Advanced Legal Writing: Communicate Effectively with Plain Language, Part 2

Building on the foundational concepts introduced in Part 1, this advanced course dives deeper into the craft of clear and effective legal writing. Participants will refine their plain language skills through a focus on sentence precision, document design, and inclusive language strategies. The program emphasizes the importance of using concrete subjects, choosing words carefully, and shortening sentences to ease the cognitive load on readers.

In addition, the course explores how visual document design-such as layout, typography, and white space-can improve readability and persuasion. Participants will also learn how to adapt their writing to reflect inclusive, modern language usage and how to apply advanced editing techniques, including the TREAC organizational model. Real-world examples and expert guidance will support attorneys in elevating the clarity, professionalism, and impact of their written work.

Learning Objectives:

1. Use concrete subjects and precise word choices to enhance clarity and reduce ambiguity in legal writing
2. Apply sentence-shortening techniques to improve readability and streamline complex ideas
3. Incorporate effective document design principles, such as layout, typography, and spacing, to improve the visual clarity of legal documents
4. Edit legal writing using a structured process, including the TREAC organizational method, to improve logical flow and impact
5. Implement inclusive language practices to ensure respectful, modern, and audience-aware communication