We’re developing a suite of e-learning modules covering a range of writing and drafting topics. First to launch is an online modular version of our most popular course:
Effective legal drafting in English
This three-module course gives a comprehensive and rigorous introduction to effective transactional drafting in English. It’s suitable for both English-qualified lawyers and for lawyers from any other jurisdictions who draft in the English language. Each module takes an hour to complete.
What’s it about?
Clients expect their law firms (and businesses expect in-house legal teams) to deliver high-quality legal agreements on ever-tighter budgets. This course is for anyone who:
- is a lawyer, or otherwise regularly involved in drafting agreements;
- wants to take a fresh look at their legal drafting; and
- hopes to avoid pitfalls and confusion in the way they draft.
As a former dispute resolution partner in a global firm, Cathy Wilcox is well aware of the need to manage legal risk by drafting clearly, succinctly and unambiguously.
What does the course cover?
Module 1 User-friendly drafting
This module allows users to take a fresh look at their drafting, and gives them the confidence that it will impress colleagues and clients. After the training, users should be able to:
- choose a logical structure for operative clauses; and
- use six techniques to produce elegant, clear and user-friendly legal drafting.
Module 2 “White-water drafting”
This module looks at areas that cause more than their fair share of disputes, and encourages lawyers to draft flexibly in a way that reduces legal risk. After the training, users should be able to:
- use a range of techniques to reduce the risk of disputes caused by lack of precision in their wording; and
- draft flexibly when necessary.
Module 3 Drafting confidently without a precedent
This module focuses on freehand drafting when there is no appropriate precedent or template. After the training, users should be able to:
- use a four-stage approach that front-loads the thinking process; and
- be confident that their drafting will achieve the desired outcome.
What have others thought of the course?
“The modules are market-differentiating – they are intellectually challenging, rewarding to complete, deliver much useful (and often overlooked) content and will equip our junior lawyers in particular to draft much more effectively. My strong recommendation is that we require any junior lawyer to complete these as part of their ongoing personal development.”
Patrick McCann, Global Head of Learning at Linklaters, and Chair of the City of London Law Society Training Committee
More than 400 lawyers around the world have already completed the first two modules of the course, and feedback has been very positive.
Can I see a sample?
Click the button below to review a short extract of the course (including a video and two exercises with feedback). Use the arrows in the top right-hand corner of the screen to advance through the extract.
