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Right from the Top: Justices Speak About Quality Writing ? And Why it Matters

By Eric L. Lipman

Bryan Garner, of LawProse, Inc., has released an unbelievably useful series of interviews with Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court on legal writing. (Eight of the nine sitting Justices are interviewed on the topic, with, apparently, Justice David Souter declining an invitation to be a part of this series.)

Evangelizing that quality writing is an indispensable part of successful lawyering, Garner?s videos strike with the bracing force of a bucket of cold water. There is nothing subtle about Chief Justice John Roberts? remark that oral arguments in a case are but ?the tip of the iceberg,? and a focus there is a poor service to clients if the Justices must ?hack through the brief with a machete?.? { Gulp.}

The short videos, which would make a worthwhile set of coffee breaks for any lawyer who is committed to better craftsmanship, are accessible here.

Full post as published by Within the Scope on March 12, 2008 (boomark / email).