Courses for lawyers/ native speakers of English
Effective contract drafting and legal writing: CPD or PSC elective
This practical and participative workshop is essential for any lawyer, whatever their level, who wants to write more clearly and precisely. Our expert lawyer-trainers help improve not only partcipants' writing style but also their ability to ensure that legal content is complete and accurate.
Key details
Course length
Six-hours, but length of course can be varied for in-house training.
Who should attend this course?
Trainees, or qualified solicitors at all levels.
As a result of attending, you will be able to:
- draft and write more clearly and precisely
- analyse drafting and writing more closely
- spot and learn to avoid common drafting and writing problems; understand and practise using guidelines for clear contract drafting and legal writing
- focus on structuring to get the message across and for greater impact
- brush up on your grammar and punctuation
Note: content may differ between courses for trainees and courses for qualified lawyers. For in-house training, courses can also be tailored to be practice area specific or to meet other firm needs.
Content
This course will cover:
- general style and grammar: making writing concise and precise; choice of tenses; voice (active or passive); syntax; and word choice
- use of provisos and exceptions (provided that, subject to, notwithstanding)
- language of obligation and discretion: shall, will, must, may
- ambiguity: spotting and avoiding it
- structure of letters and reports
- writing for impact
- punctuation, spelling tips and common grammar problems
Exercises throughout, working individually and in small groups, covering:
- analysing, deconstructing and redrafting of poor drafting and writing
- drafting from scratch
- relevant grammar
Trainers
Stella Styllis or Alan Simmons. Both have been delivering legal skills and language training for many years to UK and overseas lawyers, with a particular focus on legal writing. Both are multi-lingual, experienced lawyers with relevant teaching qualifications.
Dates & fees
Public courses: no dates are currently listed. Please contact us for possible future dates.
The course is available as tailored in-house training and one-to-one training. Please contact Stella Styllis to discuss the options and for a quote.
Testimonials
“One of the best courses I have attended. Very impressed by Stella Styllis. The course covered everything I had hoped it would and the material provided will be a useful reminder. Many thanks!” Solicitor at Wragge &Co
"Excellent content and immediately relevant. Excellent delivery of a course which may not immediately spark interest in potential candidates. Relevant and definitely useful.” Trainee Mills & Reeve