You Look?

(9)

Digests

(4)

Computer Research Services

(1)

Shepard's

(2)

ALR and Legal Periodicals

(2)

When Do You Stop?

(2)

Look for the Most On-Point Cases First

(1)

Stop When You Come Full Circle

(1)

Do Not Follow Every Lead

(1)

How Do You Keep Track?

(1)

Research Checklist

(5)

Part II: STYLE AND SUBSTANCE: WRITING THE LEGAL ANALYSIS

Purpose, Context, and Structure

Introduction

101

(1)

Purpose

101

(1)

Context

102

(1)

Structure

102

(7)

Outlining

103

(1)

Exercise

104

(1)

Deciding on a Structural Strategy

105

(1)

Road Maps, Topic Sentences, and Transitions

106

(2)

Exercise

108

(1)

Organizing Within Arguments

108

(1)

Placement of Policy and Equity Arguments

109

(1)

Context and Structure Checklist

109

(2)

Make Your Themes Stand Out

Introduction

111

(1)

Make the Outline of Your Argument or Discussion Stand Out

112

(1)

Put Your Conclusion First

113

(2)

Write Effective Paragraphs

115

(8)

Use Topic Sentences

116

(1)

Write Cohesive Paragraphs

117

(1)

Write Focused Discussion Sections

117

(2)

Avoid Extraneous Sentences

119

(1)

When Necessary, Use Transitions and Repeat Words

120

(1)

Exercise

121

(2)

Help the Reader To Understand You

Introduction

123

(1)

General Advice

123

(9)

Get to the Point

123

(1)

Use Concrete Language

124

(1)

Use the Active Voice

125

(2)

Avoid Legalese

127

(1)

Define Technical Terms

128

(1)

Write in the Appropriate Tone

129

(1)

Exercises

130

(2)

Structure

132

(4)

Write Short Sentences

132

(1)

Put the Parts of Your Sentence in a Logical Order

133

(1)

Avoid Intrusive Phrases and Clauses

134

(1)

Use Full Sentences

135

(1)

Use Parallel Structure

135

(1)

Content

136

(9)

Use Positives Rather Than Negatives

137

(1)

Avoid Ambiguous Words and Phrases

137

(1)

Avoid Colloquialism

138

(1)

Do Not Personalize

138

(1)

Avoid Excessive Variation

139

(1)

Exercises

139

(6)

Part III: PRE-LITIGATION LAWYERING

Meeting the Client

Purpose of the Initial Interview

145

(1)

Planning the Initial Interview

146

(1)

Greeting the Client

146

(1)

Preparatory Explanation

147

(1)

Getting the Client's Perspective

147

(3)

Getting Started

147

(1)

Keeping Track

148

(1)

Getting the Details

148

(1)

Goals and Priorties

149

(1)

Preliminary Assessment of the Client's Problem

150

(1)

Developing Options

150

(1)

Fees

150

(1)

Closing the Interview

151

(2)

Exercise

152

(1)

Client Interview Checklist

153

(2)

Writing the Client Opinion Letter

Introduction

155

(1)

Write in an Appropriate Style

155

(3)

Focus On Your Audience

155

(1)

Be Concrete

155

(2)

Avoid Sounding Colloquial

157

(1)

Avoid Jargon and Stilted Language

157

(1)

Use Correct Spelling and Grammar

158

(1)

Answer the Question

158

(3)

Include Important Facts Provided By the Client

158

(1)

Be Accurate

159

(1)

Explain Your Answer

159

(1)

Do Not Promise What You Cannot Deliver

160

(1)

Address Your Client's Concerns

161

(1)

Tell the Client Where You Are Going

161

(4)

Exercises

162

(3)

Introduction to the Memo

What Is a Memo?

165

(1)

The Purposes of a Memo

165

(1)

The Parts of a Memo

166

(2)

The Heading

167

(1)

The Issue

167

(1)

The Conclusion

167

(1)

The Facts

167

(1)

The Discussion

167

(1)

The Hallmarks of a Well-Written Memo

168

(3)

Thorough Research

168

(1)

Good Judgment

168

(1)

Objective Analysis

168

(1)

Clear Writing Style

168

(1)

Good Organization

169

(1)

Write for the Reader

169

(1)

Precision and Clarity

169

(1)

Creativity

170

(1)

Correct Citation Format

170

(1)

The Memo: Heading, Issue, and Conclusion

The Heading

171

(1)

The Issue

172

(3)

The Conclusion

175

(6)

Exercises

177

(4)

The Memo: Facts and Discussion

Facts

181

(3)

Discussion

184

(3)

Make Your Reasoning Readily Apparent

187

(8)

Avoid the ``Digest'' Approach

188

(1)

Avoid the ``Historical Development of the Law'' Approach

188

(1)

Avoid the Use of Too Many Quotations From Legal Authorities

189

(1)

Avoid the ``Abstract Writing'' Approach

190

(1)

Avoid the ``Law Discussion Only'' Approach

191

(1)

A Good Example

191

(2)

Exercise

193

(2)

Advising the Client

Purpose of the Consultation

195

(1)

The Scenario

195

(2)

Planning the Consultation

197

(1)

Beginning the Consultation

198

(1)

Reaffirming the Client's Goals and Priorities

198

(1)

Developing Options

199

(1)

Likely Consequences

199

(1)

Advantages and Disadvantages

200

(1)

Choosing a Course of Action

200

(2)

Getting Settlement Authority

202

(1)

Exercise

203

(1)

Consultation Checklist

203

(2)

Negotiating

Purposes of Negotiation

205

(1)

Theories of Negotiation

206

(3)

Adversarial Models

206

(1)

Game Theory

206

(1)

Economic

207

(1)

Social-Psychological Bargaining

208

(1)

Problem-solving Negotiation

208

(1)

Styles of Negotiation

209

(1)

Planning for Negotiation

210

(4)

Evaluating the Case

210

(1)

Planning to Exchange Information

211

(1)

Establishing an Opening, Target, and Bottom Line

211

(2)

Analyzing Needs and Interests

213

(1)

Planning for Personalities

213

(1)

Beginning the Negotiation

214

(1)

Information Exchange

214

(1)

Trading

215

(1)

Closing the Negotiation

216

(1)

Negotiation Ethics

216

(1)

Negotiation Checklist

217

(2)

Exercise

218

(1)

Drafting Settlement Agreements

Introduction

219

(1)

The Framework of an Agreement

219

(2)

The Title

220

(1)

The Introduction

220

(1)

The Substance of the Agreement

220

(1)

The Closing

221

(1)

Drafting Clear Language

221

(1)

Exercise

222

(1)

The Release

222

(4)

Exercise

225

(1)

Drafting Checklist

226

(3)

Part IV: PRE-TRIAL LITIGATION

Drafting Pleadings

Introduction

229

(1)

The Purpose and Language of Pleadings

229

(1)

Following Rules

230

(1)

Captions

230

(1)

Exercise

231

(1)

The Complaint

231

(3)

Exercise

233

(1)

The Answer

234

(2)

Exercise

236

(1)

Verifications

236

(3)

Exercise

237

(2)

Discovery

Introduction

239

(1)

Available Forms of Discovery

239

(1)

Formulating Discovery Requests

240

(5)

Interrogatories

241

(1)

Exercise

242

(1)

Requests for Production of Documents

242

(1)

Exercise

243

(1)

Requests for Admission

243

(1)

Exercise

244

(1)

Writing Persuasively

Introduction

245

(1)

Make Your Argument Clear and Credible

246

(1)

Make Your Argument as Simple as Possible

246

(1)

Write in a Persuasive, but Credible Style

246

(1)

Write a Well Organized Argument

247

(1)

Structure Your Argument

247

(1)

Put Your Best Arguments First and Develop Them More Fully

247

(1)

Adopt a Persuasive Writing Style

248

(2)

Be Concrete

248

(1)

When You Want to Emphasize a Word or Idea, Place it at the End of the Sentence

249

(1)

When Appropriate, Use the Same Subject for a Series of Sentences

249

(1)

State Your Facts Persuasively

250

(1)

Make Equity and Policy Arguments

251

(1)

Use Precedent Persuasively

252

(3)

Argue that Adverse Precedent is Consistent with Your Argument

252

(1)

Interpret Precedent Narrowly or Broadly, As Appropriate

252

(3)

Writing Pre-Trial Motions

Purposes of Motions

255

(1)

Form of Motions

255

(1)

Motions to Dismiss

255

(1)

Exercise

256

(1)

Motions to Compel Discovery

256

(1)

Motions for Summary Judgment

257

(1)

Exercise

258

(1)

Ethical Considerations in Motion Practice

258

(1)

Checklist for Motions

259

(4)

Part V: TRIAL AND APPEAL

Drafting Jury Instructions

The Problem With Jury Instructions

263

(1)

How Lawyers Draft Jury Instructions

264

(1)

Simplify the Sentence Structure

265

(1)

Explain or Avoid Legal Terms and Complex Words

266

(1)

Employ a Plain English Writing Style

267

(2)

Use Verbs Instead of Nouns

267

(1)

Favor the Active Voice

268

(1)

Avoid Subordinate Clauses Using the Passive Voice

269

(1)

Stylize the Instructions to Fit Your Case

269

(4)

Exercises

270

(3)

Introduction to Writing Briefs

What Is a Brief?

273

(1)

Procedural Rules for Appellate Briefs

274

(1)

The Parts of a Brief

275

(1)

The Title Page

275

(1)

Table of Contents

275

(1)

Table of Authorities

275

(1)

Jurisdictional Statement

275

(1)

Questions Presented

275

(1)

Constitutional and Statutory Provisions

275

(1)

Statement of Facts

275

(1)

Summary of Argument

276

(1)

Argument

276

(1)

The Hallmarks of a Well-Written Brief

276

(1)

Appellate Process and Standard of Review

Introduction

277

(1)

How Cases Come Up on Appeal

277

(1)

The Record on Appeal

277

(1)

The Standard of Review

278

(2)

Clearly Erroneous

278

(1)

Abuse of Discretion

279

(1)

De Novo Review

279

(1)

The Importance to the Practitioner

280

(1)

Available Forms of Relief

280

(3)

The Appellate Brief: The Introductory Parts

Using the Record

283

(1)

The Title Page

284

(1)

Table of Contents

284

(1)

Table of Authorities

285

(1)

Jurisdictional Statement

285

(1)

Questions Presented

286

(2)

Text of Constitutional, Statutory, and Regulatory Provisions

288

(5)

Exercises

288

(5)

The Appellate Brief: Statement of Facts; Summary of Argument

Statement of Facts

293

(5)

Tell What Happened

294

(1)

Tell the Truth, But Put Your Best Foot Forward

295

(2)

Hold the Court's Attention

297

(1)

Exercise

297

(1)

Summary of Argument

298

(3)

Exercise

298

(3)

The Appellate Brief: Argument and Conclusion

The Argument

301

(12)

Structuring the Argument

301

(1)

Use Headings

301

(1)

How to Write the Headings

302

(2)

Using Headings as an Advocate

304

(1)

How Many Headings?

305

(1)

Final Considerations

305

(1)

Preparing the Substance of the Argument

305

(1)

General Considerations

305

(1)

Understanding the Appellate Process

305

(1)

Familiarity with the Record

305

(1)

Research: Do It Right But Know When to Stop

305

(1)

Compliance with the Rules of Court

306

(1)

Simplicity in Substance and Style

306

(1)

Formulating the Arguments

306

(1)

The Organization and Substance of the Arguments

307

(3)

What to Avoid

310

(1)

Using Precedent

310

(1)

Hierarchy of Precedent

310

(1)

Handling Adverse Precedent

310

(1)

Rebuttal of Opposing Arguments

311

(1)

Parentheticals, String Cites, Signals, Quotations, and Footnotes

312

(1)

Writing Persuasively

312

(1)

Control Tone

312

(1)

The Final Touches

313

(1)

The Conclusion

313

(1)

A Checklist

313

(8)

Exercise

316

(5)

Part VI: THE ORAL ARGUMENT

Basic Principles of Oral Communication

Introduction

321

(1)

Consider the Audience

321

(2)

Do Your Homework

321

(1)

Adapt to Your Audience

322

(1)

Consider the Setting

323

(1)

Study the Physical Surroundings in Advance

323

(1)

Understand the Occasion

323

(1)

Structure Your Argument for Maximum Effect

324

(3)

Structural Strategy

324

(1)

Methods of Proof

324

(1)

Organizational Patterns

325

(1)

Chronological

325

(1)

Cause to Effect

325

(1)

Problem to Solution

325

(1)

Pro vs. Con

326

(1)

Topical

326

(1)

Introductions, Conclusions, and Transitions

326

(1)

Write for Sound Appeal

327

(5)

Useful Tools

327

(1)

Humor

327

(1)

Novelty

328

(1)

Conflict

328

(1)

Suspense

328

(1)

Emphasis

328

(2)

Theme

330

(1)

Language

330

(1)

Rhetorical Questions

330

(1)

Repetition

330

(1)

Imagery

330

(1)

Not So Useful Tools

331

(1)

Apply the Fundamentals of Good Public Speaking

332

(3)

Maintain Eye Contact

332

(1)

Be Heard

332

(1)

Do Not Read

332

(1)

Use Emphasis

332

(1)

Use the Pause

332

(1)

Use Appropriate Gestures

332

(1)

Watch Your Posture

333

(2)

The Appellate Argument

Introduction

335

(1)

The Setting of the Oral Argument

336

(1)

Preparing the Oral Argument

336

(3)

Know the Record

336

(1)

Study the Authorities

336

(1)

Know the Arguments

337

(1)

Outline Your Arguments

337

(1)

Prepare Argument Aids

337

(1)

Rehearse the Argument

338

(1)

Advise the Court and Your Opponent of New Information

338

(1)

The Structure of the Oral Argument

339

(2)

Basic Argument Structure

339

(1)

Rebuttal

340

(1)

Questions From the Judges

341

(1)

Oral Argument Checklist

342

APPENDICES

I. Citation Form

(1)

II. Pleadings

(1)

III. Client Letters

(1)

IV. Memoranda

(1)

V. Briefs

(1)

VI. Oral Arguments

(1)

VII. Grammar and Punctuation

(1)

VIII. Settlement Agreements

Index

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Legal Writing and Other Lawyering Skills

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

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5% off 1 book, 7% off 2 books, 10% off 3+ books

Legal Writing and Other Lawyering Skills

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

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