Persuasive writing for lawyers

Overview

Persuasive writing for lawyers is an advanced course of legal writing which  arms its participants with an ability which most lawyers understand but have not mastered: the ability to persuade. Persuasion is an essential legal skill but few lawyers possess it.

Lawyers often forget that they are also professional writers, paid not only for their legal knowledge but also for their ability to write texts that win cases and arguments. Many lawyers merely list facts and legal authorities without turning them into winning arguments. This is not persuasive writing. At least 70% of a lawyer’s writing will be aimed at persuading judges, tribunals, clients or opponents - but often very little thought goes into the text which they hope will persuade the reader.

Persuasive writing is a skill which can be learnt and gives those who can use it, a big advantage in litigation, negotiation and client handling. It helps to convince judges that the writer's client should win and convinces clients that the lawyer's ability is of the highest standard. Used properly, readers rarely notice that they are being persuaded – merely feeling that the text and arguement makes common sense.

This 10 lesson course covers all the major techniques of writing persuasively. It is delivered in easy to understand lessons, using examples and home tasks for participants to practice the techniques. The course includes writing for use in litigation arguments, negotiation scenarios, and for the general persuasion of clients as well as on behalf of clients. Armed with the knowledge from this course you will be able to deal with, and dismiss, your opponents arguments whilst promoting your own suggestions and ideas. You will gain a clear understanding of how to use the facts and legal authorities to their maximum effect and impact – a unique opportunity, not to be wasted, enabling you to score points, and damage your opponent's case, without even opening your mouth.

Course includes

1. 10 Live video-conferencing lessons
2. On-line exercises to test writing ability
3. On-line exercises to test listening ability
4. On-line exercises and live discussions to test speaking ability
   style guide of effective words, phrases and writing techniques used in persuasive writing
5. Authentic situations and documentation
6. Practice in writing and preparing persuasive texts
7. Persuasive terminology and vocabulary
8. A course certificate, following satisfactory performance during the course from the British Legal Centre
9. Individual feedback to each participant following the end of course exam
10. 20% Discount on the price of attendance at British Legal Centre’s Summer Schools