Friday, 14 February 2014

Choosing A Legal Writing Coach

By Marcie Goodman


As a lawyer it is easy to forget that writing is a key aspect of the job. For example you have to be sure that what you write is clear and there are no potential loopholes that could be exploited because you did not properly write up a contract. One way to avoid this is to choose the right legal writing coach.

As with any form of creative talent this does not happen instantly. This is especially the case if you have only recently become legally qualified. You would not expect someone who has just qualified as a teacher to be able to handle every possible situation and the same is true for lawyers and other people in the legal profession.

Furthermore lawyers are often involved with contracts. You need to be sure that a contract is properly written. This can reduce delays in deals as people do not argue over the finer points and that everything is properly clarified before people sign an agreement and are satisfied with the deal.

There are two main aspects. One important aspect is that what you write makes sense. You need to be sure that when you write people know what you are saying and that people know what you are talking about. While it is important that it is written formally there is a difference between writing in a formal way and writing in a way that seems inappropriately wordy.

It is also worth noting that sometimes you need to adapt for different local areas and different context. The right person can guide you through this. This is why ideally you want someone based in your local area as they are more likely to have relevant experience in local legal issues and what you need to be aware of.

You need to be sure that the person offering coaching has the relevant qualifications. This will ensure that you have got someone who will offer you the right advice. If they are not qualified then there is the very real risk that you could get into trouble by writing inaccurate legal documents so this is something you should check very carefully before making a final decision and agreeing to use the services of a coach.

Ideally you want to choose someone who will give you samples of their work. As with an artist they ought to have some form of portfolio. It also helps to look up their experience to be sure that they are properly qualified to coach you. You do not want to risk your career by seeking advice from someone who does not have the appropriate qualifications to do so.

There are a number of websites where you can find the services of a legal writing coach. Ideally you should talk to at least three potential candidates. This will allow you to get more of an idea who is best suited to you. Use your regular search engine to find out more about coaches in your local area as well as getting feedback from clients who have used their services in the past.




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