Incorporating Electronic Communication in the LRW Classroom

Abstract

In the world of legal practice, electronic communication has overtaken hard-copy as the primary means of communicating legal analysis. Legal writing courses, however, are only just starting to include instruction in e-communication and how it might be different from more traditional forms of legal analysis. To the extent most courses address e-communication, the focus is on issues of etiquette, rather than substantive differences in format and content. This article describes the author's attempt to include a more substantive e-communication component in the first-year legal writing course, including the practical logistics of including more work in an already packed course, and the many benefits that arose from the assignment.

Keywords: Email, e-communication, electronic communication, legal writing, professional communication, legal analysis, brief answer

JEL Classification: K49