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Leadership & Career

6 Best Legal Content Writing Tips

MM
Matt Montenegro Founder & CEO
03/01/2023 4 min
TL;DR

Legal content writing turns legal topics into clear, accurate material for people unfamiliar with legal terminology. The article emphasizes clarity and attorney collaboration, while ABA guidance says legal marketing must follow applicable advertising rules.

  • Why it matters: Readers need a plain explanation of the issue, while the firm needs content that does not overstate a legal claim or outcome.
  • How it works: The writer researches the topic, identifies the intended reader and checks factual and legal accuracy with the responsible attorney.
  • Case in point: A page can explain a common question, define the relevant terms and show the next information a reader may need.
  • Reality check: ABA guidance notes that attorney advertising is generally permitted only when it is not false or misleading.

Writing legal content can be interesting and rewarding, and can help attorneys and others in the legal field get great content. 

Here are 6 tips to help you create content captivating legal content

As long as attorneys continue to seek out clients, and clients look for legal professionals, there will always be a need for legal content. 

Writers who have a background in law are often the ones selected for this writing niche.

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The three C’s of legal writing are counterarguments, concessions, and credibility. 

Counterarguments would typically be made in the courtroom or during a legal settlement process. However, counterarguments can also be made through legal content, by showing potential clients why a particular attorney is the best one for the job.

Hiring a legal content writer who understands the three C’s can mean higher quality content that more accurately meets the needs of legal professionals. 

By writing with the three C’s in mind, a legal content writer may also help attorneys appeal to potential clients.

The main legal writing skills include accuracy, clarity, attention to detail, and an ability to make complex topics easily understandable. It is not always easy for laypeople to understand the law, and a legal writer who can help them do that is a great asset to a law firm.

Legal content writing can take time, because breaking down legal concepts clearly and accurately isn’t always easy. 

A good legal writer will work with an attorney to make sure what they’re producing for the law firm is an accurate representation of what the law actually says.

While it’s possible to teach these legal writing skills to other writers, choosing a writer who already has experience in this area can mean getting the right content faster. That can help keep your law firm moving forward.

Legal writing can sometimes get bogged down in jargon, which is a surefire way to lose your reader—unless your reader just happens to be a judge. Most people, though, want things explained in plain English, especially if they’re dealing with something stressful or unfamiliar like a lawsuit or a contract. The better writers know when to dispense with the fancy terminology and just say what they mean. In the end, that’s what makes the information stick (and might even get your article bookmarked, if you’re lucky).

Something else worth mentioning: context really matters in legal writing. A tax attorney’s blog has a completely different vibe than a criminal defense newsletter, and smart writers adapt their tone and examples. If you’re able to spot those tiny but important differences, you’re more likely to actually connect with clients, not just inform them. It’s the nuance, the little bits of personality and awareness, that can make your legal content feel trustworthy—even relatable. Not every piece needs to sound like a court brief.

For an attorney looking to hire someone for legal content writing, understanding what they’re specifically searching for can help. 

Additionally, the writer will have a clear picture from the beginning, so they know if they can provide what the client needs. 

The top legal writing tips are:

1. Don’t write for keywords. Write for people instead.

2. Be aware of what makes great legal content.

3. Choose the right types of content for the audience.

4. Measure conversions to see if the writing is working.

5. Understand client personas, and write to their needs.

6. Promote the content where potential clients will find it.

With quality legal writing and the right promotion, attorneys can get a valuable boost. 

Choosing the right person to assist with legal content writing is a big part of that, and an important place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should review legal content before publication?

The responsible attorney should review legal claims, jurisdiction-specific statements and descriptions of services before publication. The article recommends writer and attorney collaboration so the material accurately reflects the law. This review is especially important when a page discusses outcomes, client situations or professional qualifications, because a polished explanation can still be inaccurate or misleading.

How can legal writing stay clear without losing accuracy?

Start with the reader’s question, define necessary terms in plain language and explain the practical context before adding detail. The article identifies clarity and accuracy as core legal writing skills. Plain language does not mean omitting limits or exceptions. It means organizing them so a reader can understand the issue without needing to decode unnecessary jargon first.

What makes legal marketing content different from general marketing?

Legal marketing must account for professional advertising rules as well as the reader’s need for reliable information. The ABA notes that attorney advertising is generally allowed when it is not false or misleading, and requirements can vary by jurisdiction. A legal writer should therefore avoid unsupported promises, coordinate with counsel and make sure the content fits the firm’s actual services.

MM Matt Montenegro

Matt Montenegro

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