Category: CAT: Ethics/Professionalism, NLADA, ST: Connecticut ... (show more) Category: CAT: Ethics/Professionalism, NLADA, ST: Connecticut, ST: Illinois, ST: Indiana, ST: Iowa, ST: Minnesota, ST: Nebraska, ST: Ohio, ST: Pennsylvania, ST: Tennessee, ST: Virginia, ST: Wisconsin (show less)

Clear, persuasive writing is one of the most important skills a lawyer can master—yet it is often overlooked in the fast pace of modern practice. In this one-hour CLE program, Dawn Parker Anderson, Director of the University of Iowa College of Law Writing Center, will guide attorneys through the core principles of strong legal writing and practical techniques to enhance clarity, credibility, and impact in the practice of law. Drawing from years of experience teaching law students and working with legal professionals, Ms. Anderson will provide actionable strategies that attorneys can immediately apply to the writing tasks central to their professional obligations—briefs, motions, contracts, client communications, and correspondence governed by ethical and risk-management considerations.
This engaging session is designed exclusively for attorneys at all levels who want to strengthen their legal writing in ways that directly support competent representation, compliance with professional rules, and effective advocacy. Whether drafting for the court, advising a client, or communicating with opposing counsel, this CLE will sharpen your ability to write with the precision, authority, and professionalism required of practicing lawyers.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify and avoid the most common mistakes that weaken legal writing.
• Apply strategies for organizing complex information into a clear and persuasive structure.
• Use plain language principles to enhance clarity without sacrificing professionalism.
• Strengthen arguments through effective word choice, tone, and emphasis.
• Edit and revise more efficiently to produce polished, concise documents.
• Adapt writing style to different audiences, including courts, clients, and opposing counsel.
• Incorporate modern writing tools and best practices for accuracy and efficiency.

The following ethics rules will be addressed:

• ABA Model Rule 1.1 Competence: Clear, precise writing is part of competent representation.
• ABA Model Rule 1.4 Communication: Lawyers must explain matters to clients in a way they can understand.
• ABA model Rule 3.3 Candor to the Tribunal: Written submissions must be accurate and not misleading.
• ABA Model Rules 5.1 & 5.3 Attorney Supervision: Supervisory lawyers must ensure junior lawyers and staff are producing work product that meets professional standards.