Book – Plain Language for Lawyers, A Practical Guide to Clear Communication

Author: Michele M Asprey, 5th editionPublisher: The Federation PressReviewer: Kate Slack

Despite mastery of persuasive written communication being of paramount concern, it took whittling down my to-do list to a series of unenviable and dreary tasks before I could muster the interest to read and prepare this review of Plain Language for Lawyers, A Practical Guide to Clear Communication.

Dedicating precious energy and time to critiquing and improving my written communication (a task I have performed at least passably for decades) was not, to my detriment, being appropriately prioritised.

It is difficult to give [not “bequeath” (see p 176)] targeted advice to any particular species of lawyer in a “how-to-guide” like Plain Language for Lawyers. So [not, “accordingly” (see p 140)], the generic and familiar justifications for striving for plain language, laid out in the first few chapters, are fair, particularly so, when the author’s genuine expertise [not “bone fides” (see p 176)] is recognised. Michele Asprey first published Plain Language for Lawyers in 1991, a time when her prescient text benefited from some rationalisation.

As the author well establishes, now, more than ever [not, “a fortiori” (see p 125)], a key performance indicator for barristers is their ability to communicate effectively in writing. For that reason, barristers must [not, “are required to” (see p 179)] continuously strive to improve the way they write. Plain Language for Lawyers will help you do so.

Perhaps of most benefit, among other things [not “inter alia” (see p 178)], are the chapters on: plain language vocabulary: essentially, lists of words to avoid with suggested alternatives; document design basics, including recommendations on typeface and size, layout of text on a page and use of headings, numbering and indenting; and designing documents intended to be read on a computer screen, including structure, spacing, format and navigational aids.

With the necessary changes being made [not, “mutatis mutandis” (see p 125)], under [not, “pursuant to” (see p 132)] the author’s thoughtful guidance, you will at least be assisted to produce documents that appear more appealing to read even if, like me, you find that old writing habits die hard.