I think that law should be a literary profession, and the best legal practitioners do regard law as an art as well as a craft. Unfortunately, many lawyers don't appreciate the importance of how one expresses oneself both in the courtroom at oral argument, and most importantly in brief writing.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, 1993 - present
The Scribes Journal of Legal Writing, 2010
We offer two courses
If [somebody] has written a sloppy brief, I'm inclined to think this person is a sloppy thinker ... So it hurts you. It really hurts to have ungrammatical, sloppy briefs.
Justice Antonin Scalia
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, 1986 - 2016
The Scribes Journal of Legal Writing, 2010
Certainly, I appreciate good writing. It makes my job so much easier. I've seen briefs that are extremely well written and some that are abysmally written. The first quality, of course, that is necessary is clarity, so that you can understand what a lawyer is trying to say. If it's elegant that's a plus. But if I can simply get clarity so that I can understand what the attorney is trying to say, that's a help.
Justice Samuel A. Alito
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, 2006 - present
The Scribes Journal of Legal Writing, 2010
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use Good Legal Writing Online?
Many lawyers write badly. Forgetting they are professional communicators, they use convoluted sentences, long paragraphs and far too much legalese.
Lawyers who write simply and clearly distinguish themselves from their rivals. Clients love them. So do judges.
We offer online courses. Watch them on your computer, tablet or phone when, and where it suits you.
You will learn how to simplify your writing. You will learn how to give complex legal advice in simple language.
Don't lawyers learn how to write at law school?
No. Reading judgments is no way to learn to write. Sadly, evidence that appointment as a judge turns a lawyer into a good writer is lacking.
Students should imitate the way judges think, not the way they write. Few law schools teach this core concept, which is why so many students enter the profession with poor writing skills.
At Good Legal Writing Online we aim to help lawyers write well, so they can fulfil their potential and reach the top of the profession.
How is Good Legal Writing Online different from other writing courses?
At Good Legal Writing Online, we don't get bogged down in grammar or syntax. Rather, we focus on the key principles of good writing. You should see an instant improvement in your writing. In addition, we teach you how to write persuasively. In the process, we believe that you will become not only a better writer but also a better lawyer.
How can our courses help you become a better lawyer?
To reach the top of the profession you must be able to write well. Many lawyers fall into the trap of using cryptic and complex language that is difficult to understand when judges want them to use simple and clear language. Writing well is also a way to distinguish yourself from your competitors. In short, it is a vital skill for any good lawyer.
Are our courses suitable for you?
Good Legal Writing Online's courses are designed for any lawyer practising in a common law jurisdiction.
Can you claim continuing professional development (CPD) points for our courses?
If you are a practising lawyer in Australia, you must undertake continuing professional development training. Subject to the requirements of each state and territory, you can claim 1 point for each hour of training. You can claim CPD points for any of our courses (with the exception of Western Australia).
If you are a practising lawyer in the UK, the US, Canada, India, New Zealand or any other common law jurisdiction, you will need to check with the relevant professional body for their CPD requirements.
Do we work with firms to tailor courses to fit with their house style?
Yes. Many firms, especially larger firms, have a 'house style' or specific requirements for their legal documents. We work with firms to develop courses that are specifically tailored to the firm and exclusive to its lawyers.
Do we offer in-house writing training for lawyers?
Yes. Richard Travers and Dr Genevieve Burnett both enjoy delivering their writing training programs in-house. If this option suits your firm, please contact Dr Genevieve Burnett on [email protected] or +61 (0)409 609 903 to discuss your requirements.
Would you like to find out more about Good Legal Writing Online?
If you would like to find out more about Good Legal Writing Online, please contact Dr Genevieve Burnett on [email protected] or +61 (0)409 609 903.
Meet Your Instructors
Richard Travers
Richard Travers has practised as a trial lawyer for more than 40 years. He was a member of the New South Wales bar and a partner in national law firm, Clayton Utz.
He has taught law at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Law School for 10 years.
Richard is the author of To Paint a War: the lives of the Australian artists who painted the Great War, 1914 – 1918, published by Thames & Hudson in 2017; and of Diggers in France: Australian Soldiers on the Western Front, published by ABC Books in 2008. To Paint a War won the Centenary of WW1 prize in the 2017 Victorian Community History Awards; Diggers in France was commended in the 2008 National Literary Awards.
Thames & Hudson will publish his next book, a biography of Hilda Rix Nicholas, in 2019.
In addition to his undergraduate degrees, Richard holds the degree of Master of Arts in History from the University of New South Wales and that University's Certificate in University Learning and Teaching.
Genevieve Burnett
Dr Genevieve Burnett is a communication strategist and a lawyer. She began her career as an academic historian and then joined Australia's largest independent law firm, Clayton Utz, where she worked for Richard Travers. During this time, she completed her law degree.
After leaving Clayton Utz, Genevieve set up her business, Pink Rottweiler Copywriting, which helps lawyers communicate more effectively with their clients. This includes running article writing training for lawyers in firms.
Genevieve's book (co-authored with Sally King) The Marketer's Guide to Law Firms: how to build bridges between fee earners and fee burners in your firm will be published in February 2019.
Genevieve holds a PhD in History from the University of New South Wales.
Good Legal Writing Online is owned and operated by:
Good Legal Writing Pty Limited (ACN 628 580 530)
11 Rosemary Street
Bowral NSW 2576
AUSTRALIA
t: +61 (0)409 609 903
e: [email protected]