Assignment
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make sure you understand the assigned task clearly
(identify time and purpose of the assignment) If it requires preparation of a
document requiring legal research and analysis, be sure to identify the legal
issue to be researched.
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Identify the type of legal writing required
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Identify the audience (lawyer or client)
Constraints
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Time - (deadline)
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Length - (# of pages wanted)
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Format - (law firms criteria - court criteria)
Organization
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prepare an outline
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make a rough draft
Preliminary
Preparation (Format)
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gather information, review the case facts within the file
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conduct basic research to become familiar with the law
that governs the issue
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the law that interprets how the rule applies to the facts
of the client's case
Guidelines and
Suggestions for the Writing Stage
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prepare the writing location
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establish a time table
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do not begin to write until you are prepared
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write when you will do your best work
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begin with the part of the assignment you feel most
confident about
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do not procrastinate
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limit interruptions
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if you become stuck, move to another part of the
assignment
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do not make the first draft the final draft
Post Writing
Stage - (Revising and Editing Checklist)
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make sure the writing is well organized
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make sure the document is written in a manner the
audience will understand
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write clearly so the content makes sense
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write concisely: eliminate unnecessary words
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make sure the writing is complete and all aspects of the
assignment are covered
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cite the legal authorities correctly
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edit the document several times
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while editing: read aloud or have a colleague read to you
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have a colleague edit and proof read
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IRAC - Issue, Rule, Analysis and Conclusion
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