Legal Research and Writing Law Blog
Provides "practical insight and commentary on legal research and writing."
Author: Susan McDonald is a lawyer in Nashville, Tenn.
Blawg Related Categories: Solos/Small Firms • States • Tennessee • Legal Information • Legal Research and Writing
Recent Posts from Legal Research and Writing Law Blog
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Writing Tips from George Orwell
As promised, here are writing tips from George Orwell. You are probably most familiar with George Orwell as the author of such novels as 1984 and Animal Farm, and his memoir Down and Out…
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Legal Writing and Hemingway -- Writing Tips
Copyblogger gives Hemingway's top five tips for writing well. Suprisingly (or maybe not) the tips should also improve legal writing. First, use short sentences. Second, use short fir...
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Really Bad Legal Arguments
Prawfsblawg is hosting a contest for your "favorite bad legal argument." We could all enter that contest -- with arguments we have heard and, unfortunately, arguments that we have made...
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"on accident" or "by accident"
I was discussing my blog and other writing issues with friends last night. Between sushi orders, someone asked about the use of "on accident" and "by accident." I had n...
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Some Jargon to Avoid
The Style and Substance blog at the Wall Street Journal lists some trite jargon that we should all avoid. The list includes "bitter dispute," soft-spoken, whopping, key, and "goin...
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Legal Writing -- Contract Drafting
Ken Adams has a pop quiz for lawyers who draft contracts at his blog, AdamsDrafting. I don't draft contracts, but I enjoy pop quizzes. (By the way, I made a perfect score). Here are…
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Legal Writing
Evan Schaeffer at the Illinois Trial Practice blog suggests that we draft our brief before reading the other side's brief. He asks if that "sounds nuts," and my first response is that ...
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Grammar Girl and Legal Lad
You know I enjoy Grammar Girl. Check out her brother Legal Lad. His recent posts include discussion of the legallity of recording conversations, living wills and power of attorney, t...
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legal writing and points of style
The Chicago Manual of Style accepts questions regarding the Manual and responds in a monthly Q&A section. I saw two questions this month that may be of interest to legal writers. F...
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Legal Writing -- Keeping the Reader Interested
Here is another reason to use active verbs. According to Roy Jacobsen, "[y]our brain can’t tell the difference between reading about kicking a ball and actually kicking a ball."&...