Writing Advice for Law Students

Effective legal writing is an essential skill for law students, applicable in both law exams and assignments. While the core principles of good legal writing remain consistent, their application can vary depending on whether you are working under exam conditions or preparing assessed coursework. Developing a strong writing style early on will help you perform well in both scenarios, ensuring that you can communicate complex legal ideas clearly and accurately.

Use of the English Language
The foundation of any good legal writing is a strong command of the English language. This includes proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar, which are crucial for clarity and professionalism. Common mistakes, such as confusing 'there' and 'their' or 'to' and 'too', can undermine your credibility and lead to a loss of marks. Furthermore, certain spelling errors are particularly irksome to legal academics, such as spelling 'judgment' as 'judgement'. Attention to detail is critical; for instance, using capital letters correctly when referring to specific legal terms, such as 'Act' in relation to an Act of Parliament, is essential. These errors are rarely forgiven in exams or coursework, so maintaining high standards in your writing is imperative.

Avoiding Contractions
In formal legal writing, the use of contractions is generally inappropriate. Phrases like 'don't' should be written out as 'do not', and 'won't' should be 'will not'. While contractions may occasionally be overlooked in the high-pressure environment of an exam, it is best to avoid them altogether to maintain a professional tone. Getting into the habit of writing without contractions will ensure your work consistently meets academic standards, regardless of the context.

Maintaining a Formal Tone
Legal writing should always be formal and objective. Even when answering problem questions that involve advising a client, you should avoid a personal tone. Rather than writing as if you are directly addressing the client ('Dear Tom, My advice to you is…'), frame your advice impersonally. Use formulations such as 'In advising Tom…' or 'Tom is advised that…' to maintain the necessary professional distance. This approach reinforces the academic nature of your work and ensures clarity.

Hedging in Legal Advice
When providing legal advice, it is important to avoid sounding too absolute, even if you are confident in your assessment. Legal outcomes can be unpredictable, and hedging your statements acknowledges this uncertainty. Phrases like 'The contract is likely to be void ab initio' or 'John would likely be guilty of…' are preferable to definitive statements like 'The contract must be void ab initio' or 'John is guilty of…'. This nuanced approach demonstrates your understanding of the complexities of legal analysis and the potential for different interpretations.

Appropriate Use of Abbreviations
Abbreviations are common in legal writing, but their use must be carefully managed to avoid confusion. Always introduce abbreviations by spelling out the full term followed by the abbreviation in brackets. For example, write 'European Parliament (EP)' the first time you refer to it, so the reader knows what EP stands for in subsequent mentions. This practice ensures clarity and helps the reader follow your argument without misunderstanding.

Mastering legal writing is a process that takes time and practice. By adhering to these guidelines, you will develop a writing style that is clear, precise, and professional. Focus on maintaining high standards in your use of the English language, avoiding contractions, keeping a formal tone, hedging your advice appropriately, and using abbreviations correctly. Consistently applying these principles will help you excel in both law exams and assignments, enabling you to communicate complex legal ideas effectively. With dedication and continuous refinement of your writing skills, you will become a proficient legal writer, well-prepared for the demands of legal practice.