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Let’s be honest — nobody likes reading legal documents that sound like a dusty English professor trying to flex.
Legal writing is not about using the biggest words or longest sentences. It’s about clarity, persuasion, and structure — whether you’re drafting a memo, writing an essay, or submitting a journal article.
Whether you’re aiming for best memorial, top grades, or just trying not to cry while writing that 3,000-word assignment, this guide will help you write like someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.
The Basic Structure of Legal Documents
Different documents have different vibes, but most legal writing follows a common structure. Know your format before you even start:
For Legal Memos:
Heading
Issue – What’s the legal question?
Rule – What’s the law?
Application – Apply the law to your facts.
Conclusion – Final take.
This structure is often called IRAC or ILAC — use it like your life depends on it. It’s the holy grail of legal writing formats.
For Essays or Assignments:
Intro – Define key terms, outline your argument
Body – Develop your argument with authority
Conclusion – Summarize and restate your position
Always stick to the structure. If you write chaotically, you lose the reader — and the marks.
✍️ Writing Tips for Clarity and Flow
Short sentences. Strong verbs. Simple words.
Don’t say “Notwithstanding the aforementioned position of the court…” when you can say “Despite the court’s decision…”
Avoid repetition. Say it once, say it right.
Use headings and bullet points to break your content. Law readers are scanners.
Define your terms early. Don’t assume everyone knows what mens rea means.
Use authorities well. Quote statutes and case law — but don’t overdo it. Your argument should lead, not your citations.
Pro Tip: Read it out loud. If you stumble while reading, your reader will too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Copying case summaries blindly – Always paraphrase in your own words.
Over-quoting judges – Don’t turn your paper into a judgment transcript.
Not citing properly – Use footnotes, endnotes, or inline citations correctly.
Mixing tenses – If you start in past tense, stay there.
Fluff and filler – No need for long intros that say nothing.
Keep it tight, keep it right.
Free Templates for Memos & Briefs
Templates save lives. Literally. Here’s what to include:
Memo Template
Header: TO, FROM, DATE, SUBJECT
Issue Statement
Relevant Law / Rule
Application / Analysis
Conclusion
Brief Template
Case Title and Citation
Facts
Issues
Holding
Reasoning
Your Notes/Opinion
Want a downloadable Word or Google Doc version? Say the word and I’ll drop it.
️ How to Start Publishing While in School
Publishing isn’t just for professors — you can start now. Here’s how:
Submit articles to your faculty journal or law review.
Write for the LSS blog or newsletters.
Join the Editorial Committee — build your CV and your voice.
Start a Medium blog to share your legal takes.
Pitch guest pieces to legal platforms like The Lawyard, Legalnaija, etc.
Your writing can open doors — internships, scholarships, even law firm interviews.
Final Thoughts:
Legal writing is more than an assignment skill — it’s your superpower.
When you write well, people listen. Judges, lecturers, employers, peers — they all start to take you seriously.
So slow down, structure your thoughts, and make every word count.
Because in law, sometimes your pen speaks louder than your voice.
Legal writing is not about using the biggest words or longest sentences. It’s about clarity, persuasion, and structure — whether you’re drafting a memo, writing an essay, or submitting a journal article.
Whether you’re aiming for best memorial, top grades, or just trying not to cry while writing that 3,000-word assignment, this guide will help you write like someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.
The Basic Structure of Legal Documents
Different documents have different vibes, but most legal writing follows a common structure. Know your format before you even start:
For Legal Memos:
Heading
Issue – What’s the legal question?
Rule – What’s the law?
Application – Apply the law to your facts.
Conclusion – Final take.
This structure is often called IRAC or ILAC — use it like your life depends on it. It’s the holy grail of legal writing formats.
For Essays or Assignments:
Intro – Define key terms, outline your argument
Body – Develop your argument with authority
Conclusion – Summarize and restate your position
Always stick to the structure. If you write chaotically, you lose the reader — and the marks.
✍️ Writing Tips for Clarity and Flow
Short sentences. Strong verbs. Simple words.
Don’t say “Notwithstanding the aforementioned position of the court…” when you can say “Despite the court’s decision…”
Avoid repetition. Say it once, say it right.
Use headings and bullet points to break your content. Law readers are scanners.
Define your terms early. Don’t assume everyone knows what mens rea means.
Use authorities well. Quote statutes and case law — but don’t overdo it. Your argument should lead, not your citations.
Pro Tip: Read it out loud. If you stumble while reading, your reader will too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Copying case summaries blindly – Always paraphrase in your own words.
Over-quoting judges – Don’t turn your paper into a judgment transcript.
Not citing properly – Use footnotes, endnotes, or inline citations correctly.
Mixing tenses – If you start in past tense, stay there.
Fluff and filler – No need for long intros that say nothing.
Keep it tight, keep it right.
Free Templates for Memos & Briefs
Templates save lives. Literally. Here’s what to include:
Memo Template
Header: TO, FROM, DATE, SUBJECT
Issue Statement
Relevant Law / Rule
Application / Analysis
Conclusion
Brief Template
Case Title and Citation
Facts
Issues
Holding
Reasoning
Your Notes/Opinion
Want a downloadable Word or Google Doc version? Say the word and I’ll drop it.
️ How to Start Publishing While in School
Publishing isn’t just for professors — you can start now. Here’s how:
Submit articles to your faculty journal or law review.
Write for the LSS blog or newsletters.
Join the Editorial Committee — build your CV and your voice.
Start a Medium blog to share your legal takes.
Pitch guest pieces to legal platforms like The Lawyard, Legalnaija, etc.
Your writing can open doors — internships, scholarships, even law firm interviews.
Final Thoughts:
Legal writing is more than an assignment skill — it’s your superpower.
When you write well, people listen. Judges, lecturers, employers, peers — they all start to take you seriously.
So slow down, structure your thoughts, and make every word count.
Because in law, sometimes your pen speaks louder than your voice.