An Essay on Legal Writing in Plain English

Abstract

This essay is addressed to law students, lawyers, law professors, legislators, and judges who write in English. It offers tips on writing clearly, concisely, and engagingly in the plain English style. This is the style taught in U. S. law schools and in continuing legal education programs for U. S. lawyers and judges. And federal law requires federal agencies to use the plain English style when they write regulations and other public documents. It is offered here to encourage you to use the plain English style when your goal is to communicate efficiently and effectively.