The Complete Legal Writer

The Complete Legal Writer, a legal research and writing handbook, takes a novel approach: it uses genre discovery to teach students to guide themselves through the process of writing unfamiliar legal document types. Readers learn to write independently and to transfer their knowledge to upper-level classes and the workplace. The book also teaches research and citation literacy as integrated parts of the writing process.

For each legal genre covered in the book (e.g., memo, trial brief), The Complete Legal Writer provides (1) three strong samples, (2) an analysis of the genre, and (3) specific questions to guide students as they study the samples. Another of the book's innovations is its chapters on giving and receiving feedback―essential legal writing skills that novice lawyers often must teach themselves. The second edition features updates throughout; new chapters on revision, editing, and giving feedback; and an appendix on conducting electronic research.

The book is also supported by a companion website: completelegalwriter.com

Alexa Chew is a Clinical Associate Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Katie Rose Guest Pryal is a Lawyer and Professional Writing Consultant.