Most Typical Law Essay Errors and How to Avoid Them

Writing a high-quality law essay is a skill that requires attention to detail, a structured approach, and a formal tone. However, even the most diligent students can fall into common traps that can significantly impact their grades. Below, we outline the most typical essay writing errors and how to avoid them to ensure your essay stands out for all the right reasons.

1. Writing in an Informal or Casual Style
One of the most frequent mistakes students make is adopting an informal or conversational tone in their essays. Phrases like, "I don't believe you're right" or using contractions such as "doesn't" instead of "does not" are too casual for academic writing, especially in law. Legal essays demand a formal and professional tone. Instead of saying, "I don't think the author's argument works," a more appropriate phrasing would be, "The author's argument is flawed for the following reasons."

How to avoid it: Keep your tone formal, avoid contractions, and replace conversational expressions with more academic alternatives. Ensure that your language reflects the seriousness and precision required in legal writing.

2. Using Colloquialisms and Slang
Another common issue is the use of colloquial language, slang, or spoken abbreviations. While these may feel natural in everyday conversation, they have no place in formal legal writing. Phrases like "kinda," "gotta", or "it's not gonna work" are not suitable for an academic setting.

How to avoid it: Stick to standard English and avoid casual phrases. Always choose more formal, precise words, and avoid using slang or conversational shorthand. For example, use "does not" instead of "doesn't".

3. Incomplete Sentences and Incorrect Paragraph Structure
A strong essay is built on clear, complete sentences and well-structured paragraphs. One of the most common errors students make is using incomplete sentences or poorly organised paragraphs. Sentences should fully express your ideas, and paragraphs should be long enough to communicate your message effectively—without being too brief or overly long.

How to avoid it: Write in complete sentences, and ensure that your paragraphs have a clear focus. Avoid bullet points, lists, or fragmented sentences in your essay. Use paragraphs to present and analyse your arguments thoroughly. Aim for paragraphs that are concise but contain enough depth to explore your point.

4. Failure to Cite Proper Cases or Laws
In legal writing, proper citation is essential. Failing to cite the relevant case law, statutes, or academic sources can weaken your argument and lead to penalties. Each law school has its own rules regarding citation, and it's important to be aware of them, whether you are writing a short essay, a dissertation, or taking an exam.

How to avoid it: Familiarise yourself with your institution's specific citation guidelines, and always cite the correct legal authorities to support your argument. This includes understanding when and how to cite case law, statutes, and secondary sources.

5. Neglecting to Acknowledge Sources
A significant mistake students often make is not properly acknowledging their sources. In legal writing, your arguments must be supported by legal authorities. Without citing sources, your legal arguments lose credibility.

How to avoid it: Always give proper credit to the sources you use. Ensure that every legal point you make is backed by a relevant case, statute, or academic reference. Never assume that a statement of law can stand alone without attribution to an authoritative source.

6. Using Sources Merely to Justify a Position
Another common error is using sources solely to back up an existing argument without critically engaging with them. Simply citing a case or academic opinion without explaining why it supports your position limits your ability to show in-depth analysis and critical thinking.

How to avoid it: Engage with your sources critically. Instead of merely listing cases or statutes, explain their relevance to your argument. Why is this case applicable? What does this academic source add to your analysis? Demonstrating this level of engagement will elevate your essay.

7. Ignoring Formatting Guidelines
Law schools often have specific formatting guidelines for essays, including font size, margin width, and referencing style. Failing to follow these guidelines, while seemingly minor, can result in marks being deducted.

How to avoid it: Before submitting your essay, review your law school's formatting rules carefully. Ensure that your work adheres to any specific requirements on font size, line spacing, margins, and citation style. Following these guidelines demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

8. Overcomplicating Your Writing
Many students believe that using complex sentences and legal jargon will make their essay appear more sophisticated. However, overcomplicating your writing can make your arguments difficult to follow and reduce clarity.

How to avoid it: Focus on writing clearly and concisely. Avoid unnecessarily long or complex sentences, and explain legal principles in straightforward terms. The goal is to communicate your ideas effectively, not to confuse the reader with overly complex language.

Avoiding these common errors in legal essay writing can significantly improve the quality of your work. If you maintain a formal tone, writing in complete sentences, properly citing sources, and adhering to formatting guidelines, you can ensure that your essay is clear, well-organised, and professional. Above all, focus on communicating your arguments clearly and engaging critically with the material. Mastering these techniques will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve higher grades in your law essays.