Aspen Handbook for Legal Writers: A Practical Reference, Fifth Edition

The Aspen Handbook for Legal Writers is the concise reference students turn to again and again. Deborah E. Bouchoux’s straightforward exposition, examples, and exercises cover every stage of the writing process. Practical tips and strategies clarify gray areas and shed light on important details that are frequently overlooked. Numerous examples throughout the text highlight the differences between ineffective and effective legal writing.

New to the Fifth Edition:

• New exercises and challenges to test mastery of topics discussed
• Updated websites
• Revised Appendix A on citation form in accord with the twenty-first edition of The Bluebook
• Entirely new section on the use of the singular they for indefinite and generic nouns and strategies to achieve gender-inclusive language
• New practical tips on timely and helpful topics such as using technology to improve writing and how to trim lengthy URLs
• New sections covering:
  • a step-by-step approach to preparing an outline
  • use of roadmaps in writing projects
  • how to prepare an email letter
• Significantly enhanced discussion of informal or email memos
• Enhanced discussion of ethical issues, such as protecting confidential client information in marketing materials, the ethics of texting, and the ethical implications of using social media
• New sample documents, including a demand letter, an email letter, and an email memo
• Coverage of Zoom-type conferences, as part of electronic communications

Professors and student will benefit from:

• Grammar, style, and usage, presented in a clear and concise format
• Numerous helpful examples that illustrate strong legal writing and common errors to avoid
• A special Legal Documents section with tips and strategies for writing letters, memoranda, briefs (both trial and appellate), and transactional documents
• Website resources for every topic
• Tips, Strategies, and Ethics Alerts that focus on key topics
• Challenge Exercises that test your knowledge
• A Quick-Reference Table of Contents
• A Quick-Reference Style Sheet
• Answer Keys to Challenge Exercises, Citation Form, section for English Language Learners, and Sample Appellate Brief in the appendices

Teaching materials Include:

• Supplemental exercises available for download at the product page for the book