Revising and Editing: Precision and Simplicity Be as direct as possible. Avoid phrases that don’t really tell the reader what to do with it; e.g. “This case has a strong impact on us.” What is the impact? Explain why wherever possible. “The facts are similar to our case because…” Simplicity is a virtue Avoid legal jargon where possible Avoid irrelevant details in sentences State only the details you need for your analysis Advanced Legal Analysis and Writing Class 10

Advanced Legal Analysis and Writing Class 10 Use Active Verbs Not as Active More active Bring about a resolution Resolve Make a determination Determine Make an assumption Assume Make a proposition or proposal Propose Take under consideration Consider State by implication Imply Reach an agreement Agree Make an alteration Change Agree to take $1,000 Settled for $1,000 Advanced Legal Analysis and Writing Class 10

Advanced Legal Analysis and Writing Class 10 Use Concise Terms Verbose Concise Despite the fact that Although In accordance with Under Subsequent to After Due to the fact that Because Until such time as When At the present time Now Advanced Legal Analysis and Writing Class 10

Other Pitfalls to Watch For 1 Avoid Tautologies: Unexpected surprise False misrepresentation Actual fact Sufficient enough Avoid modifying terms that are not technically capable of being modified: “very true” “hardly possible” “slightly guilty” Advanced Legal Analysis and Writing Class 10

Other Pitfalls to Watch For 2 There is often no reason to preface a sentence with “It is…” or “There is…” Rather than: “There is a New York law in Section 123 which says…” Try: “New York Law Section 123 says…” Avoid Redundancies Avoid extraneous facts not necessary for the reader to grasp the point you’re making. Advanced Legal Analysis and Writing Class 10

Advanced Legal Analysis and Writing Class 10 More Editing Tips Have the verb (predicate) in your sentence closely follow the subjects; i.e., come straight to the point. Later in the sentence or in another sentence, you can fill in details Hard to follow: The tenant, because he felt that the landlord did not properly maintain the heating, did not pay the monthly rent when due. Better: The tenant did not pay the rent because he felt that the landlord did not properly maintain the heating system. Be careful to use impeccable grammar, punctuation and spelling. Advanced Legal Analysis and Writing Class 10