Plain Language Legal Writing

The Canadian Bar Association's PracticeLink has just published its third in a series of articles on plain language in legal writing: Mastering Modern Legal Correspondence.

The article provides a checklist for clear writing:

• Clarify your purpose
• Consider your reader
• Write complete and accurate business letters
• Organize the letter for highest impact
• Choose your words thoughtfully
• Use modern formats
• Present good news and bad news keeping the psychology of readers in mind

Earlier posts about plain language:

• Plain Language Resources for Law, Business, Government, and Life (August 9, 2005)
• Move Toward Plain Language in Canadian Court Decisions (November 7, 2005)
• Fifth International Plain Language Conference (November 25, 2005)