Discussion (1L): What Makes Writing Legal?

Catalog description

In your first year at SLS and beyond you will learn how to write (and in turn think) like a lawyer; indeed, legal writing sits at the center of not only law school but also most of the jobs you will do. In this seminar we will focus not on the mechanics of legal writing, but instead on the forms it takes and what makes it so compelling, even beautiful, when done well. In the first three sessions we will consider the three most common forms of legal writing: persuasive, objective, and academic. In the final session we will explore how AI is changing how and what lawyers write. Readings will include examples of great (and sometimes not-so-great) legal writing, as well as relevant non-legal writing to help tease out what makes legal writing so special. Elements used in grading: Full attendance, reading of assigned materials, and active participation.