Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice

Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice provides an up to date and comprehensive guide to writing and drafting - from the first stages of preparation to the final edit - for anyone starting out on a legal career. Unlike an English usage text or style guide or a specialised drafting or precedent book, Writing and Drafting in Legal Practice condenses and combines the main principles, rules, techniques and conventions in one volume for newcomers to legal writing and drafting. It is designed to accompany readers from vocational study through to their qualification as solicitors, as well as throughout the early years of practice. Coverage of email and other electronic communications is included, as are a wide range of legal writing formats such as reports and memoranda. Featuring checklists and examples, it can also be used as a reference for suggested approaches to common problems.

Part 1. Plain English and the General Principles of Legal Writing and Drafting. 1. Preparation. 2. Sentences and Paragraphs. 3. Punctuation. 4. Sentence Construction and Grammar. 5. Verbs. 6. Words and Phrases. 7. Avoid Redundant Words and Phrases. 8. Repetition and Elegant Variation. 9. Using the Right Words. 10. Checking your Documents. Part 2. Letters, Emails and and Other Forms of Written Communication. 11. Preparation. 12. Form, Style and Layout Conventions. 13. Language, Tone, Politeness and Humanity. 14. Letters to Clients. 15. Letters to Third Parties. 16. Checking. 17. Email. 18. Email Policies. 19. Email Etiquette. 20. Email Writing. 21. Checking Emails. 22. Notes, Memoranda and Reports. 23. Checking. Part 3. Drafting. 24. Aims. 25. The Contents and Principal Clauses. 26. Preparation. 27. Layout Conventions and House Style. 28. The Choice of Words, Plain English and Legal Meaning. 29. Expressions Relating to Time. 30. Definitions. 31. Use of Imprecise Words and the Burden of Proof. 32. Standards of Obligation. 33. Sentences and Paragraphs. 34. Choice of Words. 35. Final Considerations.

Following seven years of practice at the bar and teaching law, Paul Rylance spent over seven years as Head of Education and Training with Slaughter and May, and SJ Berwin. During this time he became the first Chariman of the Legal Education and Training Group. In 1996 he became an Associate Dean in the Law faculty at UWE, and went on to form the Bristol Institute of Legal Practice. After some thirteen years at UWE, Paul now concentrates on his consultancy practice providing training and consultancy service to a number of City and other leading firms in the South West of England and elsewhere.