ONLINE
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
2:00 PM - 9:15 PM
You will be reintroduced to your legal-writing toolbox, including a few tools you didn't know were in there. You'll also get a fresh look at some of the assumptions and habits that often lead lawyers down less-than-productive writing paths. Briefs, memos, client letters, even daily correspondence benefit from your deeper understanding of what goes into successful writing, so we’ll examine good and not-so-good writing to see what worked, what didn't, and why.
Rick Horowitz tackles these common writing dilemmas:
Rick has crafted this program to take full advantage of Zoom’s interactive features. And as you can see from the comments below, he’s managed to retain much of the give-and-take, back-and-forth energy that has made his in-person sessions so popular. You’re sure to come away with new skills, new strategies, and new confidence.
Here's what past attendees are saying:
Webcast also included in the following webcast package:
June Webcast Extravaganza
YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Rick Horowitz
Prime Prose, LLC; Shorewood, Wisconsin
Rick Horowitz is the founder and Wordsmith in Chief of Prime Prose, LLC, offering writing, editing, and messaging services to institutions and organizations across the country. A graduate of Brandeis University and N.Y.U. School of Law, Horowitz worked for a Washington law firm, specializing in communications law, and as a legislative assistant to a member of the congressional leadership. He went on to become a nationally syndicated columnist, winning two National Headliner Awards; and a commentator for Milwaukee Public Television, where he received eight Regional Emmy Award nominations and two actual statuettes.
SCHEDULE:
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
When Lawyers Write: What Can Go Wrong?
Take a brief tour of the various ways legal writing can come up short (or long, or confusing, or...) and some of the writing habits and assumptions that lead so many lawyers astray.
Knowing Your Goal(s), Knowing Your Audience(s)
Let’s keep it simple, OK? Learn how to streamline your writing process by focusing first on just a few crucial elements and discover how this early awareness can help guide you through many of your most important writing and editing decisions.
The Writing You Do Before You Start Writing (or, The Benefits of Thinking First)
Understand that much of your most important legal writing happens before your fingers ever hit the keyboard. And why would you think that a one-size-fits-all approach to your writing best serves you, your clients, or your varied target audiences?
10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
BREAK
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
“The Eternal Struggle: “What’s In? What’s Out?”
It may be the ultimate balancing act in legal writing: “How much is enough? How much is too much?” We’ll share strategies for fighting off the urge to include absolutely everything, and we’ll weigh the benefits – and occasional dangers – of leaving things out.
Overcoming Blank-Screen Panic: Those First Few Words...
Are you sweating? Trembling? Having trouble breathing? You’re not alone. Getting those first words onto the screen is a daunting prospect for many lawyers. Find out if your typical way of getting started is actually the best approach for the way you write, and for any particular assignment you face. We’ll explore some alternatives that may be a better fit.
12:15 – 1:00 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Organizing for Impact: “Where Do I Put It?”
People are busy. The people at the receiving end don’t always know the subject matter as well as you do. Which means that effective legal writing is more than just including all the relevant information and arguments. Organizing that information, and guiding your readers through it, can be every bit as vital. We’ll talk tips – and pitfalls.
Going for Clarity, Going for Brevity: “How Do I Say It?”
Most of the time, you want most of the people reading your stuff to actually understand what you’re telling them! (“Legalese” isn’t the only thing that stands in the way, although it’s certainly a factor.) Meanwhile, page limits and word limits are just two of the reasons you’ll want to make your legal writing more concise; there are plenty of others. So how do you steer clear of wordiness? Of murkiness? What are some of the best ways to tighten, clarify, and add power to your writing?
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
BREAK
2:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Being Precise: Catching Those Problems Before You Hit “Send”...
Cruel, but true: People will judge you by your errors. But what if you could find – and fix – those errors before anyone else saw them? There are ways. Let’s discuss.
Writing as a Team Sport: Smoothing Out the Rough Spots
Legal writing is rarely a solo act. Your work is likely to pass through many hands before it ever reaches its intended audience – or you may be editing someone else’s work. (Or both.) Are there ways to make the process less stressful, and more productive? Absolutely. We’ll consider a few.
Tone & Voice: “How Does It Come Across?”
There’s a reason people tell lawyer jokes. There’s a reason “You sound just like a lawyer!” is almost never meant as a compliment. Connecting with readers on a gut level is an often overlooked – but often essential – part of effective legal writing. We’ll examine some of the factors that can help you make that fundamental connection.
Wrapping It Up: Even the Little Things Count
A few brief reminders, and some words of encouragement.
$295
Other discounts that may apply:
Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.
Minnesota CLE has applied to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 6.0 standard CLE credits. The maximum number of total credits you may claim for attending this program is 6.0 credits.
