1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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