Plain English Drafting for Lawyers
Those practicing in the legal world are necessarily professional communicators who will usually succeed or fail based on their ability to communicate effectively. Avoid the disastrous consequences of leaving your reader unconvinced, confused or unengaged due to deficient writing. Join a renowned expert in legal drafting who will guide you through precisely how to elevate your writing through skillful plain English drafting that will have a significant and immediate impact on your practice. WEB229N10
Description
Attend and earn 2 CPD units in Professional Skills
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
Plain English Drafting for Lawyers
In this unique, in-depth and interactive session, Bob Milstein will explore:
- Plain English in legal writing: what it is and what it isn’t
- Why plain English writing matters for you and your firm: the voice of the firm’s brand, and the voice of your own brand as a professional
- Advisory writing versus transactional writing: the differences – and the similarities
- Reflecting on audience and purpose: an interactive exercise
- The issue of tone, and how to achieve it
- The myth of the professional, legal writing voice
- The special challenges of email
- The new Standard on plain language writing
- Tips, traps, techniques and guidelines aimed to help the lawyer get their reader through the document as painlessly as possible, and in a way that reflects well on the author, and where it’s an external communication, on the firm/the organisation
Presented by Bob Milstein, Principal, Milstein and Associates; Principal, Words and Beyond
Presenters
Bob Milstein is a practising lawyer, specialising in health law. His interest in health law – and in particular health care liability litigation – initially sparked his interest in the importance of clear and reader-focused communications. Bob has been running clear writing/plain English training through Words and Beyond for more than 15 years, and in that time has provided a range of training services to law firms, regulators, government, business, insurers, tribunals and researchers.
Testimonials
"Excellent. This should be compulsory for lawyers and non-lawyers. Bob was a brilliant facilitator. He kept everyone’s interest, used real-life examples and gave everyone great reference material to take away."
"One of the best presenters/presentations I’ve ever seen. Fantastic session on what could have been a dry topic."
"No matter what level of experience or knowledge you think you have when it comes to writing, Bob can help you to make it even better."