Good legal writing
requires short paragraphs made up of short sentences.
To shorten sentences, delete
extraneous words. But don’t delete all
descriptive words such that your brief becomes a dry, choppy document devoid of
feeling or persuasive effect.
Another way to shorten sentences is
to ask yourself if that comma in the middle of that long sentence can be replaced with a
period. Usually it can and the reader
will benefit from not having to wade through and re-read a run-on sentence to
understand the multiple points contained therein.
To shorten paragraphs, make sure
you have a good topic sentence and that all following sentences stay within
that topic. If more than one topic is
discussed in the paragraph break it down into separate paragraphs. When you do so, however, remember to make
sure there is a good transition sentence at the end of the paragraph in order
to create a good flow through all of the paragraphs that builds like a
crescendo towards the desired result.
Another good form to utilize persuasive headings and
sub-headings to guide the reader through your brief to the desired destination, i.e., the acceptance of your position.
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