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Replies

Matthew Stiegler @matthewstiegler.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

The key to good legal writing is clarity. Exceptional clarity persuades. Unclarity sows doubt. Not key? Originality. Humor. Cleverness. A distinctive voice. Torrents of peripheral legal authority. Demonstrations of opposing counsel’s stupidity and bad faith. Edit for clarity.

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Jarda @jarda.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

I wish the searched clarity when they write laws.

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ubermitch.bsky.social @ubermitch.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

related, the very first sentence should always say what you want the court to do and why; never assume your paper will be read any further

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Charles Jeanfreau @jeanfreauc.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

And the first step in clear writing is clear thinking. Spend the time to thoroughly understand the facts, the applicable law and the argument you are trying to make before starting to write. If you are uncertain about what you want to say, your writing will betray that.

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Atticus Finch (of Georgia) @atticus59914029.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

This is great advice. In a related vein, write your position with confidence. Don’t make the other side’s arguments for them. Put all doubt aside and write as if no reasonable person could disagree.

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Persistent Ginger @persistentred.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

For most court filings, or even letters, I write so succinct it could be bullet points. The Courts so far have appreciated it. If I tell a story, I focus on the tenacity, bold key points, and less flowery sentences in between.

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Matthew Stiegler @matthewstiegler.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

And the more of an underdog you are in the case—the more that courts are used to ruling against clients and claims like yours—the more important clarity becomes.

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🍁Laura🍂 @littleedie.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Etch this on my tombstone!

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Castamere Catering @castamerecaters.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Rage-inducing: an obscure word when a common word will do. Especially if it makes the justice’s impatient research attorney have to use a dictionary to understand your argument. Write with the goal that a 7th grader will get it on the first read thru. Tone: sneering is not persuasive.

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Sean Marotta @smmarotta.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

An opposing counsel once referred to my "inimitable writing style" and I was quite flattered.

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carlosamammal.bsky.social @carlosamammal.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

So---- what about illegal writing?

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Juris Canis @x-tweeter.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

My undergrad journalism classes were a huge advantage for me early on when the partners needed a junior who could actually get to the point. Too many lawyers write chronologically and “bury the lede.” I strongly encourage learning Inverted Pyramid style + committing to shorter, punchy sentences.

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gelbach @gelbach.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

What are you trying to say here

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Gary L. Sanders @judgesandman27.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

The amount of writing wasted on demoralizing opposing counsel was nauseating as a judge. I would address it in my orders and during oral argument if possible.

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