ABA Journal - Law News Now

Since you are not an attorney, how can you be expected to write like an attorney?

Its a fair question to be sure, and not at all surprising. But you might be surprised to learn there is an advantage to using a legal ghostwriter who is not burdened by the traditions of law school. One attorney I know recently put it this way: ғI was considered a good writer before I went to law school. But by the time I was done, my writing skills were wrecked!

The moral of this particular story is that itԒs easy to find law professors and the like who will take on legal ghostwriting assignments on the strength of their curriculum vitae. Yet those degrees and credentials are no guarantee of good writing. On the contrary, such credentials could well mean youre going to get the same old legalese that defies comprehension, rather than clear writing that anyone can understand.

Law GhostҒs focus is on ghostwritten articles targeted to broad audiencesmostly business executives and in-house counsel. (In other words, prospective clients.) We are adept with complex legal topics. And above all else, our emphasis is on crackerjack writing.

Are there possibilities that there could be negative legal ramifications from using a legal ghostwriter? If so who would be responsible?

I am a professional writer and not an attorney. So this question should ultimately be referred to qualified legal counsel. From my perspective the question of legal ramifications of legal ghostwriting has two components:

(1) Actual Legal Documents v. Articles For Publication

There is a level of controversy surrounding instances when attorneys hire legal ghostwriters to generate briefs and motions and the like, but this is not a service Law Ghost provides. Rather, the focus of Law Ghost is the ghostwritten article that publishes in such venues as business journals, industry trade magazines, and newspapers. The target audience is typically the business community, from which come new clients.

(2) Final Accountability

Law Ghost writes articles for attorneys that convey the thoughts, ideas, opinions and impressions of the “authoring attorney.” I work from their notes or outlines, in combination with insights I gather via the interview process. Also, when it’s an option, I rely on background information provided by the law firm’s library. My normal work process allows for the possibility that I might also introduce insights or examples that further illuminate points within the article. Ultimately, though, my client (the authoring attorney) sees, reviews and approves every word. I make a good faith effort to proofread the piece. But per the work agreement I use, my client has final responsibility to proofread and fact-check the article before submitting it for publication. This, because the attorney’s name appears in the by-line, while Law Ghost remains anonymous.

What are the top three reasons why attorneys hire legal ghostwriters?

There are many solid reasons, but the list could well include these: 1) Attorneys recognize the practice building value of positive press, not to mention the value of being seen by potential clients as an expert on some specific aspect of the law. 2) The most successful attorneys don't have time to do their writing justice. 3) The time attorneys save using a legal ghostrwriter can be spent with those who matter more than their practice. If you'd like to learn even more reasons, or if you have a different question you'd like answered, I'd like to hear from you. DC

http://www.lawghost.com

Law Ghost is a professional legal ghostwriting service in Portland, Oregon that functions as an adjunct to law firm marketing departments from coast to coast assisting firms large and small. The Law Ghost concept was born of the growing demand for articles and guest columns contributed by attorneys, particularly where business journals are concerned. Prospective clients comprise the primary audience for this type of writing, including top executives and in-house counsel. Law Ghost earns client praise for excellent writing, quick turn-around, good value, and the ability to explain legal complexities in a way that ordinary people can understand.

Think of Dan Cox as an expert communicator: A talented, quick-witted legal ghostwriter who is efficient, prolific and effective for his clients. He constantly seeks the original, and believes good writing is equal parts discipline and magic. This makes Dan a goal-oriented critical thinker who merges gut instincts with discerning insights and fresh interpretations. He is a 30-year veteran of the advertising industry and a published fiction writer. He can articulate complex ideas, policies and legal concepts in simple, embraceable terms for mass audiences. A journalism graduate of the University of Oregon, Dan approaches each workday with an entrepreneurial and editorial spirit that never lets up.