This foundational workshop addresses the three skills partners would most like to see improved in associates’ legal writing in English. Participants begin by learning a technique for striking the right tone in legal correspondence. They then take part in a usage competition, with sentences from practice that test their ability to spot the most common legal vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation errors – followed by practical tips on how to avoid/correct them. Finally, participants learn how to cut their way to better style.

Systematic editing brings objectivity and can make good writing great. It can also reduce frustration and time spent redrafting. Yet few lawyers have a system for editing. In this workshop, participants will learn a four-step approach for editing longer non-transactional documents (memos, reports, prospectuses, etc.), each step bringing greater refinement. Participants will learn how to transform their work by systematically editing for structure, two aspects of style, and usage (grammar, punctuation, legal vocabulary). Participants also receive a handy four-step editing checklist.

Poor communication is the no. 1 client complaint about lawyers. Emails are easily the most common type of lawyer-client communication. This interactive workshop begins with 10 client-friendly email strategies, including how to structure using “ICRA“; close with clear next steps; edit for clarity and concision; and strike an appropriate, positive tone. Participants then break into groups and apply the 10 strategies to emails from practice. The workshop concludes with email “do’s and don’ts,“ including a handy checklist for each participant.

Clearly drafted contracts facilitate the transaction. They are easier to understand and negotiate, less likely to have mistakes, and less open to competing interpretations. In this interactive workshop, participants learn (1) a reasoning technique to logically map out contract provisions that achieve the intended result; (2) strategies for drafting clear, concise provisions; and (3) common drafting errors and litigated terms. Throughout the workshop, participants review and edit excerpts from transactional documents from practice.

Learn the “best practices” online that our Chambers and Legal500 firm clients receive through our full day workshops every year, ranging from Clear and Concise Legal Style to Contract Drafting and everything between. Each online session engages participants through knowledge and activities using a specific legal writing skill in English. All participants practice and get feedback throughout and can ask specific questions afterwards. See details by clicking below:

1.5 hour Sessions (up to 20)

1 hour Sessions (up to 100)

Online “Multi-Office” training for collaboration across law firms

Today’s ‘global’ law firms still have inconsistent English, resulting in customer service gaps, poorly-translated documents, weak contracts, and wasted time. This occurs within the firm, across firm offices, as well as with governments, other law firms and companies. Our distinctive ‘Multi-Office’ courses are designed to create language consistency, reliability, and convenience for international clients and colleagues. Click here to learn more…