Friday 7 February 2014

Choosing A Legal Writing Coach

By Marcie Goodman


As a lawyer it is easy to forget that writing is a key aspect of the job. For example you have to be sure that what you write is clear and there are no potential loopholes that could be exploited because you did not properly write up a contract. One way to avoid this is to choose the right legal writing coach.

There are numerous reasons why this is important. The first is that you need to ensure that anything you write is properly worded. For example as well as defence and prosecution lawyers are often asked to check business contracts. You need to be sure these are properly written so that both parties understand the contract and that there are no loopholes that could be exploited.

Therefore it helps to have someone to guide you through the process. You need to be sure that the person guiding you has the necessary experience. This will mean they are more likely to deal with specific details and help you through scenarios that they have experienced in the past.

There are two main aspects. One important aspect is that what you write makes sense. You need to be sure that when you write people know what you are saying and that people know what you are talking about. While it is important that it is written formally there is a difference between writing in a formal way and writing in a way that seems inappropriately wordy.

Admittedly this is not as simple as finding a formula. There are no templates that will perfectly fit all areas. In some cases some wording will have to be changed to suit different local areas. A coach with awareness of your local area is more likely to know what people will respond to.

You need to be sure that the person offering coaching has the relevant qualifications. This will ensure that you have got someone who will offer you the right advice. If they are not qualified then there is the very real risk that you could get into trouble by writing inaccurate legal documents so this is something you should check very carefully before making a final decision and agreeing to use the services of a coach.

Ideally the coach should have examples of their work on their site as well as details of their experience. This will allow you to consider whether they offer the right depth of experience or whether you personally find their writing style engaging. Often it is a good idea to trust your instincts to see who is the most appropriate option to suit your personal requirements. This will help to allow you to narrow down the options available to you.

You can find numerous legal writing coach directories and websites online. It is best to contact at least three as this will allow you to compare the cost of their services and their level of experience. It is also advisable to look them up online and ask for feedback from previous clients to see whether or not they were satisfied with the coaching they received. With the right approach you will find the right one to benefit your legal writing skills.




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