How to Avoid Common Pitfalls in Legal Research and Writing Classes

In this episode...
Ellie Margolis, Professor of Law at the Beasley Law School at Temple University discusses some common pitfalls students face in their legal writing and analysis classes.  We share a deep respect for legal writing and agree that legal writing courses are among the most important and most relevant classes you will take while in law school. 

 Some key takeaways are: 

1. Don’t wait until the last minute to write your paper.  A good memorandum requires revisions.
2. Don’t be adversarial, be honest.
3. Write to your intended audience.
4. Follow samples of good writing.
5. And my favorite:  Don’t write a book report.  DO NOT describe cases, use cases to make your argument. 

About our guest…
Professor Margolis is a published expert on appellate brief writing and advocacy. Her scholarship often labeled “ground-breaking,” is widely cited in legal writing textbooks, law review articles, and appellate briefs. Before joining the Temple faculty in 1996, Professor Margolis taught at Vermont Law School, where she was Assistant Director of the Legal Writing Program. She also had a prestigious Skadden Fellowship to practice public interest law at Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services, where she represented clients on matters involving receipt of public benefits and unemployment.

You can follow Professor Margolis on twitter @elliemargolis
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