Learn advanced legal writing techniques, including using precedent, complex formats, persuasive strategies, and quick editing tips.
This course will discuss techniques for advanced objective and persuasive legal writing, so we can be more efficient and effective in our legal writing. First, we will examine ways to use precedent in a deeper and more meaningful way. Then, we’ll analyze complex formats for objective writing. Next, we’ll discuss ways to improve your persuasive writing with more sophisticated use of cases and facts. Finally, we’ll cover successful and quick editing techniques, including the use of generative AI. The course will provide many concrete tips for advanced writing and analysis, as well as ideas for quick and successful editing and proofreading.Agenda
Intro to Advanced Legal Writing- Defining Advanced Legal Writing
- What Judges Tell Us They Want in Our Legal Writing
- Building a Strong Foundation--Quick Review of IRAC and CRAC Formats
- Advanced Case Charting Ideas
- Successful Extrapolation
- Beyond Bare Rule Statements-Advanced Case Illustrations
- Parentheticals
- Applying Cases Expressly
- Outlining for Success
- Drafting Complex Internal Memoranda With IRAC Synthesis
- Successful Client Opinion Letters
- Using Large-Scale Organization to Persuade
- Persuasive Statements of Facts
- Effective Point Headings
- Persuasive Rules and Illustrations
- Honest and Compelling Applications
- Using Paragraphs Effectively
- Eliminating Passive Voice and Pronouns for Clarity
- Using Generative AI
- Fitting Your Content Into Tight Word Limits
Speaker(s)
Stephanie WilliamsPepperdine Caruso School of Law
- Associate Professor of Legal Research and Writing, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
- Teaches required and elective courses on legal writing and bias; two-time 1L Professor of the Year
- Former certified appellate specialist in California and law clerk for Judge Fernandez of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- Regular speaker and blogger on issues in bias and effective legal writing
- Co-author of a forthcoming book on Legal Argumentation from CALI
- Active member of the California and Illinois bars
- J.D. Degree, cum laude, Loyola Chicago School of Law; B.S. Degree, Education and Policy, Northwestern University
