What sets effective legal writing apart when you move from law school to a law firm? The transition from academic to professional legal writing can be challenging, but it’s a critical skill that will serve you throughout your career. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Amanda Haverstick, a legal writing coach who shares valuable insights on how to excel in this essential area.
Amanda brings her experience as both a big law attorney in New York City and an in-house counsel at a Fortune 500 company to our conversation. Her expertise in legal writing is evident as she outlines a three-pillar approach to writing that meets the demands of law firm practice.
We discuss common mistakes new lawyers make, how to rebuild trust after errors, and practical strategies for overcoming writer’s block and perfectionism. Amanda shares a writing framework that can shift how you approach legal writing assignments. Whether you’re a summer student, articling student, or associate in your early years, this episode offers concrete tools to help you strengthen your legal writing skills.
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What You’ll Learn from this Episode:
- How to adapt your writing style from academic legal writing to professional legal writing in a law firm setting.
- A structured approach to persuasive legal writing that supports clarity and readability.
- How to overcome perfectionism and writer’s block using a four-stage writing process.
- Why active voice conveys confidence and improves readability in legal writing.
- The most damaging mistakes new lawyers make in their writing and how to avoid them.
- How to rebuild trust with partners after making writing errors.
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Strategies to strengthen your legal writing skills through active reading and mentorship.
Listen to the Full Episode:
Featured on the Show:
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- Episode 157: Confident Legal Writing with Amanda Haverstick
- Amanda Haverstick: Website | LinkedIn | Courses | Newsletter
- Dear 1L: Notes to Nurture a New Legal Writer by Amanda Haverstick
- Learn When & How to Use “i.e.” and “e.g.” – post by Amanda Haverstick
- The Flowers Paradigm
- Brian Garner
- Point Made by Ross Guberman
- Lisa Blatt
- The Case for Effective Legal Writing by Diana J. Simon and Mark Cooney
- Legal Writing in Plain English by Bryan Garner
- Antonin Scalia
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