The Life of a Law Student

Law school is not just about memorization and recitation; it also involves writing.

In law school, there is what you call legal writing. Just like other forms of written communication (reports, letters, essays, etc), legal writing requires standard rules. Thus, legal writing is not just an easy thing.

Legal writing is a difficult task for a law student and even for lawyers, but it is not impossible to do.

The good news is there are three rules, tips, or ways (whatever you want to call it) to guide you and improve your legal writing style. Keep these rules in mind and you will be able to be at ease with legal writing.

Rule #1: Use the Active Voice



Use active voice to strengthen your writing. Writing in active voice is preferred because it meets the important requirements of legal writing which are conciseness and clarity.

How to do it? Just write who is doing the action and put the actor at the beginning of the sentence.

Example:

Undesirable: Alleged grave abuse of discretion amounting to excess of jurisdiction was questioned by the petitioner.

Better: Petitioner questions the alleged grave abuse of discretion amounting to excess of jurisdiction was questioned by the petitioner.

Do you think it’s easy? Then try to use active voice in writing your legal essay example.

Rule #2: Use Concrete and Precise Words



It is true that the minds of law students are full of legal abstractions but too much of it is no longer good.

Instead of using an abstract or highfalutin word, use concrete words so that the reader can easily understand your message.

Example:

Undesirable: unilaterally terminated the worker’s job

Better: fired Mr. Philipps.

Rule #3: Simplify



The simpler, the better. Get rid of unnecessary legal jargons, go direct to the point! Do not make legal writing a complex thing. Keeping it simple is the best thing that you can do.

Simplify your outputs and your readers will definitely thank you for it.

With the use of these three rules, legal writing can be an enjoyable task.