LibGuides: Summer Research Resources: Writing Resources

Bluebook Access

The library has arranged for free access for 60 days for our students to the electronic version of the Bluebook. If you would like a key to register for access to the Bluebook Online, email: circ@wcl.american.edu.

Bluebook Assistance

Legal Writing Citation in a Nutshell by Larry Teply Learning legal citation is one of the difficult (and sometimes admittedly annoying) tasks that students new to the law face. This book is designed to ease that task. It initially focuses on conventions that underlie all accepted forms and systems of legal citation. Building on that understanding and an explanation of the "process" of using citations in legal writing, the book then discusses and illustrates the particular rules of The Bluebook and the ALWD Citation Manual for citing cases, statutes, and all other major legal sources. Unique appendices provide useful comparative information for these two systems of citation.
ISBN: 9781634597630
Publication Date: 2016

Understanding and Mastering The Bluebook: A Guide for Students and Practitioners, Third Edition

LexisNexis Interactive Citation Workstation This link opens in a new window
LexisNexis Interactive Citation Workstation (ICW) offers exercises for the Bluebook and ALWD citation manuals. Each exercise consists of 15 problems. Available from the LexisNexis Law School page.

Core Grammar for Lawyers

CGL is an online, self-directed subscription learning tool designed to help law students and attorneys with grammar and punctuation skills that are prerequisites to successful legal writing.

Core Grammar for Lawyers

Library Materials

Legal Writing and Analysis in a Nutshell by Lynn Bahrych; Jeanne Merino; Beth McLellan This book provides a ten-step guide to clear, precise, and effective legal writing and analysis for both law students and experienced lawyers. It gives the keys to writing legal memoranda and briefs, organizing analysis, crafting clear and concise sentences, using legal language accurately, using grammar and punctuation properly, writing persuasively using classical rhetorical techniques. The book describes a method for analyzing and improving individual writing style includes a sample analysis. It also includes new material on using plain English and new legal documents to illustrate effective writing techniques.
ISBN: 9781634602815
Publication Date: 2017
A Short and Happy Guide to Legal Writing by Deborah L. Borman You're ready to take the plunge into law school (or you already have) and there is one big thing looming over you: LEGAL WRITING. You've heard that legal writing is hard. You've heard that legal writing is scary. You have not written anything since your mandatory college English class. Well, simmer down, you have found the antidote to your fear-based illness. This book takes you through the history, meaning, and purpose of legal writing in the American law. You will learn the essential form and substance necessary to craft an inter-office legal memo, helpful ideas for persuasive brief-writing, and tips for excelling in legal writing.
ISBN: 9781634599184
Publication Date: 2019
Legal Writing Style by Antonio Gidi; Henry Weihofen Legal Writing Style promotes the art of good writing by teaching students and practitioners the tools to make their prose clear, precise, simple, and forceful. With examples of what works and what doesn't, this short but comprehensive treatise provides an invaluable resource for recasting writing for maximum impact and ultimate success.
ISBN: 9781634592963
Publication Date: 2018
Examples and Explanations for Legal Writing by Terrill Pollman; Judith M. Stinson A favorite classroom prep tool of successful students that is often recommended by professors, the Examples & Explanations (E&E) series provides an alternative perspective to help you understand your casebook and in-class lectures. Each E&E offers hypothetical questions complemented by detailed explanations that allow you to test your knowledge of the topics in your courses and compare your own analysis. Here's why you need an E&E to help you study throughout the semester: Clear explanations of each class topic, in a conversational, funny style. Features hypotheticals similar to those presented in class, with corresponding analysis so you can use them during the semester to test your understanding, and again at exam time to help you review. It offers coverage that works with ALL the major casebooks, and suits any class on a given topic. The Examples & Explanations series has been ranked the most popular study aid among law students because it is equally as helpful from the first day of class through the final exam.
ISBN: 9781543806847
Publication Date: 2019

Pence Law Library Guides

Summer Research Resources

Bluebook Access

Bluebook Assistance

Core Grammar for Lawyers

Library Materials