Legal Drafting Tips for Paralegals: Pleadings, Motions and Briefs Training Class

Course ID: 21547

Legal Drafting Tips for Paralegals: Pleadings, Motions and Briefs Training Seminar

Create Solid Trial Documents That Support the Case

Motions, briefs and pleadings are the foundations upon which good cases are built. If you're asked to create them, you need to be able to analyze the situation and apply sound legal reasoning in order to fulfill the specific intention of the document. This involves creating a theory and purpose, researching and assessing the issues, logically organizing the information, proving your points with relevant citations, drafting for the intended audience, editing, revising and refining your message. This groundbreaking seminar was created to help you develop these skills so you can create clear, logical and persuasive documents. By joining us, you'll be able to:

Lead your readers through your argument by introducing key facts, the issue, applicable rules, your analysis and conclusions.
Create a pleading that properly identifies all causes of action relevant to the case.
Make sure all your hard work is admissible - follow court and local rules to the letter to avoid potential problems.
Structure effective motions that clearly support the case theory.
Promote readability - and your position - by using persuasive headings and subheadings to organize your documents.
Identify and use your strongest authority first when creating and supporting your argument.
Avoid leaps of logic from point A to point C without explaining to your reader how you got there. Lead them, each step of the way, through your argument.
Draft clear, concise documents using simple, brief sentences - and avoiding unnecessary Latin or legalese.
Proofread, proofread, proofread! Double-check for grammatical consistency, correct punctuation and professional tone throughout your documents.
Use a helpful checklist that ensures you're including all essential elements when drafting your documents.


	Agenda
	LEGAL ANALYSIS 9:00 - 10:15, Daniel L. Real Tips for Successfully Using the IRAC Formula Identifying the Issues Rule: Stating and Explaining Applying Rule to the Case Conclusion How to Effectively Organize and Address Multi-Issue Situations CITING LEGAL INFORMATION 10:30 - 11:45, Daniel L. Real Applying Citation Format to Particular Authorities Unique Aspects of Public Domain and Internet Authority Citations Cite Checking and Shepardizing Common Citation Errors PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS 12:45 - 2:00, Christina L. Koch Kinds of Pleadings Key Elements in Drafting a Pleading Motions Common Types of Motions Structure Variations for Motions in Support vs. Motions in Opposition Essential Motion Elements Tips for Writing a Better Pleading or Motion BRIEF WRITING 2:15 - 3:30, Daniel L. Real Differences Between Various Types of Briefs Adversarial and Objective Briefs Trial and Appellate Briefs Anatomy of a Brief Creating the Introduction Summary of Argument Persuasive Propositions and Sub-Propositions Argument and Authorities Writing the Conclusion Table of Contents and Authorities Tips for Better Brief Writing IS THE WRITING COMPLETE? 3:30 - 4:30, Christina L. Koch Editing, Revising and Polishing Common Pitfalls of Editing Your Own Work Reviewing the Reasoning Critiquing Grammar and Overcoming Common Syntax Problems


	Audience
	This basic-to-intermediate level seminar will allow paralegals, legal assistants and other legal staff to develop critical skills and practical techniques that can be used when assisting with the drafting of legal documents.