§ 21. Plan all three parts: the beginning, the middle, and the end.

Exercises

Basic

Find a brief or judicial opinion that has a particularly good opener and closer. (For a brief, you might look at books with model briefs. You might also look at continuing-legal-education materials on appellate practice.) If you belong to a writing group or class, bring a copy for each colleague. Be prepared to explain why you think the introduction and conclusion are effective.

Intermediate

Find a research memo that has no proper opener or closer--that is, one that's all middle. Write both a summary that could be added at the start and a fresh conclusion. If you're part of a writing group or class, bring a copy of your work for each colleague. Be prepared to discuss the problems in the original and how you tried to solve them.

Advanced

Find a motion (or memorandum in support) or a brief that launches straight into a statement of facts. Write a new preliminary statement that could be inserted at the beginning of the motion or brief. If you're part of a writing group or class, bring a copy of your summary for each colleague. Be prepared to discuss the problems in the original and how you tried to solve them.


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