The Elements of Legal Style

Bought for my law course. Informative, clear and very helpful in supporting an undergraduate degree.

A great guide to writing plain language, designed especially for lawyers. Plenty of practical advice and detailed grammar sections to improve your knowledge too.

I am a continental lawyer and university lecturer in law. Many differences exist between the legal tradition - reasoning, style and courtroom practice - to whom I belong and the one mr. Garner has in mind. Yet, I have been able (I hope) to put to good use much of the information and advice generously and wittily given in this precious little book; and even more so, as continental lawyer seldom care about clarity as much as their Anglo-Saxon brethren do. Actually, most of the suggestions reflect the common sense and experience any smart lawyer could develop in everyday practice, in and outside courtrooms. But mr. Garner puts it all down very neatly, in a single book, which is in itself an example of clear reasoning and writing. Moreover, the book gives remarkable insight on the connections between style and substance; and it is even very pleasant to read. I keep a copy of this book near my writing desk, recommend it to students and colleagues, and even give it as a gift - and required reading - to my best pupils.