Client Letters as a Means of Refining Legal Analysis and Writing

Abstract

The need for law students to master practical writing skills is well appreciated by readers of this journal. A particularly effective way of honing students’ ability to write clearly and effectively is by using a client letter as an assessment task. Specifically, it teaches students to write in a manner suitable for non-legal clients and therefore to use plain English to summarize the advice and to explain legal concepts in comprehensible ways. Quite apart from a more general move towards clearer English drafting,5 writing in plain English enables effective communication with clients and strengthens professional relationships. It ensures that graduates are able to communicate with a diverse ..