How should you write as a lawyer? Have you seen Jacob Rees-Mogg’s foray recently into providing advice for his team on how to write? Wow, due to his approach a very long list of words are no longer fit for purpose or are unacceptable. (Italics denote phrases or words he has banned).
This made us think about the mismatch often evident between how good lawyers actually write and how law students think they might write. Most of us have had our legal writing skills honed through ruthless correction by qualified lawyers when we started our Training Contracts. We thought you might find a few top tips from us useful, not least because those fluent clear essays will get you higher marks - and if you can write a TC application “like a lawyer” it’s much more likely to find its way to the top of the pile. You really do need the same skills here as a student as you will as a practising lawyer.
- Use the right style for your audience. When we’re blogging we’re aiming to chat informally to you. We want you to be able to read these posts fast. We’re abbreviating and using relatively informal language (well, informal for lawyers!) - but this style this wouldn’t be appropriate for any work in a law firm or for your essays.
- Never use unnecessarily long words. Don’t “commence” if you can “start” or “discombobulate” if you can “confuse”!
- Keep your sentences as short as you can. As a lawyer it is key that your client understands what you’re saying, and it will improve your grades if the academics marking your work can read it easily and clearly understand the points you are making.
- Get your grammar right. If you’re not sure where to put apostrophes, then learn (do let us know if you’d like us to blog some details on this). Use punctuation marks appropriately.
- Try to be aware of diversity. Avoid using the male pronoun to include the female (it’s so twentieth century!) Generally, avoid being judgemental and make sure that what you write does not denigrate any of the protected characteristics – sex, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation or age.
And finally, learn to enjoy writing and words. Crafting language to have one precise meaning is a key skill for a lawyer and it can be very satisfying when you know you’ve got it right.
Whatever stage you are in your studies, we have resources to help you pass your exams with ease. Find out more at Law Answered.