Training Course Syllabus:

Draft Legal Briefs, Motions and Memoranda With Speed and Clarity

Go beyond the basics of legal writing learned in law school. Master the PAWS Method and other techniques to draft briefs, motions and legal memos more succinctly and persuasively, so you can effectively communicate your argument to appellate judges and your peers while spending less time writing. Then apply what you've learned in this course's hands-on writing exercises. Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your writing skills and truly make your pen mightier than the sword. Register today!

• Draft persuasive briefs, motions and memoranda in record time by using the PAWS Method to stay focused on the most important objectives of your writing.
• Learn techniques to clearly and concisely communicate your argument to judges who have limited time to digest your brief.
• Discover how the right word choice and sentence structure can improve readability and decrease ambiguities in your writing.
• Influence the judge's first impression of your case using subtle tactics in the table of contents, table of cases and statement of issues.
• Find out what variations in format still follow the rules but can win your appeal.
• Learn how to avoid irrelevancy and use statements that resonate with judges.
• Avoid the fatal mistake of copying your jury speech into an appellate brief.
• Achieve maximum effectiveness by breaking free of boilerplate formats.
• Uncover how to structure your argument and put emphasis in the right place to make your writing stand out.

THE PAWS METHOD: FOCUSING ON KEY ELEMENTS FOR ON-TARGET WRITING
9:00 - 10:30, Sara A. Hook

• Purpose
• Audience
• Word Choice and Sentence Structure
• Style

THE APPELLATE BRIEF THAT INFLUENCES
10:45 - 12:00, Sara A. Hook

• Applying the PAWS Method
• Using a Subtle Compass: Table of Contents and Table of Cases
• Framing a Picture, Not a Puzzle: Statement of the Issues
• Writing the Statement of the Facts With Simplicity and Relevance
• Secrets to a Successful Argument: Persuading Without Exaggeration
• Making Footnotes and Authority Citations Work for You
• Variations in Format: Achieving the Maximum Effect While Following the Rules

- Hands-On Writing Exercise -

PERSUASIVE MOTION WRITING TECHNIQUES FOR LITIGATORS
1:00 - 2:30, Andrew R. Falk

• Applying the PAWS Method
• More Than Meets the Eye: Successful Marshaling of Facts, Law and Form
• Statements and Structure That Resonate With the Judge
• Avoiding Irrelevancy
• Mind the Details
• Secrets to Drafting a Motion That Breaks Your Opponent's Case
• Veering From Boilerplate: Originality Counts

- Hands-On Writing Exercise -

STRATEGIC LEGAL MEMORANDUM WRITING: GETTING YOUR POINT ACROSS
2:45 - 4:30, Christopher C. Murray

• Applying the PAWS Method
• Headings With Impact
• Providing a Roadmap Upfront
• Stating Legal Issues With Clarity and Brevity
• Tips to a Solid Summary of Facts
• Organizing Facts for Coherence and Handling Opposing Facts
• Early Destruction of Preconceived Notions
• Application of a Case Theme or Theory
• A Strong Finish

- Hands-On Writing Exercise -

Seminar Summary:

Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your writing skills and truly make your pen mightier than the sword. (see full course description)

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