Today’s the day to celebrate the pinnacle of communication excellence to which all lawyers aspire. It’s National Grammar Day.
Writing Poetry About Legal Writing Is a Thing
One way lawyers and law students have long gloried in (and whined about) the research, the writing and the practice of law is by writing poetry.
Looking for poetry about legal writing? Legal writing instructor Wayne Schiess posted this student’s poem:
What should legal writing be?
Clear as the water in the sea,
Understood by you and me.
That’s what Schiess said.
Legal writing shouldn’t be too long,
But brevity alone is wrong;
Concise but with its meaning strong.
That’s what Schiess said.
Should we fill our drafts with legalese,
Inserting big words as we please?
No, plain language is the key.
That’s what Schiess said.
The readers should see the flow.
The headings tell them where it goes,
And what is coming they should know.
That’s what Schiess said.
Is Haiku More Your Style?
Long Island lawyer Stevi Siber-Sanderowitz was moved to publish “Briefly: Haikus for the Jaded Lawyer,” a volume of haiku poems. Nine chapters address topics like client management, billable hours and firm politics.
The Award for the Best Haiku About Grammar Goes to …
Today, ACES: The Society for Editing, previously known as the American Copy Editors Society, will announce the winner of the National Grammar Day Poetry Contest. Last month, Get to The Point encouraged you to create your own submission. Did that happen?
Just before the submission deadline, ACES limited entries to haiku. Here’s what I submitted:
On Oral Argument
I mispronounced it
The justices all noticed
Frowns could doom my case
I’m keeping my fingers crossed waiting for today’s announcement, and I hope you are, too.
Consider a Daily Practice of Poetry Writing (Or Reading)
A daily practice of poetry writing can improve professional communication skills. Reading poetry expands your vocabulary, among other benefits. And who knows, you might submit the winning entry for next year’s contest.
Happy National Grammar Day!
More Writing Tips
Find more good ideas for improving your legal writing and communications skills in “Get to the Point” by Teddy Snyder.
Image © iStockPhoto.com.
Sign up for Attorney at Work’s daily practice tips newsletter here and subscribe to our podcast, Attorney at Work Today.
