LEGAL WRITING COURSE

Whether you're a solicitor, notary, law student, paralegal or someone who simply wants to express ideas more clearly, becoming a better writer is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Good writing doesn't happen by accident—it’s the product of practice, patience, and purposeful improvement.

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We have put together this practical guide to help you elevate your writing, regardless of your level of English.

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1. Read Regularly and Widely

Reading is fuel for your writing. Exposure to different styles, tones, and structures expands your vocabulary, sharpens your intuition for language, and teaches you what works (and what doesn’t).

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Tip: Read beyond your comfort zone. Fiction, nonfiction, essays, journalism, poetry—each offers unique lessons. Pay attention to how writers structure arguments, build tension, or evoke emotion.

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2. Write Every Day—Even Just a Little

Like any skill, writing improves with repetition. Daily writing trains your mind to think clearly and express ideas more fluidly.

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Tip: Never aim for perfection; aim for consistency. A journal entry, a short blog post, or a few sentences about your day count. Over time, you’ll notice improvement in clarity, speed, and confidence.

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3. Know Your Purpose and Audience

Effective writing serves a clear purpose—whether it’s to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire. Knowing who you're writing for helps you tailor your tone, word choice, and structure.

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Tip: Before writing, ask:

• Who will read this?

• What do I want them to think, feel, or do?

• What’s the most important message I want them to take away?

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4. Learn the Rules—Then Bend Them

Grammar, punctuation, and style rules are tools, not constraints. Knowing the basics gives your writing clarity and credibility. Once you’ve mastered them, you can break them for effect.

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Tip: Use tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, or ProWritingAid to spot any structural issues. But remember: no tool replaces your own judgement and voice.

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5. Edit Ruthlessly

First drafts are often messy—and that’s okay. Great writing emerges during revision, when you refine ideas, tighten sentences, and remove fluff.

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Tip: Let your first draft sit before editing. Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Ask:

• Can I say this more clearly?

• Does every word earn its place?

• Are transitions smooth?

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6. Seek Feedback and Criticism

Outside perspective is essential. Honest feedback reveals blind spots and helps you grow.

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Tip: Share your work with a trusted peer, mentor, or writing group. Ask specific questions like, “Was the argument convincing?” or “Did this part feel unclear?”

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7. Study Writing Craft

Writing isn’t just talent—it’s technique. Many great writers swear by studying the craft through books, courses, and workshops.

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Recommended Reading:

• On Writing by Stephen King

• The Legal English Grammar Guide by Michael Davies

• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

• The Elements of Style by Strunk & White

• Sin and Syntax by Constance Hale

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8. Develop Your Own Voice

Your voice is your unique fingerprint on the page. It’s shaped by your worldview, rhythm, word choice, and tone.

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Tip: Don’t try to sound like someone else. Write the way you speak—then refine it. Authenticity connects more than perfection.

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9. Be Patient and Persistent

Improvement is rarely linear. Some days you’ll feel inspired; others, stuck. That’s part of the process.

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Tip: Track your progress by saving drafts and revisiting old work. What felt strong a day ago may now seem amateurish—and that’s a sign you’re growing.

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Final Thoughts

Becoming a better writer isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about progress. If you commit to writing regularly, embracing feedback, and staying curious about language, improvement is inevitable. Every sentence you write is a step forward.

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So pick up the pen (or keyboard), and start writing.