6 Tips for More Effective Legal Writing: A Guide to Clear and Impactful Communication

19 February 2025

Legal writing is a key component of the legal profession. Writing opinions, creating briefs, or drafting contracts all require the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. However, legal writing is frequently too complicated, obscure, and difficult to understand. Here are six actionable tips to make legal writing more effective to enhance clarity and accuracy while keeping your audience engaged.

1. Understand Your Audience

Knowing who will read your work is the first step in improving legal writing. Are you writing for a judge, client, or opposing counsel? Each audience has different expectations and needs. For instance:

Judges prefer concise, well-organized arguments.
Clients appreciate plain language and actionable advice.
Opposing counsel looks for sound reasoning and legal authority.

Tailoring your tone, style, and content to suit your audience’s expectations ensures your message resonates and achieves its intended purpose.

2. Prioritize Clarity Over Complexity

Legal writing often suffers from jargon and complex phrasing. While legal terminology is inevitable, clarity should always take precedence. Here’s how to achieve it:

Use short sentences and straightforward language.
Avoid unnecessary legalese.
Structure sentences logically and ensure subjects and verbs align clearly.

Remember, even the most complex legal issues can be explained clearly with the right approach.

3. Organize Your Content Effectively

A well-structured document is easier to read and understand. Begin with an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. Use headings and subheadings to break the text into digestible sections. The IRAC method (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) is beneficial in legal writing:

Issue: Clearly define the legal question.
Rule: State the applicable law or principle.
Application: Analyze the facts of the case using the legal provisions.
Conclusion: Summarize your findings.

4. Edit Ruthlessly

Good writing is often the result of meticulous editing. Once you’ve completed your first draft, review it critically:

Eliminate repetitious words and phrases.
Check for grammatical errors and typos.
Ensure transitions between paragraphs are smooth and logical.
Confirm that your arguments are persuasive and supported by evidence.

Editing isn’t just about fixing mistakes—it’s also an opportunity to refine your content and improve its impact.

5. Cite Sources Accurately

Citing the sources lends credibility to your writing, but they must be used judiciously. Too many citations can overwhelm the reader, while too few may weaken your argument. Follow these guidelines:

Cite the most relevant cases, statutes, or regulations.
Explain how the authority supports your argument.
Use proper citation formats, such as Bluebook, OSCOLA or other relevant style guides.

Integrating references into your writing allows you to build a convincing narrative that highlights your knowledge and skills.

6. Practice Plain Language Techniques

Plain language doesn’t mean simplifying complex legal concepts; it means expressing them in a way that’s accessible. Tips for plain language include:

Opt for active voice instead of passive (e.g., “The court denied the motion” vs. “The motion was denied by the court”).
Use bullet points and numbered lists for complex information.
Choose familiar words over obscure ones.

Plain language enhances not only readability but also your credibility, as it shows respect for your audience’s time and understanding.

Why Do These Tips Matter?

In addition to making your work better, knowing these legal writing tips will help you stand out in the legal industry. Clear, effective writing fosters better client relationships, strengthens your arguments, and enhances your reputation as a professional. These tips for legal writing can help you convey your thoughts clearly and confidently, whether you’re writing a brief or educating a layperson on legal principles.

Legal writing is both an art and a science—and like any skill, it improves with practice. By applying these six tips consistently, you’ll see significant progress in your ability to produce polished, impactful legal documents.