Effective Legal Writing

Author: Christopher M. Rusnak, KC
Current to: September 2024

Unlock sharper insights for your legal toolkit with our latest Practice Point!

The paper “Effective Legal Writing” was penned by Christopher M. Rusnak, KC of Harper Grey LLP, and it comes as part of CLEBC’s Courses on Demand subscription.

As Christopher explains, while oral arguments often steal the spotlight in legal lore, the real game-changer for civil litigators is exceptional legal writing. Clear, concise, and purposeful writing not only builds trust with clients but also solidifies a lawyer’s reputation and forms the bedrock of persuasive advocacy.

In civil litigation, writing is everywhere: drafting opinion letters, pleadings, correspondence with opposing counsel, and court submissions. Each document serves a critical purpose — whether to inform, advise, or persuade — and its success hinges on clarity and effectiveness.

This paper dives into the essentials of legal writing for junior civil litigators, focusing on three key communication tools: legal memoranda to senior counsel, opinion letters to clients, and court submissions. It highlights common pitfalls in ineffective writing and offers practical guidelines to craft impactful documents that hit their mark. Whether you’re honing your skills or just starting out, these insights are your guide to wielding the mightiest weapon in civil advocacy.

Step up your legal writing game with this tips-packed paper!

View PDF of the paper