Writing for the Legal Audience, Second Edition

First published in 2003, Writing for the Legal Audience guides lawyers, paralegals, and law students through sensible, practical advice for writing to a dozen legal audiences, from supervisors to appellate judges and from clients to opposing counsel. Each chapter focuses on a different audience for legal writing and presents three concrete recommendations for satisfying that audience. The recommendations are amply supported with explanations, references to the leading experts, and numerous before-and-after examples.

The second edition is thoroughly revised, with new tips, new examples, and up-to-date advice for producing clear, readable, effective legal writing. In addition, Schiess has added a new chapter, "Writing for the Screen Reader," that offers advice for preparing legal documents aimed at readers who will encounter the text electronically on a computer, tablet, or handheld device. 

“A fine book filled with sound, progressive advice about writing for many different legal audiences. Schiess is squarely on the side of plain English—bless him. He will show you the way to better legal writing.”
—Joseph Kimble, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

“Wayne Schiess knows his stuff, and it shows in this superb book. Any lawyer or paralegal who wants to write better—and therefore succeed more of the time—should keep this book close at hand.”
—Bryan A. Garner, President, LawProse, Inc.

“Once again, Wayne Schiess has shown us how lawyers can craft clear, readable, and effective legal writing. This book provides readers with practical advice and illustrative examples on how to improve their writing — it’s a ‘must-read’ for every law student and practicing lawyer.”
—Susan Chesler, Arizona State,
Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law