Legal Writing for Municipal Judge Conference

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Legal Writing for Municipal Judge Conference

• May 18, 2006

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What is Legal Writing?

• Process by which legal analysis is encapsulated
  into the written word.

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What is Legal Analysis?

• Application of relevant or applicable law to a
  particular set of facts to resolve an issue.

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Keys to Good Legal Writing

1. Good thinking
2. Good Organization
3. Show, Dont tell
4. Dont ignore counterarguments or contrary
   positions
5. Cite when appropriate
6. Be clear, brief and understandable
7. Revise and proofread
8. Give yourself enough time.

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How to Write A Good Opinion

1. Frame the question for the reader
2. State the facts in a way that is favorable to
   your decision
3. Clearly state the applicable law
4. Apply the law to the relevant facts in a way that
   supports your conclusion
5. Organize step-by-step
6. If steps 1-5 are done correctly the conclusion
   should be obvious.

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Tips for Improving Your Legal Writing

• Read
• Dont take it personally
• Recognize where you tend to have trouble and
  proof for it
• Write
• Let others read your writing