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Basic Legal Writing for Paralegals, Third Edition by Hope Viner Samborn, Andrea B. Yelin

Basic Legal Writing for Paralegals, Third Edition
by Hope Viner Samborn, Andrea B. Yelin
List Price: $87.95   Wholesale bookstore prices
Eligible for Free Standard Shipping on U.S. Prepaid Orders
Imprint: Aspen Publishers
Published: 8/26/2009  Previous edition copyright dates
ISBN: 9780735578586
Paperback: 360 pages
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Tailored to the specific needs of paralegal students, Basic Legal Writing for Paralegals, Third Edition offers a modern approach to effective legal writing. The authors provide comprehensive coverage in a readable, accessible format.

Focused exclusively on legal writing material relevant to paralegals, Basic Legal Writing for Paralegals provides:

  • An overview of the legal system that contextualizes the different types of writing covered in the text
  • Step-by-step instruction on the writing process, leading students through each stage of legal writing, from prewriting strategies to revising
  • Thorough coverage of the IRAC method, how to synthesize cases and authorities, legal memoranda, persuasive writing, in-house and objective client documents, and letters
  • A practical approach that focuses on the paralegal's actual role in the law office
  • Excellent pedagogy for students, including examples, exhibits, expert writing tips, exercises, practice tips, ethics alerts, and web resources
  • Detailed subheadings that offer quick access to topics
  • Helpful appendices on citation and sample legal memoranda
  • An in-depth Instructor's Manual with sample syllabi, sample tests and memos, as well as discussion topics and in-class exercises

New to the Third Edition:

  • A revised chapter on Case Briefing is more accessible and now includes additional exercises on briefing cases
  • Websites are updated throughout
  • New Net Notes and Practice Pointers keep the book fresh and up-to-date
  • The updated citation appendix reflects the 18th edition of the Bluebook and the 3rd edition of the ALWD Citation Manual and includes new citation exercises

*Instructor's Manuals are a professional courtesy offered to professors only. For more information or to request a copy, please contact Aspen Publishers at 800-950-5259 or legaledu@wolterskluwer.com.


  1. Introduction to Legal Research
  2. Legal Authorities and How to Use Them
  3. Getting Ready to Write
  4. Clear Writing and Editing
  5. Writing Basics
  6. Case Briefing and Analysis
  7. The Legal Memorandum
  8. Questions Presented and Conclusions or Brief Answers
  9. Facts
  10. The IRAC Method
  11. Synthesizing Cases and Authorities
  12. Outlining and Organizing a Memorandum
  13. Persuasive Writing
  14. In-House and Objective Client Documents
  15. Letter Writing

Appendix A. Citation
Appendix B. Sample Memoranda

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