First year review: I have to become a better legal writer/ writer in general. Writing was never a strong suit and this has to change.

Please drop book recommendations!!

Thoughts on: 1) the winning brief; 2) point made; 3) legal writing in plain English

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Do you often read for leisure? Reading in general will help you form cleaner sentences and expand your vocabulary. Do you write a draft and allow yourself to sleep on it before a final review? I have found that my first draft is often very rough. However it takes a lot of energy getting the first draft out—so I don’t have much left to proof with. If I sleep on it and proof it the next day, it really makes a huge difference.

like

This is a great piece of advice. Actually, this helped me far more than any books about writing—except for Strunk & White and Deidre McCloskey’s “Economical Writing.” Though I was an Econ major as an undergrad, hence the latter choice!

Point Made, and then get “brief catch” plug-in for Word.

like

2nd this

Point Made and Making Your Case are my go to recommendations. I’d read Making Your Case first and then Point Made as I feel you’ll get more out of it that way. But if you can only read one, I’d say Point Made

like

“Point Made” has been sitting on my shelf since using it for a class during 2L year…7 years ago (side note: that was strange to type out). It’s a good book that I’ve used for writing appellate briefs and some motion briefs where the topics are more complex. It’s fully marked up with a litany of post it notes sticking out the edge. For your “everyday” motions, it’s not the best because you enter the point of spending too much time on something simple…think “perfection is the enemy of good enough”. Other than that, I learned how to write motions better by looking at what other people filed and what the partners wrote. I wouldn’t expect a new associate to write like I do, but the best advice I heard was to include more than what you think is necessary for your draft to the partner. It’s 10x easier to take things out than to put them in and the partner, or whoever you’re working for, will appreciate this.

like

I actually like “legal writing: getting it right and getting it written.”

like

First year here and I’ve really liked Point Made. The lessons really started sinking in for me when I started writing a MSJ right after reading it. I don’t think it would have been as helpful without the ability to directly put the tips into effect and see them work out.

Before clerking, I had a federal judge recommend to me Thinking Like a Writer by Stephen Armstrong as a book he used in his writing. Thinking Like a Writer: A... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1402411286?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Same here!

Get the WordRake plug in for Word

An old partner I worked for recommended reading out loud while proofreading too to help. It can really help with sentence structure. I have taken to outlining my briefs too to keep my arguments organized before I start writing.

Also…I do this…change the type face. I’m old school, and love times new Roman, but I always change to say, courier new and printing it out to edit. Try it…you’ll be amazed at what you catch. Then change back to the typeface you want.

Related Posts

Any book recommendations on change management?

like

Looking to target PE firms as clients, need to do some research on how they work so we can speak intelligently when trying to sell operational work to them. Any book recommendations ?

likefunny

Any book recommendations on how to tame/work with being an overachievers? I'm assuming a lot of us have a hard time switching off the problem-solving voice in our head (I know I do!) and wonder if there anything good to read about this.

like

Any book recommendations on advanced procurement/sourcing concepts?

Most popular books I find such as 'Procurement and Supply Manager's Desk Reference' are not detailed/deep enough.

like

looking for good PBL book recommendations (teacher book club options)

Telugu pusthakaalu chadive vallu unnara? We can share book recommendations and resources.

I read a lot of novels and some poetry.

like

Agile Program Managers, I am looking to dedicate a few hours a day to growth and skill building. Looking for any great book recommendations around this subject. To be more specific, I manage automotive user interface design programs within software engineering groups.

like

All I want to do is curl up in bed with hot tea and a good book. Recommendations for if I ever achieve said dream?

like

Good nonfiction book recommendations? What are you all reading?

like

Any book recommendations for grieving the death of an estranged parent?

like

I need some good career-development or finance-related book recommendations

like

Personal finance book recommendations?

like

Want to improve my verbal and written communication skills. I hear reading more would help but I don’t read as much as I used to. So I’m wondering what books would help with that? Should I just read books that tickle my fancy like suspense and true crime novels? Help! Welcome to all book recommendations.

like

Any good book recommendations?

like

Any book recommendations? Here are a couple that I've recently recommended:1) Freakonomics2) Super Freakonomics3) The Big Short4) Never Eat Alone. Please add as you see fit!

like

Looking for book recommendations; any favorites? Interested in both fiction and educational/self-improvement (for example, investment / finance books, time management, etc). I feel my vocab is...

like

Looking for book recommendations on being a good people manager/leader. I recognize that nothing beats experience, but I'd love to dive deeper.

like

Any book recommendations for someone looking to get into a Product Owner / Manager role?

like

What are your book recommendations?

like

Book recommendations on genetics and bio hacking?

like

More Posts

Hi team,

I wanted to understand the hierarchy and possible CTC for joining Oracle financial as PMO!

YOE: 4.5

any inputs will be really appreciated

like

How common are career changes / pivots? Can’t help but feel behind now that I’m considering a change and makes me feel alone. Not sure how to go about making the change (finance to marketing)

like

Anyone from Genpact Hyderabad Hafeezpet location?
I just joined Genpact and have some queries.

Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated😊

Recently started freelancing and working from home and realized that I really need a quality office chair cause my current one is killing my back. Any suggestions below $500 if possible?

like

I'm plopped on the floor buzzed, single AF, surrounded by cats, and I have no regrets tonight.

likefunnyuplifting

Anyone here being prescribed strattera for ADHD? I got diagnosed today and wanted to hear about your experiences.

like

Does oracle oci provide cab service?

like

Does anyone else feel depressed because they feel too stupid for this job?

likefunnysmart

Is it wrong that I’m just not into PE/VC? It seems to be the most desirable exit for most people that I work with. The work seems like it’s not a good fit for me but it feels crazy to pass up trying to get that amount of money when there really isn’t a realistic alternative to that amount of wealth (and I do want that amount of wealth).

like

First-year teacher looking for some back to school advice/tips. Meet the teacher night is tomorrow. What are some things you do the first week for your littles?

Will Capgemini provide relocation expenses for 4 years experience people?

How is the freelance world looking in Chi right now?

I just started with a company as an HR Generalist. Within the 3 weeks of being there, my boss’s boss left, and today I found out my boss gave notice. HR is not valued at the company and it’s disheartening to know I was hired into a mess. I am now actively looking but how do I explain to other employers why I am actively looking and what do I put on my resume? I have never had to deal with this before.

like
likehelpful

Any loan facility available in BOA

like

What are some good Project Management Reads (preferably audiobooks)

like

Hi,
I am 4 years experienced Data scientist in Image processing/ computer vision domain. Currently pursuing Masters in Arizona State University. Looking for a job in India. I will be graduating in December. Referrals appreciated.

Hi SGians/Fishes...I have still 29 days remaining to join SG and got a better offer letter ...I am double sure about joining SG only....does SG re-negotiates after accepting the offer letter.??

I’ve been in inside/outside roles 7+ yrs in Real Estate & have led sales/development on large residential developments for luxury new construction & assist buyers, sellers, investors. Now both my kids are in school FT I don’t need flex hours & prefer not to work weekends. I’d like to be in AE role where I can build a career I’m proud of with more stability. But it seems like the only path to be an AE is through the SDR route. Any ideas on companies open to non SaaS work history in Chicagoland?

like

Any tips on how to deal with this…my entire team was let go today (was 5, now just me). We functioned as the Marketing team for 4 brands and primarily focused on product launches and sustaining social media content. My plan moving forward is to only focus on the top revenue driving product launches for now and say “no” to basically everything else. Would love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation and can offer some advice.

like

Additional Posts in Law

What exactly does a "Knowledge Attorney" do at firms that have them? My firm doesn't have such a thing, so I'm not sure if it's an opportunity worth pursuing or not. I'm definitely not interested if it's comparable to the Conflict Attorney role which is essentially dead end.

like

The mid-level associate who directly supervises me isn’t being responsive. I am worried about missing a deadline. Should I keep pinging him? Figure it out on my own? Reach out to someone above him?

like

BILLABLE v. SALARY BASED.... pros and cons? I’ve never worked at a firm that has billing requirements, I’ve always been salary based, but I’m interested to know what your experiences have been!

like

I have a lot of mindless closing binder assembly today so I’ve been watching Restrepo and Korengal in the background. It.... really puts things in perspective. I feel like such a baby for complaining about long hours or stressing over emails.

like

What’s the fastest/youngest you’ve ever seen someone make partner?

likehelpful

I know that the general advice is not to cut your own time, but if you think you took WAY TOO LONG on something should you? I don’t want partners to think of me as inefficient.

like

How do y’all deal with burnout? First year already billed 1900 since Jan. I feel like I’m tired and uninterested in work all the time now.

like

Wishing you all a happy holiday (if you have one). 1st year litigation associate here. Just wanted some ideas. How would your firm organize a virtual xmas/new year party?

like

When do you update your LinkedIn when lateraling? I have a week off in between firms and am unsure as to when the appropriate time is to update my profile. My first day at the new firm? Or after finishing at the old firm?

like

Is there an appropriate way to turn down an assignment because it is non-billable? Two of the partners I work for keep asking me to write client bulletins and articles with them, which is great, but now I’m starting to worry about meeting my billable hours requirement.

like

Any advice for new, relatively young, in house attorney? I feel lost and I’m having to build the “legal dept” from scratch.

like

2020 grad M&A/PE Associate in LCOL area thinking about moving to a ECVC/M&A boutique. I generally like the work I do and the people I work with, but I really don’t like the hours and the constant late nights and weekends. Currently on pace for 2250. Boutique I have been eyeing has billable hour requirement of 1500-1600 and comes with a 20-25% paycut. Is this a stupid idea and should I grind it out until I can move in house? Will this ruin my opportunities down the road?

like

Any trial prep tips and tricks for an associate second-chairing a medical malpractice case for the first time?

like

Tips on giving notice over the phone? I’m required to be in the office 5 days a week but the two partners I work for never come on Fridays or Monday mornings

like

How do you spend your precious unwinding time after work? I love binge watching tv shows but realize it’s probably not the healthiest way to wind after a stressful day. Anything fun / low stress yall do?

Note; working out is not a relaxing activity for me so don’t even start with that. Also I am single and have no kids so ..

like

Thoughts on Katten finance group?

like

Is there a simple fix to remove the iManage number from the title of a PDF when I attach it to an Outlook email? My current solution is saving local and attaching from there, but there has to be a better way. Thanks!!!

like

Aside from just time and experience, is there anything I can actively do to advance in my career and get more responsibility / client interaction? I’m a first year

like

Does anyone’s dog look at them with puppy eyes when you leave for work so you tell them you have to go make money to afford their lifestyle? 🤣

likefunny

Has anyone else noticed that a hugely disproportionate number of latinx big law attorneys seem to be white / white-passing?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal