Strategy

Description

Examples

Use Plain Language

Replace complex legal terms with simpler alternatives without losing meaning.

Replace “commence” with “start,” “terminate” with “end.”

Short Sentences

Break down long, complex sentences into shorter, manageable ones.

Instead of a compound-complex sentence, use two or three simpler sentences.

Active Voice

Prefer active voice to passive voice for directness and simplicity.

Change “The motion was filed by the attorney” to “The attorney filed the motion.”

Define Terms

Introduce definitions for legal terms that the audience may not know.

“Tort, a wrongful act leading to civil legal liability…”

Use Examples

Illustrate abstract legal concepts with concrete examples.

Explain “negligence” through a real-life scenario, e.g., a slip and fall case.

Avoid Redundancy

Eliminate unnecessary words or phrases that don’t add value to the statement.

Remove redundant pairs like “null and void,” just use “void.”

Bullet Points and Lists

Use bullet points or lists to break down complex information into digestible pieces.

List elements of a contract instead of describing them in a paragraph.

Logical Structure

Organize content logically, using headings and subheadings to guide the reader.

Structure arguments under headings like “Background,” “Argument,” “Conclusion.”

Paragraph Focus

Keep paragraphs focused on a single idea for easier comprehension.

Each paragraph should introduce, explain, and conclude one idea or argument.