Legal Writing
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» Legal Writing
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By Simpson, Reagan W. American Bar Association. 1;2016-2. 2016.
Amicus practice is most prevalent at the highest court in the land with the number of amicus briefs being routinely filed in the Supreme Court dramatically increasing over the years. The vast majority of the cases that make it to the Court's oral argument calendar are now accompanied by at least one amicus brief, in approximately 90 percent of cases. In the last fifty years, while the United States Supreme Court has not increased its output of opinions, amicus filings have increased more than 800 percent. Amicus briefs are filed at a rate of 500 per year in that Court. Amicus practice isn't just confined to the United States Supreme Court. The amicus brief appears with regularity in federal courts of appeals and also in state supreme courts and state inter-mediate appellate courts. There is even some amicus practice in trial courts, both federal and state. The amicus brief serves can serve a number of functions. Generally speaking, amicus briefs can be useful to expose novel facts or l…
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/2592815
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By Mullin, Elizabeth. 2nd edition. 2015.
This longtime ELI bestseller will assist those who are commenting on drafts of their own agency's, organization's, or client's documents as well as those participating in the public comment periods available under many environmental laws.
Click to access digital title.: http://txsll.law.overdrive.com/ContentDetails.htm?ID=81BD8FCA-D3A7-40B1-9F3C-D8FE30C7E22F
Click to access digital title. Excerpt View details in library catalog
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By Espenschied, Lenne Eidson. American Bar Association. 3;2021-04. 2021.
In thirteen chapters, Contract Drafting: Powerful Prose in Transactional Practice is a complete how-to guide for all lawyers who desire to hone their drafting skills. The book explains the contract drafting process in terms of content and style, demonstrating through authentic examples how to revise template documents to produce effective and complete contracts that protect the client's interests. Contract Drafting is today's seminal authority on negotiating and drafting indemnification provisions, even in low leverage situations. It carefully explains how to prevent ambiguity in contracts by using better words, developing a consistent strategy for expressing key concepts, crafting strong sentences, and organizing content properly. This practical guide is straightforward and straight to the point, organized for ease of use and full of constructive tips and techniques for lawyers who continually strive for excellence.
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/6285695
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By Plain Language Action and Information Network. Plain Language Action and Information Network. 2011.
This guide advises readers on the use of plain language to "make it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications." -publisher
URL: https://plainlanguage.gov/media/FederalPLGuidelines.pdf
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By Espenschied, Lenne Eidson. American Bar Association. 1;1. 2014.
Having the most compelling evidence and airtight argument does not mean you'll win your case if you cannot clearly and expertly express yourself. Using common examples from every-day legal documents, the Grammar and Writing Handbook shows you precisely which rules need to be followed, how to choose the correct words, and the most effective way to structure every sentence. The book includes a brief history of the English language, as well as comprehensive information on: • Parts of speech • Verb properties • Singular vs. plural • Punctuation and mechanics • Using words to convey meaning • Agreement • Composing sentences • Variety in composing sentences • Composing paragraphs • Composing a legal memorandum • Faux pas: miscellanea • Extra credit for grammar maestros This essen…
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/1744222
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By Cupples, Deborah. 2013.
A quick and easy-to-read guide suitable for all writers. It also includes additional notes for the legal professional.
Click to access digital title.: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=42F18C58-0545-450A-A561-98C45024F432
Click to access digital title. Excerpt View details in library catalog
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Latest received: Automatic updates. By Oates, Laurel Currie. Wolters Kluwer Law & Business. Fourth edition. [2018]-.
"Just Memos helps prepare students for practice by showing them how to write memos, letters, and emails that will win praise from their supervising attorneys. In the Book, Laurel Currie Oates and Anne Enquist use the same approach that they use in their other bestselling books: a step-by-step approach that features numerous examples. In addition, Just Memos provides students with an overview of the U.S. legal system and specific instruction on legal reading as a key lawyering skill. With the authors' trademark clarity and focus, Just Memos includes: step-by-step instruction for writing every part of the memo; helpful examples of simple and more complex memoranda; detailed guidance for transitioning from other types of academic writing; in-depth coverage of legal writing style in the United States - ideal for foreign students and lawyers." -publisher's description
Read online: https://ezproxy.sll.texas.gov:2443/login?url=https://apps.fastcase.com/PartnerBenefits/?IPKey=YqgsCx3zssdVGvBwDN%2bWkECjLVh6HJPUvW1vkc9Yupy1%2fXe8U%2fs2zNBjN1vWoaL0D4FAJvcGJrPFPMjrHFYNHTRYXRJsKrW1cwOm8ig3UPdj6asCU7XHbi2N3WlshdNF&LogoutUrl=https://www.sll.texas.gov&returnurl=https://fc7.fastcase.com/outline/TX/736?docUid=184496565
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By Buckley, Marie. American Bar Association. 1;1. 2014.
The Lawyer's Essential Guide to Writing is a readable, concrete guide to contemporary legal writing. Based on Marie Buckley's years of experience coaching lawyers, this book provides a systematic approach to all forms of written communication, from memoranda and briefs to e-mail and blogs. The book sets forth three principles for powerful writing and shows how to apply those principles to develop a clean and confident style.
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/1896088
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By Teply, Larry. West Academic Publishing. Third edition. 2021.
"Learning legal citation is one of the difficult (and sometimes admittedly annoying) tasks that students new to the law face. This book is designed to ease that task. It initially focuses on conventions that underlie all accepted forms and systems of legal citation. Building on that understanding and an explanation of the "process" of using citations in legal writing, the book then discusses and illustrates the particular rules of The Bluebook and the ALWD Citation Manual for citing cases, statutes, and all other major legal sources. Unique appendices provide useful comparative information for these two systems of citation." - publisher's description
URL: https://ezproxy.sll.texas.gov:2443/login?url=https://subscription.westacademic.com/Book/Detail?id=27628
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By Kuney, George W. West Academic Publishing. Fifth edition. 2021.
"Legal Drafting in a Nutshell, 5th Edition, provides guidance on producing transactional documents, contracts, instruments, legislation, and regulations that solve existing problems and prevent future problems. The book provides both a large scale, macro overview of the drafting process as well as small scale, micro focused discussion of the mechanics of legal documents at the sentence, word, and punctuation level. The book incorporates current and developing perspectives regarding subjects like plain English, legal typography, and document preparation in the 21st century. This is especially the case in sections of the text dealing with contracts and instruments, although it is true throughout the text. Legal drafting is as much a thought process as a writing process; clear thinking leads to clear drafting. This book is a guide for clear, structured thinking about drafting in order to provide readers with a structured process to follow when assembling useful legal documents." - publish…
Read online: https://ezproxy.sll.texas.gov:2443/login?url=https://subscription.westacademic.com/Book/Detail?id=27248
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By Bacharach, Robert E. American Bar Association. ;2021-01. 2020.
"Effective legal writing calls not only for artistry but also for scientific understanding." In this synthesis of his experience on the bench and his own research into the science and art of written communications, Robert E. Bacharach, a federal court judge, shares his insights on ways language can determine different responses — and how to use this knowledge to craft a powerful and persuasive message. Judge Bacharach follows a logical progression in crafting effective legal writing, beginning with the importance of an introduction that provides a context for the argument. At this stage, it is important to consider clarity, context, identification of the underlying legal issues, the structure of your argument, and stating the rationale for the optimum outcome. Subsequent chapters look at specific aspects of effective legal writing, including: Organization - the guiding principles of parallelism, logical sequence, and developing the point before responding to the adversarial argu…
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/5674211
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By Bahrych, Lynn. West Academic Publishing. Fifth edition. 2017.
"This book provides a ten-step guide to clear, precise, and effective legal writing and analysis for both law students and experienced lawyers. It gives the keys to writing legal memoranda and briefs, organizing analysis, crafting clear and concise sentences, using legal language accurately, using grammar and punctuation properly, writing persuasively using classical rhetorical techniques. The book describes a method for analyzing and improving individual writing style includes a sample analysis. It also includes new material on using plain English and new legal documents to illustrate effective writing techniques." - publisher's description
URL: https://ezproxy.sll.texas.gov:2443/login?url=https://subscription.westacademic.com/Book/Detail?id=25181
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By Fruehwald, Edwin Scott. American Bar Association. 1;1. 2015.
Legal writing is specialized writing; it has terminology, techniques, and forms all its own. However, it adheres to the same fundamentals as other types of writing. This handy resource will help you develop your legal writing skills so that you can more effectively communicate with others in the language of the law. Each major section of the book starts with an explanation of a core concept of good writing and is followed by numerous exercises.By working through these illustrative exercises, you'll learn how to write concise, powerful sentences; eliminate un-needed words; and structure and combine sentences and paragraphs to create clear and persuasive documents, letters, and other types of written communication. There are over 90 illustrative exercises throughout the book. By proceeding through these exercises, and then reading the correct answers, you'll sharpen your legal writing skills. In addition, this isn't a dry text on grammar and writing, humorous comments are sprinkled thro…
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/2404980
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By Gidi, Antonio. West Academic Publishing. Third edition. [2018].
"Legal Writing Style promotes the art of good writing by teaching students and practitioners the tools to make their prose clear, precise, simple, and forceful. With examples of what works and what doesn't, this short but comprehensive treatise provides an invaluable resource for recasting writing for maximum impact and ultimate success"--Publisher website.
URL: https://ezproxy.sll.texas.gov:2443/login?url=https://subscription.westacademic.com/Book/Detail?id=25720
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By Batman, Jean L. American Bar Association. 1;1. 2014.
A huge portion of the U.S. economy is comprised of small businesses. To prosper in this market segment, an attorney must consistently produce effective communication to retain existing clients and pave the way for referral business. This book offers letter templates, forms and advice for the many attorneys who represent, or wish to represent, small businesses. The contents of the book provides practical assistance in: • Reaching out to small businesses • Engaging and disengaging a small business client • Forming or dissolving an entity • Protecting intellectual property • Entity compliance and maintenance • Creating business plans and contracts • Solving employment law issues • Raising money in private placements
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/1744178
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By Adams, Kenneth A. American Bar Association. 3;3. 2014.
With A Manual of Style for Contract Drafting, Kenneth A. Adams has created a uniquely in-depth survey of the building blocks of contract language. First published in 2004, it offers those who draft, review, negotiate, or interpret contracts an alternative to the dysfunction of traditional contract language and the flawed conventional wisdom that perpetuates it. This manual has become a vital resource throughout the legal profession, in the U.S. and internationally. This is the third edition of A Manual of Style for Contract Drafting. One-third longer than the second edition (published in 2008) and in a larger format, it contains much new material and has otherwise been revised and supplemented, making it even more essential. This manual's focus remains how to express contract terms in prose that is free of the archaisms, redundancies, ambiguities, and other problems that afflict traditional contract language. With exceptional analysis and an unmatched level of practical detail, Adams…
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/1880716
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Latest received: 2017. By University of Chicago Law Review. University of Chicago Law Review. c1989, 2000, 2009, 2017.
This manual provides an easy to follow framework for creating legal citations.
URL: http://uchicagolawjournalsmshaytiubv.devcloud.acquia-sites.com/sites/lawreview.uchicago.edu/files/84%20MB-2.pdf
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By Marx, Paul. American Bar Association. 2;2020-01. 2020.
Destined to take its place next to Strunk and White's The Elements of Style as an essential and timeless how-to guide! A brief, elegant primer on how to write vivid, interesting written material. You'll enjoy the continuing narrative of the lives of the would-be young professional Jeffrey and his successful professional sister Molly. You'll discover: how to use introductory and trailing modifiers; proper use of the semicolon, colon, and dash; and how to use a noun clause effectively how to spice up prose by varying sentence length how to use "like" or "unlike" and the right way to use repetition to focus concepts how you can build great paragraphs through the use of compelling sentences. In addition, you'll find hundreds of examples of how to incorporate these lessons, including many taken from current newspapers and magazines, as well as many examples of how NOT to write.
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/5234418
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By Kole, Janet S. American Bar Association. ;1. 2014.
When you think of pleading your client's case, you undoubtedly envision delivering a stirring oral argument in front of a judge or a jury. While that is certainly the endgame in litigation, it is not the beginning. Complaints and answers are called "pleadings" for a reason: they are the initial explanation that you craft as a lawyer to explain your client's position. But where do you begin? Pleading Your Case offers an insightful, humorous and practical approach to pleadings. Veteran litigator Janet S. Kole walks you through the steps of drafting a complaint or response and provides helpful tips and strategies to make your pleadings more effective. Pleadings do not need to be dry. They can and should convey your fervent belief in your client's cause. Pleading Your Case is your first step to crafting a complaint or response that effectively tells your client's story.
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/1880638
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By Schiess, Wayne Charles. American Bar Association. 1;1. 2015.
Too many legal documents intended for nonlawyers are dense, archaic, and unnecessarily complex. In truth, they simply contain traditional legalese: jargon, terms of art, long sentences, and complicated syntax. What's more, these documents sometimes contain mistakes of English and sometimes of substantive law, both of which are harder to spot and fix because the text is written in traditional legalese. Ultimately, these documents fail of their essential purpose: to communicate binding legal content to a nonlegal reader. This new book from ABA Publishing shows lawyers how to adjust their writing to accommodate the nonlegal audience. Through the chapters in this book they'll find tips designed to improve their legal writing for the lay audience as well as examples of poor legal writing, common errors, why they should be fixed, and how to fix them. Readers will find sentence structure advice as well as guidance on organization, tone, format, and document design. Using a short, clear, and …
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/2404990
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By Oster, Sandra J. American Bar Association. ;1. 2014.
In a legal document, in accordance with federal, state, and local court rules, every letter and space is important. Writing Shorter Legal Documents is a concise, practical handbook that explains how to quickly, efficiently reduce the length of your legal documents. It's a collection of advice written to keep you within grammatical and court rules, for both length and construction, while preserving and even clarifying your argument. The author, a lawyer with a Ph.D in linguistics, has divided 35 precise strategies into five chapters. When you're on a deadline with the court and are over the maximum word count in your document, this book provides the fast, easy editing tricks you'll need.
URL: http://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/1861299
» CLEs
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2017.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=3D9AD0C5-59A5-4E95-9536-44DA285D5378
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2018.
Consists of chapters 1-10. See Part 2 for chapters 11-20.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=E7829EDE-D716-4A41-9407-A2D427F43187
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2018.
Consists of chapters 11-20. See Part 1 for chapters 1-10.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=CE43D404-F8DC-4004-8388-B5E555A01644
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2019.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=FF3FF447-445F-4A62-A46C-0444115EF6E4
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2020.
Read online: https://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/7702169
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2021.
Read online: https://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/8909315
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2017.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=2935D450-1A68-4A12-9113-F27E70400D6E
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2019.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=4D575AE3-EBBB-4DD4-B7C6-535BA8599AA7
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2021.
This Continuing Legal Education course from the State Bar of Texas offers guidance on the drafting of family law documents with articles focused on areas such as pretrial motions, mediation, summary judgments, pattern jury charges and post-trial motions with additional tips for attorneys on how they can provide efficient pro bono services.
Read online: https://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/8904692
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2017.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=2488FD5F-1DF8-41F0-A187-1F993FC9C852
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2018.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=97749A22-9027-4989-91DE-B0A2278AB5C0
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2019.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=992B1DE6-7DBF-4BF0-BA94-9EB6D27034B6
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2020.
Read online: https://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/7631579
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2021.
Read online: https://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/7631579
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2022.
Read online: https://lexisdl.com/library/txsll/title/9182687
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2017.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=404B04F1-2416-4900-8D28-0717DB9A5E08
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Professional Development Program, State Bar of Texas. 2019.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=0601C881-E829-4783-8F89-6E29A7E6DEB6
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By State Bar of Texas. State Bar of Texas. 2020.
This is a Texas Bar CLE course to help lawyers at all levels improve their legal writing skills, featuring tips from the best Texas legal writers and judges.
Read online: http://overdrive.sll.texas.gov/ContentDetails.htm?id=D6D2ED25-17C5-40D2-AF90-36446D1B5B40