William Bernhardt

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Superior Legal Writing: Winning With Words
A Legal Writing CLE
William Bernhardt, New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels and a former trial lawyer, tells lawyers what they really need to know to succeed on the printed page, based upon personal experience and extensive interviews with judges and practitioners. Bernhardt takes participants through a practical and systematic consideration of the writing process, peppered with practical assignments based upon realworld legal scenarios.

"Writing is a difficult topic to make interesting, much less interesting for an entire day. Author/attorney William Bernhardt addressed the topic with enthusiasm and extraordinary competence. Mr. Bernhardt exceeded my expectations and almost uniformly received the highest marks possible from our program registrants." –Donita Douglas, Director of Educational Programs, Oklahoma Bar Association

About the CLE
The greatest skill any lawyer can possess is the ability to write clearly, concisely, and convincingly. If a lawyer lacks solid writing ability, he or she risks losing motions and cases. This seminar introduces writing and editing techniques designed to maximize legal writing proficiency.

Bernhardt focuses on helping lawyers develop skills and strategies for communicating in a rapidly changing legal environment, with a special emphasis on the abilities needed to frame your case, present it persuasively–and win. Bernhardt covers common writing errors, the pitfalls of legalese, the importance of strategic issue-framing, capturing a reader's imagination (the best way to persuade), drafting briefs, memos, and client letters, building a bulletproof argument, giving your pleadings and briefs focus and direction, setting a winning tone from the first sentence, the critical importance of tight editing for clarity and impact, and creating a compelling story that best represents your client. Although the presentation is educational and illuminating, Bernhardt always keeps it lively, never boring.

All examples are graphically illustrated on PowerPoint. The attendees will be asked to work on the displayed exercises so they can see legal writing evolve from the typical to the superior. This technique allows participants to readily grasp the point and leave the seminar ready to implement these winning techniques.

This seminar also contains an optional section concentrating on ethical issues relating to legal writing, techniques for becoming a fair advocate that judges trust and rely upon while using the written word to its maximum potential. The topics addressed will include: how to write an ethical brief, avoiding ethical lapses that alienate judges, eliminating ineffectual barbs and derogatory comments and replacing them with persuasive, winning arguments. The ultimate irony of ethical writing is that the more fair you make your brief, the more likely you are to prevail.

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Forthcoming Programs

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Friday, October 15, 2010
8:30 AM - 3:45 PM

Holiday Inn & Suites-Airport/University Area
1501 Sunport Place S.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 944-2255

[Approved for 6.0 credit hours including 1.0 ethics]

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Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, October 22, 2010
8:30 AM - 3:45 PM

Embassy Suites
Omaha - Downtown/Old Market
Council Bluffs Room
555 S 10th St.
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 346-9000

Approved for 6.0 credit hours including 1.0 ethics
Nebraska CLE Activity #48236

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Wichita, Kansas
Friday, October 29, 2010
8:30 AM - 3:45 PM

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Ballroom
221 E. Kellogg
Wichita, KS 67202
(316) 269-2090

Approved for 6.0 credit hours
Kansas CLE Activity #82300

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Little Rock, Arkansas
Friday, November 5, 2010
8:30 AM - 3:45 PM

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Little Rock
Meeting Room C
521 President Clinton Ave
Little Rock, AR 72201

Approved for 6.0 credit hours including 1.0 ethics
Arkansas CLE Program #SKL32123