Write Like a Lawyer | 7 Common Legal Writing Mistakes!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

👉🏻 Download the FREE GUIDE: “Best Questions to Ask in Law Firm Interviews": launch.angelavorpahl.com/best-questions-to-ask-visit Were any of these legal writing mistakes new for you? :)

[@tramayneyoung297]

Angela Vorpahl Yes. I sure that I commonly do everything you said not to do in my writing.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@tramayneyoung297 Don't worry, you're totally in good company!! Most practicing attorneys make these mistakes, and even I have to consciously remind myself of these as I'm reviewing my drafts! But I find it so helpful to have this checklist in mind both as I write and as I edit, and the more you're aware of it and use it the more second nature it becomesll

[@tramayneyoung297]

I've been watching your videos all day. I'm currently a Juris Masters student at Liberty University School of Law. I'm preparing to challenge the LSAT this upcoming April and decided to get my feet wet with this program. Legal writing is difficult. But, I'm writing a judicial opinion right now, and this video made an immediate impact. Thank you so much for sharing this content.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@tramayneyoung297 I absolutely love hearing that!! It MAKES.MY.DAY. when I hear that the videos are useful and helpful to people building their legal careers!! :) Best of luck and of course let me know if you have any questions along the way!!

[@anthonymonhollen9964]

Do I have to sign my name every time . Can I type my name and just Notarize 1 time at the bottom

[@sophiazhang4299]

Thanks, Great tips! 7 Common Legal Writing Mistakes 1.Do not use adverbs, e.g., clearly negligent 2.Do not get angry or aggressive. Keep a cool head, e.g.. misleading 3.Do not use legal jargon, eg.whereas, 4.Do not use pronouns 5.Tight up of your language, 6. Do not use overused lawyering saying 7. Use the most out of every line

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad it was helpful! :)

[@johnh.barrett1409]

Even after 40+ years in practice, this is very helpful. I have to plead guilty to many of these. We all can use these tips!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Awesome!! I'm so glad the video was helpful!!

[@miafofia]

I'm in paralegal school. I am guilty of almost all of these when drafting. You have a new subscriber; keep up the fabulous work!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so happy to hear the video was helpful! Legal writing (and writing in general) is definitely an intense skill to learn and then it takes a lifetime to get good at it. 😆

[@kyla2182]

Tribe on!!! Thanks Angela👍🏽

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay!! My pleasure! Are you currently in law school or heading that way? :)

[@TheBeautifulNC]

sent here by my legal writing professor. very informative, thank you!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Omg you have no idea how happy this makes me!! Shout out to your legal writing professor and his/her complete awesomeness :)

[@brianmaye9827]

This 7 min video summed up and simplified the first 3 chapters of bryan garner's advanced legal writing book. Thank you.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Haha this has got to be my favorite comment all week :) I'm so glad the video was helpful!

[@Keeper0fmyHEART]

Love this. I'm a pro se about to write my 2nd appeal brief. I've been watching lawyering videos on writing because those 30 pages allowed are on my mind. Your #7 made me chuckle because I've instinctively done this, too. I have a tip for helping to tighten the language. Read it out loud to someone not involved in your case. For me, if I struggle to speak it, then the writing needs revision until you can confidently speak the words without twisting your tongue around them. Great tip as well for punctuation as comas and/or periods allow for a breath.

[@counselormatty]

I agree with most of these suggestions except for the concern placed on paragraph ending. It is just not something I choose to spend time trying to change. I think it is because I would not want to risk the substance of my communication for aesthetics.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

No. 7 is definitely the one that has caused the most controversy, which makes me super happy because I think debating writing styles is so fun :) I included it because it's definitely something I notice when I read other lawyers' briefs -- to see if they took the time to condense their writing and word choice to make what they're communicating as efficient and to the point as possible.

[@serga7486]

The second one is probably the only non-opinionated suggestion out of this entire list. Do you, g

[@eminetoklan1813]

I'm studying law in Turkey . But these advices is so useful even for Turkish legal writes. Thank you so much ☺️

[@AngelaVorpahl]

My pleasure! I'm so glad the video has been helpful!!

[@matthieudeborbe2542]

Angela your vlogs are very interesting. You have the heart of a teacher.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Thanks so much Matthieu, what a sweet thing to say! It's so funny you mention it because I actually started the channel after thinking about how fun it would be to become a professor...but without the part about grading exams, doing required research, living in a city you don't love, and teaching people who didn't want to be taught. Then it hit me that if I made videos on KZbin, there is nothing to grade, I don't have to research anything I don't want to, I would be location independent, and only the people who wanted to learn what I was teaching would watch the video and everyone else could just move on! A match made in heaven :)

[@Jobsgalore]

Thank you for this- Any books that could help in writing to the point clearly and concisely?

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Good question. There's a well-known book called "Plain English for Lawyers" that a lot of law schools make their students read. It's fine, but to be honest I'm not a huge fan of learning to write by reading a book. That being said, when I googled around to try and find an "intro to legal writing" mini-course to recommend to my students I literally couldn't find one. So I'm making one. :)

[@cesarchavarria6644]

Excellent!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@cesarchavarria6644 🔥🔥🔥

[@DumaKuman]

Wow i am a first year law student and this vedio helped me thanks.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad to hear it! Grammar nerds FTW! 😆

[@scaryclarey654]

Very helpful tips. It's natural to want to "pretty up" your writing with "howevers" and similar language. I am definitely guilty of that one (along with adverbs like "definitely").

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Oh my gosh, me too! I have to strip them all out when I do my editing pass before finalizing the draft. Are you in the lawyering world and/or otherwise work in a writing-heavy role?

[@scaryclarey654]

@@AngelaVorpahl Career paralegal turned fiction author. They are two vastly different styles of writing, and it can be tricky to switch gears. Flowy fiction comes more naturally to me. However (lol), I miss working in law and am considering jumping back into the pool.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@scaryclarey654 That's so cool!!! What an awesome set of skills to be able to do both :)

[@ryangreene7452]

I'm a final year law student and this video has helped me with my essays thanks creator.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

You're so welcome! I'm glad that it was helpful!!

[@thesacredibis6723]

Thank you for sharing.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

My pleasure! I'm glad the video was helpful!!

[@Don-sx5xv]

Excellent Video...this is the way I learn 10 minutes of (power packed) information, 100 hours of homework. In all things there is a Science. My goal is to keep matters out of the Courts. ( funny in that one sentence I took out two words)

[@jillstrehl3547]

Excellent! Tight editing rules. -J

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay! I'm so glad the video resonated! Are you in law school now or headed that way?

[@jabbariscottent.775]

Dear Ms. Vorphal, i read "Legal reasoning and legal writing" by R. K. Neumann. It was my first enlightenment on the topic. I was then as i am now: a pro se inmate doing my best. At the moment all i need to do is persuade a Ga Supreme Court that the change in law made in 2008 on sufficient evidence to support kidnapping causes my conviction to be reversable, just like many other cases after the 2008 ruling in Garza v State☺️. I've been on KZbin looking for vids explaining how to persuade a judge. to my surprise I found some but then I found yours! ☝🏽😁. Super Thanks 🌹💚💯.

[@nataliewilson4548]

Definitely enlightening. Loved this video!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi Natalie! I'm so glad to hear it! Are you thinking about law school or already in the thick of it? :)

[@LiempoBaboy]

Thank you for your advice about cutting on adverbs. I've been mindful about it. I did feel like my writings had more impact. I also appreciate how it made my writings sound concise.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad to hear it! Is law school something you're interested in, or is your writing in another field?

[@LiempoBaboy]

@@AngelaVorpahl I'm a lawyer in Manila, Philippines :D

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@LiempoBaboy So cool!!

[@bismuthboss3902]

Thank you! I do some low-level legal writing from time to time, so I look forward to using this new knowledge.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad!! Legal writing is the best!! :)

[@charliebadge6575]

Watched as part of my uni study in Australia 🇦🇺

[@AngelaVorpahl]

No way! That's so cool!!

[@jimbeam6016]

Your blogs are great! Thank you.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay!!! I'm so glad they're helpful!! I'm gonna keep 'em coming! :)

[@pinkkkblossom6592]

HELLO it's Priya from INDIA . Thanks alot you answered my questions I was suffering . While I'm just to start my practice and these days I'm preparing myself with all these skills which is really needed to be a best advocate . ❤️

[@mastsid0212]

Tribe on!! Make a video on what to do while writing making a lega draft!!🤘🏾

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I TOTALLY want to make another legal writing video...multiple actually!! Stay tuned!! :)

[@Mr.mallaer]

This is good. I completely agree with points made in this video.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay! I'm so glad the video resonated with you!

[@CRColes]

My legal writing suffers, so I appreciate your tips.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad to hear it! Are you in law school or already out in the lawyering world? :)

[@fettigoya6709]

Thank you! I am representing myself in a tort case and need to inform opposing counsel Intent to Dispose. How do I put it into writing?

[@deankuckelman4966]

Angela is a new discovery for me, and will be a valuable addition to the law classes that I teach in high school. This is my first "subscribe" in months. The examples and video illustrations should help keep the students' attention and help them learn (notice I didn't say "enhance the learning process"). Also clever to use "7" in the Title and then cover about 17 things - very sneaky. Like telling the witness : "Just one more question . . . "

[@deankuckelman4966]

Me again. I would tweak Angela's first tip a bit. I agree that adverbs signal weakness when they are used to describe some legal position, but not so much in other situations. For example, the pronoun example in the video says "immediately confronted", which seems like a perfectly valid use of adverbs? Also noted: that sentence does use the passive voice?

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so excited to be your first subscribe in such a long time! I love making thise videos, and it absolutely makes my day to hear that they are valuable to others!! :)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@deankuckelman4966 Haha yes totally! The truth is I use adverbs and passive voice in my own writing quite a bit, it just helps to be aware of it so that I know I'm making the choice purposefully and intentionally!

[@Jesuslover38]

I am currently a paralegal for Dcf. I have problems with how I should be wording things.

[@ryanvanlue7020]

I think there are sometimes when very limited little jargon should be used.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Agreed!

[@ginanjobarahesq.5942]

Tribe on! Thanks for the tips!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Woohoo!!! My pleasure!!

[@jbell0243]

I am curious how you would communicate the idea a distinction without a difference without saying it.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

You would just need to get more specific. So, for example, let's assume you're in a situation where D has been cited for parking violation X and D is arguing that he shouldn't be cited for parking violation X because he wasn't parked in Space A (a disabled parking space) but instead was parked in Space B (which happens to be in front of a fire hydrant), and you're the attorney for the government. Parking violation X may cover something like "any violation that is low-level in nature" and so the effect of D's argument is legally insignificant because D would still have been cited for parking violation X regardless of whether D was parked in Space A or Space B, you technically could say that D's argument makes a "distinction without a difference." But since that phrase is so overused (and often used incorrectly), it would be much more persuasive to say something more specific, like: "D's argument that he parked in Space B rather than Space A not only fails to negate the issuance of Parking violation X, it confirms its applicability."

[@girishkumar7132]

Good information

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad to hear that the video resonated! :)

[@kawaingan7546]

Hi Angela! I am not sure about what you are saying in the last part for the Loose Language--- cut out those transitional words. Our professors require us to use transitional words when we move to next argument. That helps them to locate the points we made.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I hear you, and I definitely still use transitional words from time to time in my writing but when it comes to transitions, less is definitely more. When you put too many "therefore's" "however's" "furthermore's" it starts reading like a college essay and less like an informative, persuasive argument. This is of course one lawyer's take on legal writing so do whatever feels good to you and gets your point across clearly and persuasively :)

[@gemmartin4275]

Got my Legal Writing exam tomorrow! This video was a great reminder of the little things I might have otherwise forgotten about. Thank you

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay!! I'm so glad t hear it! If you're looking for additional support I run a free FB group for law students, prelaw students, and new lawyers, would you like the link to join?

[@maryamrajpoot3069]

@@AngelaVorpahl hey Angela I would like to join your group Please guide ✨

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@maryamrajpoot3069 Great! Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/lawtribenetwork See you inside!

[@reginaldcharles1133]

I absolutely love the video,what would you recommend for a future law student as to how to strengthen their writing skills?

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Ooh GREAT question. I've been thinking a lot about this lately, and it was a tough question for me to answer at first because the best way to get better at writing is by doing it over and over, but I know that's not particularly helpful when you're not in a situation to actually do legal writing. So, here are my recommendations and I would love for you to try them out and let me know how helpful (or not) you found them! 1. Sign up for a 7-day free subscription to Quimbee (www.quimbee.com/) and check out their "Legal Research and Writing" and "Writing for Clients" mini-courses to give yourself an introduction to what legal writing is and how it works. 2. The 2 biggest parts to legal writing are (1) techincal writing (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.), and (2) legal analysis. The former you can work on by checking out Strunk & White's "Elements of Style" and Richard Wydick's "Plain English for Lawyers" (and practicing writing of course). The latter is a tougher piece to learn and practice, but step 1 and step 3 will hopefully give you a place to start. 3. A more indepth step that I would love for someone to try (if it's possible) is to reach out to a local community college, university, or law school and ask if you could audit a legal writing class. I'm not sure if they've ever let anyone do this but it's worth a shot. That would give you an indepth look (as well as practice) to actually put the steps into action. The only legal writing courses I've found online are tailored more toward lawyers and less toward beginners, but you can definitely check out the most on point one I found here: www.legalwritingpro.com/ Keep me posted! Angela

[@reginaldcharles1133]

@@AngelaVorpahl wow great resources as a fall 2022 Law student I need to maximize what ever resources that will make me up to the task when I do start hopefully Fall 2022..Again Thank you counselor I will let you know

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@reginaldcharles1133 💪💪💪

[@shariecebrewster5962]

Thanks you for your video

[@ShivTrishul108]

Her: “Cut out these words” Me: Words left for me to use in legal writing: “ “

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hahaha noooo it's not that intense, is it? :)

[@josephuzamere1572]

I just discovered your channel. Thanks for all the helpful tips and advice. Regarding this video, however, ‘Grammarly’ is a good alternative. But don’t get addicted to it.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi, Joseph! I'm so glad you hear that the video was helpful! Grammarly looks amazing but I've never used it -- is it significantly better than simply using built-in auto-correct spelling?

[@josephuzamere1572]

Angela Vorpahl Hello again. I would say it’s an advance auto-correction software, and a lot more. I recommend using the paid version tho. That was how I learned about passive voice. So, when you touched on it I was like hmm 🤔! Because I wasn’t taught any of those things in law school. I suggest you try it. A good addition to your arsenal of legal tools. 😊

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@josephuzamere1572 Heck yes, I'll check it out!

[@johnosandra]

This was so succinct and to the point! Great tips! Would hate to go up against you!!!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Excellent! I'm happy the video was helpful! Haha I have no doubt you'd do great :)

[@ssatie871]

So helpful

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay! I'm so glad to hear it!!

[@iqroopk.6472]

love your videos so much!! they are so helpful. Please keep posting videos

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad they're helpful! I'll keep them coming!! And let me know if there are any particular questions you'd like for me to answer! :)

[@iqroopk.6472]

Angela Vorpahl would really appreciate a step by step video on getting into a top law school!! currently about to be a high school senior and want to be able to plan out my 4 undergrad years :)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@iqroopk.6472Great question! I'll look into making a video on that! (Also, yay for senior year!!)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

​@@iqroopk.6472 Having a chance to think about your question a bit more, here are my thoughts: (1) Although it may be frustrating in its simplicity, the most important metric to getting yourself into a top law school is a high LSAT score, followed by a high undergrad GPA, with the LSAT score definitely being more important. You can Google the median LSAT scores and GPAs for any law schools you're interested in, but the T-14 schools (Top 14 ranked law schools in the country) generally have a median LSAT score of 170 or above. (2) Don't worry about preparing for the LSAT until your second semester of your junior year of college, which is when you can sign up to take an LSAT prep course to prepare yourself to take the LSAT in July following your junior year (this timing will also give you a chance to take the LSAT a second time in September if you're not happy with your first score). (3) Given that (after your LSAT score) your undergrad GPA is the most important metric, I recommend picking a major that you actually like so that you will have the desire to study the material and get the highest grades you can. Many lawyers major in things like Political Science, English, and History, but none of those majors actually give you an advantage (they just happen to be majors that many lawyers tend to be attracted to), so go for the major you're actually interested in because less common majors will make your application look more original. (4) Another aspect that can make your application stand out is substantive work experience after college. If you're dead-set on law school and know you want to go straight from undergrad to law school, don't feel like you should get work experience just to get it, but if you are an engineering or business or education major (for example) and work for a couple of years before applying for law school, law schools do tend to give a lot of value to prior substantive work experience to diversify their student body. I hope this helps! I've also made videos on my personal journey to law school ("Why I Became a Lawyer") and a video comparing going to a regional law school v. going to a T-14 law school ("Regional Law School v. T-14 Law School"), so feel free to check those out for additional information as well! :)

[@kimballentyne9069]

Thanks for sharing. For a litigant in person what advice do you offer for writing inheritance dispute claims?

[@karennym.6619]

Tribe On! Such a useful video, thank you!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

My pleasure!! Glad it landed for you!

[@don2458]

Great summary!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Awesome!! I'm so glad you found it helpful!!

[@paulakava7265]

Amazing content! Thank you!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Fantastic, thanks!!! And thanks for watching!!! :)

[@bonniehudson193]

You are awesome. Thank you so much. I love it.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay!!! I'm so glad the videos are helpful!! And of course let me know if any questions come up for you that I haven't made a video on yet :)

[@bonniehudson193]

What state are you located? Is there an e-mail you can be contacted? I have a few questions but I cannot leave them where they can be seen by the public. I will pay you for your time. Thank you. [e-mail]

[@bonniehudson193]

Please see my reply and email. Have a beautiful day.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@bonniehudson193 Hey, Bonnie! Sure thing, you can email me at [e-mail] or send me a DM on Instagram at @angelavorpahl.

[@fluentreasoningchannel5778]

You are the full package. Wow!

[@hyojinlee]

Thank you so much for this video! :)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay! You're welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful!!

[@lexh.7034]

Practice your ABC's: Accuracy Brevity Clarity

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I love this! So true!

[@lexh.7034]

@@AngelaVorpahl Comes from my time as photojournalist in the US Army.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@lexh.7034 That's amazing!! I'll bet you have some incredible stories to tell from that experience :)

[@BriaReneeSmith]

THIS WAS EXTREMELY HELPFUL! Thank you! :)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay!! I'm so glad to hear it! Are you already practicing or earlier in your law school career journey? :)

[@TheAlreadytaken24]

Do you have formatting in word?

[@christiaanwesterkamp1421]

Love this!!!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay!!! I'm so glad the video resonated!!

[@juanramirezsierra6515]

The heading of the 7th legal mistake was written in passive voice. Shouldnt it be in active tense as mentioned in the 4th mistake?

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi, Juan! "Use the entire line" is active voice :) "The entire line was used" would be passive voice. But I wouldn't be surprised if I use a ton of passive voice in my KZbin videos since they're much more informal than legal writing :)

[@juanramirezsierra6515]

​@@AngelaVorpahl Positive reply, thank you. I would personally love a video on a day in the life of a lawyer during COVID. including economic applications...

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@juanramirezsierra6515 Ooh that's a good idea! I'll definitely add it to the video list!

[@gregorygarcia7521]

That last tip regarding the white space seems trivial. Is that something there is a difference of opinions on or is that a generally accepted principle? Just wondering to how long I may have to follow it before I can stop caring lol

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi, Gregory! No. 7 is definitley the one that most people take issue with, but I have strong opinions about it so I included it :) It's not "bad" writing to not use the entirety of the line, but it's definitely something I always notice in other lawyers' briefs because if (for example) they go a few words over on to the next line it signals to me that they didn't review and revise the wording of their paragraph to make it as compact and persuasive as possible, whereas filling the line gives that impression (even if it's not substantively always the case). My legal writing and research professor was the one that initially pointed it out to me (as something she would always make a note of too) and I've incorporated it into my writing ever since :)

[@jayluloveandgrace9197]

I have followed #7 instinctively for years. Ty... I feel normal now. Also, my partner swears by using the passive voice when writing to a judge. Do you agree?

[@AngelaVorpahl]

So the truth is that it depends. This video explains some major "best practices" when it comes to legal writing, but there are definitely times when you would want to make exceptions. For example, if you want to explain something that happened but you don't want to draw attention to *who* did the action, then you absolutely may want to use passive voice (e.g. "After the clerk had been robbed, the green Chevy truck exited the parking lot."). In this example we either may not know who robbed the clerk, or we may not want to emphasize who robbed the clerk because it's not a *good* fact for our client. I wouldn't say that my choice in using passive v. active voice has so much to do with whom I'm writing to (e.g. a judge), but more the information I want to communicate and how I want it to come across. P.S. That's so cool that No. 7 is something you already naturally do! I learned it from my 1L LRW professor :)

[@louisaustin5369]

I love this!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay!! I'm so happy to hear the video was helpful!!

[@Iloveyoualldaylong]

Do u have any information on ca probate guardianship of children

[@georgemckenzie2525]

How can I access Vermont case law

[@redfan3977]

Some adverbs are important to avoid malpractice/defamation/embarrassment: For instance, “Opposing counsel evidently misled the court.” Without “evidently”, a lawyer could wind up in hot water or embarrassed if the opposing counsel did not in fact mislead the court but it only appeared at the time that opposing counsel did.

[@zpzodon2933]

Hey Angela! I was considering a career in the paralegal profession. What is your advice for those who are entering in this field? Is it difficult? I’ve heard that it’s quite detail oriented.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi ZP! I've never personally worked as a paralegal, but that is an option to get a sense for what the day-to-day work of a law firm looks like before making the decision to go to law school. I run a free FB group for law students and prelaw students, and you could absolutely post this question in there and get feedback from people who have the experience of working as a paralegal before law school. Would you like the link to join?

[@zpzodon2933]

@@AngelaVorpahl Yes I would! Thanks, Angela!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@zpzodon2933 ​Great! Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/lawtribenetwork See you inside!!

[@stella_blu6291]

Yes very detailed oriented, most of the documents submitted to the court are documents constantly editable, you gotta make sure that even a court room number must be correct or the court will reject your filings ( I have seen it). proofread your filings, calendaring skills, missing a court date or double set court dates, or giving your client the wrong time court date can bring not great consequences for your client. Have great relationship with other defense counsels, judges, jail personnel, this will open the doors greatly. You get to learn so much, I am a paralegal myself and I love this career.

[@zpzodon2933]

@@stella_blu6291 Hi! Thanks for your reply! If u don’t mind could I get your contact information, so I can get more details on what you do as a paralegal?

[@ruthekrigwe515]

Thanks

[@AngelaVorpahl]

My pleasure!

[@iyxgreat1718]

Nothing to say but thank-you for the video

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Excellent!!! I'm so glad it was helpful!! Definitely my favorite type of comment to read :)

[@RRPartnersBucharest]

So true! Been there, done that 👏

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Right?? Me too!! I have to check myself on these all the time!

[@michaelshishido8151]

Very helpful! But I was wondering if you could answer me a question?? I'm filing for a replevin in cali to get my dog returned. How do I refer to my dog I. The complaint and court papers? Do I say, I would like the return of my dog or property or my personal property or his name, Poopie?? Thank you

[@pricillapaulino5656]

Tribe on!!!!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay!! 💪💪💪

[@andrewscott9610]

I’m thinking about law school. I received my Associates of Science in Paralegal/Legal Studies. I’m currently in Genetics. I would have loved to have worked as a paralegal, but I could not get a job offer. How could I get experience so that I can work in the legal field?

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi Andrew! So the good news is that you don't actually need legal experience in order to apply to (or do well in) law school. Law school students can come from a huge variety of backgrounds. That being said, I do say in other videos that interning or working or volunteering around lawyers is super helpful because it gives you a view into the actual day to day work that they do. If you are still in undergrad you can ask your career services advisors if they have any connections with local law firms, nonprofits, or government agencies and/or with alumni who are not practicing attorneys and living in the area. If the answer is zero, then you can start reaching out to lawyers in your local community, starting with those that graduated from your same college (because alumni are always more willing to help their own). You can search LinkedIn by alumni from your undergrad and then by "lawyer" or "attoreny" and then by geographic area where you're located. Reach out and ask to do informational interviews with them to start building your professional network and also begin to open ther doors to internship opportunities. Here's a video explaining the steps to get started: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g37PlZ6knLN7eJI

[@ahsanbarbarian6769]

Hi Angela, I'm graduating high school in a week or two. I'd like to know if you have any advice on what I could do this summer to prepare myself for...well a potential career in law! Anything enriching really. Thanks:)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi Ahsan! Yes! I have lots of thoughts on this. Send me a DM on Instagram (@angelavorpahl) and I can send you my thoughts via audio!

[@ryanvanlue7020]

I often use whereas and therefor[e]

[@AngelaVorpahl]

If I'm being honest...so do I. 😆

[@rexprestonstoner4612]

Excellent video. However, there is some satisfaction and - in some cases - a necessity to using Latin expressions that fall squarely into the legal domain. Would you concede this and, if so, can you prepare a video on the appropriate use of Latin? Thank you.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi Rex! If you feel called to use a Latin phrase, I say go for it :) Everyone has a slightly different writing style, and sometimes you can even use legalese as a bit of nod and a wink!

[@payparallel]

Over 1700 likes and no dislike. Fantastic. This is a first. Thumbs up

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Thanks so much! Is law school something you're interested in...or already neck-deep in? 😆

[@brookebeck3367]

grammar ninja here! (and super relaxed bc this is youtube lol) I'm debating what to do post-bacc bc I have a love for helping people; but I also want a task-focused career (more than for example things like therapist/retail), where I can make quite a bit of money, as well as do things that I love: creating things, presenting, critical thinking/analysis, problem solving or improving and learning and figuring things out/researching. I also would love time for an art career on the side. Recently, I've been debating going medical (with a ton of prereqs to cover) or going into law school (which is less prereqs). Unfortunately, I've been working many part-time jobs since graduation, and am looking to finish my "gap year." But I cannot come to a definitive and final conclusion as I keep thinking and re-thinking. Any advice?

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi, Brooke! My advice would be to wait on the decision between med school vs. law school until you give yourself a chance to work or intern in a place where you will be around one of those types of professionals so that you can see what life would really look like day to day working as a lawyer or a doctor. Both law school and med school are huge investments of time and money, and the best favor you can do for yourself is to give yourself some practical experience in one or both fields before diving into 3-5 years of studying and student loans and finding out for the first time on the back end whether you like it or not.

[@ila9063]

these are basically writing tips generally. still useful though

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad the video was helpful!

[@shariecebrewster5962]

I'm looking for a lot video right now

[@manzarshaikh4351]

Nice info

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Thanks! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@manzarshaikh4351]

@@AngelaVorpahl ur welcome dear, m also.indian youtuber

[@tramayneyoung297]

I love this video.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad it was helpful!!

[@Manatti06]

This was good, Praise God... Appreciate ya

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay! I'm so glad the video was helpful!!

[@Manatti06]

@@AngelaVorpahl How did learn these skills... Any particular class etc. ? Thanks :). S/N - As I'm writing a research paper it's hard not to include those adverbs... :)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@Manatti06 Good question! It definitely wasn't any single class, but rather learning how to write in bits and pieces over time starting in grade school. That being said, there's an excellent grammar book out there that is the go-to for all lawyers (and I think just generally professionals too) called "Strunk and White: The Elements of Style." It's super short and very to the point and a great resource if you want to check it out! www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/dp/020530902X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=SLYBXYD87ASL&dchild=1&keywords=strunk+and+white+elements+of+style&qid=1609351650&sprefix=strunk+and+white%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-3

[@Manatti06]

@@AngelaVorpahl I've been meaning to respond to this for a while. Thank you so much for taking the time to share the link. The book is also selling for like $5 from that link, and $3 on kindle. You are very much appreciated.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@Manatti06 I'm so glad you've found it helpful! Are you already a member in the free FB group for law students and prelaw students looking for clarity and support in their law school journey? If not, would you like the link to join? :)

[@morissonmaroon8329]

Hmm...am concerened with not using legal maxims...in criminal law, it is very useful. Case to case basis...

[@AngelaVorpahl]

That's super interesting! I didn't know legalese was used a lot in criminal law.

[@anthonymonhollen9964]

Can I type my name of do I need it signed and notarized on every time I mention my name or her name

[@marshallwalls3576]

Tribe on!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

heck yes!!

[@jonofitzgerald]

Tribe on! I have a couple of years to go before this applies to me.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

That's awesome that you're thinking so far in advance! And the good thing is that most of these apply to all kinds of professional writing :)

[@jumpropestairs6129]

Did you see the scott peterson appeal. It is 30 min lon and your comments are desired good adjitives.

[@Devfullfaithandcredit]

Well spoken and vary well written . But who put that lapel mic on you ?

[@applejackzo]

I studied engineering in undergrad. One of my lab class professors would require long lab reports and he'd rip us to shreds in a voice memo about every section. I can always tell when someone's a lawyer because the sentences are so long. I get bored 5 words in 😂. I'm thinking about law school btw. Still unsure (Still going through the video. Tribe on 💚)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Haha yeah that's definitely a common characteristic we tend to have. But don't worry, STEM majors tend to really well in law school because of the strong logic, analytical, and reasoning skills, as well as the technical writing skills. So if you think you'd be interested in law school, definitely go for it!

[@FeatheringWalthamstones]

Tribe on, tribe off, the triber. *clap clap* I'm a "law talkin' guy", not a lawyer, but this has been very helpful to me. It might help me in my negotiations so I can "keep this old birdcage". Thanks. P.S. You wouldn't happen to have a "sword in hand", would you?

[@iemmmgaming]

I have an assistant who has zero legal experience. I loved your video and turned it into 9 points that will hopefully help her and stop making me wanting to throw her out a window!!! Thank you! lol

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hooray for no throwing people out of windows! 🙌 I'm so glad it was helpful! :)

[@annefertitta3425]

I love your videos they are very informative. I work for a lawyer in a corporate setting but she no longer practices law. Do you have any advice on how to write for someone that is used to reading and writing in lawyer speak?

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi Anne! I'm so glad the videos are helpful! In answer to your question, my recommendation would be to write as clearly and directly and to the point as possible. I would start with the answer (short and sweet) (e.g. "The supplier said they cannot provide us the product 14 days in advance."), and then move on to the reasons backing up the answer (again, as direct and clear a possible). If you're talking about writing an internal memo or email, I like to include subheadings and bullet points to make it super clear what I'm saying and very easy to read, rather than longer paragraphs. I also like to underline and bold information that is critical (like day/time of an upcoming meeting or deadline). Did that answer your question?

[@avvyahyesheikhmohamedimran330]

Before I listened this let me come back, I wanted to asked you I wanted to learn Legal Writing

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Legal writing can be VERY intimidating. But when you break it down into each of the parts it becomes a bit of a game!

[@avvyahyesheikhmohamedimran330]

@@AngelaVorpahl may you please give me your Gmail

[@jilliehearth6679]

hahaha. *immensely enjoyed this.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad to hear it! :)

[@joybalasta8748]

You talk so fast but nevertheless I understood them clearly. Thank you for the tips. I have been having a hard time in our subject in legal writing since English is not my first language. Thanks anyway.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad the video was helpful! I actually run a free FB group for law students and prelaw students looking for clarity and support in their law school journey, would you like the link to join? :)

[@joybalasta8748]

Yes ma'am. I would love to join. Thanks a lot.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@joybalasta8748 Great! Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/lawtribenetwork See you inside!

[@Skarred]

tribe on

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay!!! 🙌🙌🙌

[@shariecebrewster5962]

Question

[@russellkatelorejo1345]

In the Philippines, we have a class where we are trained not to use these "legalese" but in reality, a lot of lawyers use these "legalese"

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Totalllllly here too, it's never as convincing as they think it is :)

[@jessies16]

Some grammar mistakes should be noted.

[@kqatsi]

"Comes now the defendant, by and through his attorney..."

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Haha exactly.

[@kqatsi]

@@AngelaVorpahl The first line of a draft reply brief we received yesterday from co-defendants' counsel in a False Claims Act case: "An old legal aphorism states that: 'If you have the facts on your side, pound the facts. If you have the law on your side, pound the law. If you have neither, pound the table.' In this case, the Opposition just may break the table."

[@kadeemharper1]

Tribe!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yaaasssss! 💪💪💪

[@ianlondon2888]

The adverb argument was a touch off. The rest of the list is good, assuming the reader is not a good reader.