When I teach legal writing to first-year law students, I surprise them with an in-class exercise around halfway through the first semester. I have the students break into groups, tell them to take out pen and paper, and pose this question: “What is the goal of legal writing?” Puzzled, they just stare back. I ask … Continue Reading
A lawyer struggles to find professional happiness. A juror uses his influence to his advantage. A big-firm partner combats guilt. These are the compelling premises of the well-written and creative first, second, and third place winners of the 2016 Texas Bar Journal Short Story Contest. Thank you to the 40 writers who submitted entries this … Continue Reading
You’ve got your closing arguments down. Now take your storytelling skills to paper and pen your passion. You’ve got 2,000 words to state your case. Dream big. There can be only one winner. Will it be you? Submit your manuscript to the Texas Bar Journal Short Story Contest by 5 p.m. March 1, 2016. To … Continue Reading
This article originally appeared in two parts in the Spring and Summer issues of the Missouri Bar’s quarterly magazine, Precedent. Reprinted with permission of the Missouri Bar and the author. A few years ago, American Bar Association President Stephen N. Zack decried the legal profession’s “continuing slide into the gutter of incivility.”[i] An ABA resolution “affirm[ed] … Continue Reading
The 2011 Texas Bar Journal Short Story Fiction Writing Contest is in full swing. Deadline to send your story is 5 p.m. March 1, 2011.… Continue Reading
