We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more
Request an Inspection Copy
Cover

Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice

Paul Rylance

February 2012

ISBN: 9780199589890

328 pages
Paperback
234x156mm

In Stock

Price: £37.99

At-a-glance, practical guidance on writing and drafting in a legal practice context, complemented by supportive advice, easy-access features and instructive examples

Share:

Description

A comprehensive guide to writing and drafting from the first stage of preparation to the final edit. Features checklists, worked examples and chapters on using email, and designed to accompany readers from vocational study through to their qualification as solicitors as well as throughout the early years of practice.

  • 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

About the Author(s)

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.

Table of Contents

    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

Related Titles