Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice

Paul Rylance

Combines the principles, rules, conventions and techniques applicable to legal writing and drafting in one accessible volume
Structured sequentially from preparation to final edit but can also be used an 'at a glance' guide for common writing and drafting problems
Includes easy-access features such as checklists of undesirable words and phrases
Comprehensive guidance on the use of legal writing and email
Features examples of good and bad practice throughout

Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice

Paul Rylance

Description

Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice provides an up to date and comprehensive guide to writing and drafting - from the first stages of preparation to the final edit - for anyone starting out on a legal career.

Unlike an English usage text or style guide or a specialised drafting or precedent book, Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice condenses and combines the main principles, rules, techniques and conventions in one volume for newcomers to legal writing and drafting. It is designed to accompany readers from vocational study through to their qualification as solicitors, as well as throughout the early years of practice.

Coverage of email and other electronic communications is included, as are a wide range of legal writing formats such as reports and memoranda. Featuring checklists and examples, it can also be used as a reference for suggested approaches to common problems.

Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice

Paul Rylance

Part 1. Plain English and the General Principles of Legal Writing and Drafting
1:Preparation
2:Sentences and Paragraphs
3:Punctuation
4:Sentence Construction and Grammar
5:Verbs
6:Words and Phrases
7:Avoid Redundant Words and Phrases
8:Repetition and Elegant Variation
9:Using the Right Words
10:Checking your Documents
Part 2. Letters, Emails and and Other Forms of Written Communication
11:Preparation
12:Form, Style and Layout Conventions
13:Letters: Language, Tone, Politeness and Humanity
14:Letters to Clients
15:Letters to Third Parties
16:Email
17:Email Policies
18:Email Etiquette
19:Email Writing
20:Internal Notes, Memoranda and Reports
21:Checking
Part 3. Drafting
22:Preparation and Taking Instructions
23:The Contents and Principal Clauses
24:Planning the Document
25:Layout Conventions and House Style
26:Construction
27:Expressions Relating to Time
28:Definitions
29:Use of Imprecise Words and the Burden of Proof
30:Standards of Obligation
31:Sentences and Paragraphs
32:Choice of Words
33:Final Considerations

Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice

Paul Rylance

Author Information

Paul Rylance, Legal training consultant

Following seven years of practice at the bar and teaching law, Paul Rylance spent over seven years as Head of Education and Training with Slaughter and May, and SJ Berwin. During this time he became the first Chariman of the Legal Education and Training Group. In 1996 he became an Associate Dean in the Law faculty at UWE, and went on to form the Bristol Institute of Legal Practice. After some thirteen years at UWE, Paul now concentrates on his consultancy practice providing training and consultancy service to a number of City and other leading firms in the South West of England and elsewhere.