Saturday, February 15, 2014

Tips For Choosing A Legal Writing Coach

By Marcie Goodman


As a lawyer it is easy to forget that writing is a key aspect of the job. For example you have to be sure that what you write is clear and there are no potential loopholes that could be exploited because you did not properly write up a contract. One way to avoid this is to choose the right legal writing coach.

There are numerous reasons why this is important. The first is that you need to ensure that anything you write is properly worded. For example as well as defence and prosecution lawyers are often asked to check business contracts. You need to be sure these are properly written so that both parties understand the contract and that there are no loopholes that could be exploited.

Therefore it helps to have someone to guide you through the process. You need to be sure that the person guiding you has the necessary experience. This will mean they are more likely to deal with specific details and help you through scenarios that they have experienced in the past.

However accuracy is not the only concern. There is also the quality of what you write. People are more likely to engage with what you write if it is interesting and well written. A coach can help you with this because they will know what people expect and to ensure that what you write is of the highest standard.

Admittedly this is not as simple as finding a formula. There are no templates that will perfectly fit all areas. In some cases some wording will have to be changed to suit different local areas. A coach with awareness of your local area is more likely to know what people will respond to.

You need to be sure that the person offering coaching has the relevant qualifications. This will ensure that you have got someone who will offer you the right advice. If they are not qualified then there is the very real risk that you could get into trouble by writing inaccurate legal documents so this is something you should check very carefully before making a final decision and agreeing to use the services of a coach.

Ideally you want to choose someone who will give you samples of their work. As with an artist they ought to have some form of portfolio. It also helps to look up their experience to be sure that they are properly qualified to coach you. You do not want to risk your career by seeking advice from someone who does not have the appropriate qualifications to do so.

You can find various websites promoting the services of a legal writing coach. Ideally they should be willing to provide examples of their work and proof of their qualifications. This will make it easier to find a coach that is most appropriate for your personal requirements. It is also recommended that you check online for client feedback and customer reviews to see who will offer the most effective service to suit your requirements and help develop your legal writing skills.




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