Contract drafting

Contract drafting: today’s lawyers often struggle

In a world dominated by precedents and standard forms accessible at a click, today’s lawyers sometimes don’t engage as thoroughly as they need to if a document is to suit the particular deal they’re working on.

When they are responsible for a first draft, they find it hard to go beyond trawling for a suitable precedent. They may lack the skill to adapt it properly or to see that they might be better to craft something better from scratch.   

They find it hard to pick up in others’ drafting the ambiguities that make drafting toxic.

The result, too often, is drafting that clients find opaque and is correspondingly risky.

Writing: how I can help

As an experienced lawyer myself, I can persuade lawyers that they have something to learn.

To embed the cultural shift you need, I can inspire your internal standard-bearers with the confidence not just to correct juniors’ writing, but to explain why.

People get a light bulb moment when they see their own writing transformed. I use a lot of rewriting to help small groups, or to coach individuals.

 I can deliver training to larger groups on areas, from the basics of grammar and punctuation to advanced writing techniques.

I can help with a firm style guide, against which you can permanently measure the improvement in all the firm’s writing.

I can train your lawyers how to draft clearer contracts, without the ambiguities that lead to disputes.