William Bernhardt

Legal Writing CLEs > Program Agenda

Hour 1: Introduction
A Well-Written Brief Reads Like a Well-Written Novel.
– Why is Most Legal Writing So Poor?
– What Can We Do About It?

Hours 2 & 3:
Does Your Brief Read Like a Bestselling Novel? Mastering Your Writing Skills.
– Ten Steps to Better Writing
– Tools for Maximizing Clarity and Persuasion

Hour 4:
The Story Question: Identifying the Central Issues.
– The Secret to Telling Your Story Convincingly

Hour 5:
Creating a Dynamic, Persuasive Brief.
– Presenting Your Client's Case with the Most Compelling Language

Hour 6:
Communicating Effectively in Letters and Email.
– Working Efficiently and Effectively with Clients and Opposing Counsel
– Email is More Important Than You Think

Hour 7:
The Writing Process: Finding Clarity and Creativity When Time is Critical.
– The Process is the Same Regardless of What You're Writing

Hour 8:
The Ethical Considerations of Legal Writing.
– Writing to Establish Credibility and Fairness – The Ethical Writer is the Winning Writer

The various sections of the program can be increased, decreased, or omitted to suit each sponsor's needs.