Archive - Elegant Legal Writing

AI cannot replace legal-writing expertise.

Legal writing skills will continue to differentiate the best attorneys in the age of AI.

Jun 25 •

May 2025

Turn Admitted Facts into Credibility Anchors

The most powerful evidence isn’t what your witnesses say — it’s what your opponents admit.

May 1

April 2025

Show respect for judges even when they are wrong.

Referring to judges correctly and deferentially is a nonnegotiable requirement of strong legal writing.

Apr 20 •

March 2025

How to write briefs that judges want to read

How can attorneys earn judges’ attention and motivate them to read briefs? Understanding the principles of readability can help.

Mar 12

February 2025

Tips for undergraduates on writing, learning, and life

Here are some practical writing tips that are equally useful for nonlawyers, plus a handout I distribute whenever I get a chance to present to college…

Feb 20 •

Using AI as an editor and writing coach

Here is a prompt I designed to get tailored editing and feedback from AI software like ChatGPT and Claude.

Feb 6 •

January 2025

Read widely to tune your ear for language

Reading literary prose can refresh your mind and improve your writing by exposing you to fresh language, new ideas, and unfamiliar vocabulary.

Jan 21

December 2024

Use executive summaries in litigation briefs

Use this design move to ensure judges don’t overlook your best argument.

Dec 17, 2024 •

July 2024

Logic for Lawyers: Crafting Persuasive Legal Arguments

Here are the slides for Ryan McCarl’s Justia webinar, “Logic for Lawyers: Crafting Persuasive Legal Arguments.”

Jul 12, 2024 •

June 2024

Ryan McCarl interviewed on the Legally Speaking podcast

Elegant Legal Writing author Ryan McCarl was recently interviewed on the Legally Speaking podcast about legal writing, legal AI, and other topics.

Jun 30, 2024

April 2024

New interview about legal writing and design, writing influences, and more

Ryan McCarl appeared on the podcast “Khurram’s Quorum” to discuss his writing influences, what makes Elegant Legal Writing different, and other topics.

Apr 26, 2024

New interview with Ryan McCarl about legal writing, AI, and other topics

Ryan McCarl appeared on the DC Bar podcast "Let's Brief It" to discuss Elegant Legal Writing, tips for law students, AI in the legal profession, and…

Apr 22, 2024

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