Advanced Legal Writing

Course Code

PLBA 3503

Academic Year

2016-2017

This course applies the fundamentals of legal writing to more complex documentation encountered in paralegal practice, including case comments, legal research memoranda, affidavits, factums, written submissions, and reporting letters. The students are also introduced to the fundamentals of legislative and by-law drafting. Special attention will be given to the use of formal quotations, footnoting authorities, preferred words and expressions, proper paragraphing, the use of definitions and cross-references, and the format requirements for regulatory documents. The course will emphasize the importance of using plain language in legal writing in promoting the client's case, whether during negotiations, at the mediation stage or in the litigation process. In addition, the students will examine the documentary requirements of appellate advocacy and the presentation of persuasive, legal argument.