Sounding Like a Lawyer

Illinois Bar Journal, Vol. 82, p. 213, 1994

2 Pages Posted: 25 Mar 2008

Date Written: March 2008

Abstract

The easiest way for a lawyer to impress clients, judges, and colleagues is simply to sound like a lawyer. Choose formal alternatives in lieu of shorter informal words, and use jargon and Latinisms whenever possible. Aim to fill page limits by saying everything twice or two times, and introduce sentences with empty "throat-clearing" clauses. When running low on space, just cite to authority instead of explaining the point you are trying to make. Sounding like a lawyer can be the easiest way to make an impression on your audience.

Keywords: legal writing, language, humor

JEL Classification: K10

Suggested Citation

Sorkin, David E., Sounding Like a Lawyer (March 2008). Illinois Bar Journal, Vol. 82, p. 213, 1994, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1111703

David E. Sorkin (Contact Author)

The John Marshall Law School ( email )

315 South Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL 60604
United States
312-987-2387 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.sork.com/

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
197
Abstract Views
1,250
Rank
278,639
PlumX Metrics