Paul Rylance
- Combines the principles, rules, conventions and techniques applicable to legal writing and drafting in one accessible volume
- Structured sequentially from preparation to final edit but can also be used an 'at a glance' guide for common writing and drafting problems
- Includes easy-access features such as checklists of undesirable words and phrases
- Comprehensive guidance on the use of legal writing and email
- Features examples of good and bad practice throughout
Writing and Drafting in 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 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.
Readership: This includes students on the legal practice course (LPC), the Bar professional training course (BPTC), those on their training contract or pupillage, as well as lawyers in the early years of their career. It will also be highly useful to company secretaries, contract managers, paralegals, legal executives and legal secretaries.
Paul Rylance, Legal training consultant
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.
Table of Contents
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
