Legal tech is changing fast. But keeping up with that change is an important skill in your tech arsenal. That doesn't mean you need to master every new GAI tool, feature, or function. But if you don’t know what is out there, you’ll never consider using it for a matter.

You might not be loving your work tech because you don’t understand the specifics of how each tool can change your day-to-day practice. But a piece of advice is that you should stop blaming the tools and start learning enough about your tech so that you avoid the pitfalls.

Check out our latest blog post and discover how advanced editing technologies can transform your legal document preparation, elevating the precision and clarity of your legal writing.

bit.ly/3UkCMa5

crowell.com/en/insights/cl…

Many legal writers pen their responses and replies as if their readers had carefully memorized every detail in the prior documents. Instead, try to give your readers a quick reminder of any specifics they need from prior documents so they can use your response or reply now.

When you set up an argument too forcefully (by telling your reader to “ignore” something, or that something “doesn’t matter”) it can make you look defensive or controlling. Just make your points on the merits and slide out of the scene without forcing anything on your reader.

Provide Context for Key Factual Concepts.

Some legal documents don’t turn on complicated facts. But when the facts are dense, consider how you can provide background context for lay readers. The best legal writers are the best explainers. So explain.

This may be the most helpful fact tool: separate different factual events with headings so that your readers can keep track. Good headings also allow you to help your reader understand what matters from each section.

Try taking a paragraph or two at the outset of your factual story to spool up a preview of the best scenes. Roadmap the basic storyline and theme, and highlight some of your best material to prime readers, get their emotions in the right place and engage them.

We legal writers are desperate to engage our readers—and to get them to care—amid the constant legal noise. So if you want your legal readers to remember what you're talking about, try incorporating storytelling into your legal writing.

Monotony is tiresome. It's as true for speaking as it is for writing. Good writers get that.

The point is to have a purpose for every word. Good writers inject smart variety to build engaging prose. Prose that sounds and feels more like good oral storytelling.

Check out our latest newsletter!

This week, let’s talk legal characters—the stars of your legal writing. The parties, players, and protagonists who form the backbone of the story in legal matters.

bit.ly/3vsgjyv

Finally GPT4 has fallen…in the rankings. So good to see another model pull ahead. arstechnica.com/information-te…

If you want to improve your legal skills, it requires commitment and a plan. Identify what specific techniques you want to improve or what are your writing weaknesses. Then simply set some of your time to practice keeping in mind the weaknesses you want to improve.

Check out our latest blog post and learn to craft compelling motions that engage, persuade, and build credibility. From captivating introductions to concise conclusions, master the art of legal persuasion in every argument.

bit.ly/3TLTcbj

Any faithful #HowILawyer listeners graduating this spring? In year 4, I am looking to highlight the stories of folks who have been listening to the show since they were 1Ls or before. Let me know. DMs open.

Fresh readers usually need you to start by orienting them to each situation or issue from the highest level. In your introduction and first pages of your document, that means literally “why the heck are we even here?”. Then quickly guide them to what matters.

Offer Layman Recaps When Helpful

When you’ve forced readers through some dense concepts or details, it’s often helpful to give a quick recap that simply summarizes the complexity. This gives your readers a confirmation that they got out of the section what they should have.

If you’re using a term that you aren’t sure every legal reader will instantly understand, take a moment to define it. Jargon, terms of art, and frankly any long or unfamiliar word can often use a quick definition.

Lean towards the specific and away from the vague. Specific words are easier to visualize and remember. For example:

'The brawl' instead of 'the incident'