Legal Writing

The ending of your letters and e-mail messages may be the last thing your reader reads, so you'll want it to leave a good impression. Avoid flowery, "rubber stamp" endings like "Thank you in advance" and "Begging to remain yours truly." Such endings only sound stilted and insincere.

The best endings are focused and personal. If you know your reader well enough to close with a personal reference, by all means do so:

Thanks for your help with the Oswald project, Carmen; I'm glad we're working together again on this one.

Otherwise, a simple "Thanks" or "Thank you" is usually better than a longer, more formal close.

This week, as you revise, give special attention to how your messages end. Make sure they end effectively.