This video introduces you to the “Golden Rule” of Legal Writing, to help the reader get the content quickly and easily.
Our Three Key Skills Legal Writing Coach workshop is the core training for Chambers and Global 500 top law firms around the World.
Although mastering legal drafting takes time and practice, superior writing skills are essential to success. Key takeaways from this video:
Remember Your Audience.
Organize Your Writing. …
Cut The Legalese. …
Be Concise. …
Use Action Words….
Pay Attention to Grammar…
Get in touch with us for more about Legal Drafting and Editing in English.
www.legalwriting.eu
www.legalwritingcoach.com
www.advancedlanguageinsitute.com
Here’s a short extract of our world-class materials banks for the world-famous Legal Darfting Basics: Three Key Skills workshops designed by Chris Jensen, LL.M and published by LexisNexis:
1. Correct usage
“Usage” means punctuation, grammar, and vocabulary. Here are 25 common usage errors to look for in your writing.
1.1 Punctuation: Common errors
1.1.1 Usage Error 1: Commas and semicolons in complex/compound sentences
Incorrect: The biggest firms missed out on the revolution which was led by small- and medium-sized independent firms then they tried to get in but it was already too late.
Correct: The biggest firms missed out on the revolution, which was led by small- and medium-sized independent firms; then they tried to get in, but it was already too late.
1.1.2 Usage Error 2: Commas and semicolons for complex lists
Use commas and semicolons for clarity if you have a complex list – especially a list within a list. Separate items in the big list with semicolons and items in the small list with commas.
Original: …in particular information relating to this Agreement and its subject matter, the businesses or financials of the Principal and its affiliates, the Customer, buyers and other contractors of the Principal as well as information relating to prices, sales, developments and know-how of the Principal.
Revision: …in particular information relating to this Agreement and its subject matter; the businesses or financials of the Principal and its affiliates, the customer, buyers and other contractors of the Principal; and information relating to prices, sales, developments, or know-how of the Principal.
2.1.3 Usage Error 3: Commas with restrictive and non-restrictive clauses
Don’t use commas if the information in relative clause modifying the noun (i.e., beginning with “who,” “that,” “which,” “whose,” etc.) is key information (called “restrictive” information). Do use commas if it’s just extra information (“non-restrictive”).
Non-restrictive: The Defendant ,who has expressed remorse, is well on his way to rehabilitation. (This means we know who the Defendant is, so “who has expressed remorse” is just extra information.)
Restrictive: A defendant who has expressed remorse is well on his way to rehabilitation. (This refers to any defendant who has expressed remorse – “the defendant who has expressed remorse” is the subject.)
Incorrect: Anti-competitive agreements are agreements between competitors, which have as their object or effect the restriction of competition.
Correct: Anti-competitive agreements are agreements between competitors that have as their object or effect the restriction of competition.
Incorrect: Flexibility is one of the keywords of the new Hungarian Labor Code which entered into force on 1 July 2012.
Correct: Flexibility is one of the keywords of the new Hungarian Labor Code, which entered into force on 1 July 2012.
Tip: If removing the information would create confusion about the subject = restrictive = no commas.
