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A Coaching Method for Legal Writers: Applying Adult Learning Principles
I have coached legal writers since 1990, but I recently revised my coaching method to better meet the needs of adult learners. Traditionally, writing coaches reviewed samples and provided feedback, with little involvement from the writers themselves. This approach often left writers disengaged and reluctant to address their weaknesses. Drawing on my experience in adult education and coaching, I now use a more participatory method. I ask clients to read and discuss materials, reflect on their writing, and identify their areas for improvement. This process encourages active participation and leverages the analytical skills of legal professionals. Once clients have engaged in this self-directed learning, I’ll review their work, offer feedback, and suggest targeted activities or readings. This cycle of reflection, feedback, and practice helps writers address both their self-identified concerns and additional issues I observe in their writing. Why This Approach Works This coaching style is grounded in the principles of adult learning, or andragogy:
By engaging writers as active participants, this method fosters greater ownership, motivation, and lasting improvement. How the Process Works
This method not only improves legal writing skills but also empowers writers to take charge of their professional development. |
Ready to go?Introduction to plain language in law
CBA Practice Link Series by Cheryl Stephens 2014, excerpted from Plain Language Legal Writing the book Plain Language Legal Writing: Part I – Writing as a Process Introduction: What Is "Plain" Language? Plain Language Legal Writing: Part II – Writing to Be Understood Plain Language Legal Writing: Part III – Mastering Modern Legal Correspondence Typography for Lawyers Matthew Butterick, Typography for Lawyers, a website expanded to a book later. Ruth Anne Robbins, Painting With Print: Incorporating Concepts of Typographic and Layout Design into the Text of Legal Writing Documents, 2 J. Assn. Legal Writing Directors 108, 129 (Fall 2004) PowerPoint Presentations by Cheryl Stephens Plain Language Legal Writinghttps://www.dropbox.com/home/Public?preview=Plain+Language+Legal+Writing.pptx The New Reasonable Personhttps://www.dropbox.com/home/Public?preview=30Minutes-NewReasonablePersonLawPresentation.pptx Workshop on Persuasive Writing for Litigation2000https://www.dropbox.com/home/Public?preview=Workshop+on+Persuasive+Writing+for+Litigation2000Fall.doc What is persuasive legal writing in the digital age?CBA National Webinar 2015 https://www.dropbox.com/home/Public?preview=CBAApril18-2015Webinar.doc Language in Criminal Justicehttps://www.dropbox.com/home/Public?preview=May27Clarity2012-Crim.pptx Articles by Cheryl Stephens Recent Developments in Contract Drafting 2015 CBA Webinar https://www.dropbox.com/s/z5fixocrvk27s71/ClarityinContracts.doc?dl=0 A Crash Course in Plain Language Draftinghttps://www.dropbox.com/home/Public?preview=Crashcourse+in+pld.pdf For the things you may not know about your clients as readers: Audience Awarenesshttps://www.dropbox.com/home/Public?preview=AudienceIssues.pdf Legal Literacy and Client Relations: A practice issuehttps://www.dropbox.com/s/kk6kh2iy7wrqkjf/LegalLiteracyandClientRelations.doc?dl=0 Canada and the Right to Understandhttps://www.dropbox.com/home/Public?preview=Right-to-Understand-final.doc |