"How to Write a Legal Article: The Right Way"

When it comes to writing a legal article, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. If you want to ensure that your article is well-received and packs a punch, then you need to know how to write a legal article the right way. To start, you need to have a clear and concise thesis.

Your thesis should be the central argument of your article, and everything else should work to support it. Once you have your thesis, you need to back it up with evidence. This evidence can come in the form of case law, legislation, or even personal experience.

Whatever you choose, make sure that it is relevant and compelling. Finally, you need to tie everything together in a cohesive conclusion. Restate your thesis and provide a brief synopsis of the evidence you presented. Leave your readers with something to think about, and make sure that your argument is clear. With these tips in mind, you can write a legal article that is sure to impress.

1. Find a topic you're passionate about

There are a few things to consider when finding a topic you're passionate about to write a legal article. It's important to find a topic that you have some personal connection to, as this will make the writing process easier and more enjoyable. It's also important to make sure the topic is something you're knowledgeable about, as this will make your article more credible. Lastly, it's helpful to choose a topic that is currently relevant, as this will make your article more likely to be read and shared. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to find a topic you're passionate about that will make for a great legal article.

2. Do your research

Before you start writing your legal article, it is important that you do your research. This means that you need to find reliable sources of information that will help you understand the topic you are writing about. There are a few different ways that you can do this. One way is to look for articles that have been written on the topic you are interested in.

You can find these by searching online or in a law library. Another way to do your research is to talk to a law professor or a practicing lawyer. This can help you get a better understanding of the topic you are writing about. Once you have gathered all of your research, you need to start organizing it.

This means that you need to figure out what information is most important and how you want to present it. It is a good idea to create an outline of your article before you start writing. This will help you keep your thoughts organized and make sure that you do not forget anything important.

When you are ready to start writing, remember to keep your audience in mind. Your goal should be to write an article that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Be sure to proofread your work before you publish it.

3. Outline your article

When you sit down to outline your article, you need to think about what points you want to hit and what order you want to hit them in. You also need to make sure that your article flows smoothly from one point to the next.

Some people like to start with a very basic outline that just has the main points listed in order. Others like to add a bit more detail to their outlines. No matter what method you use to outline your article, you need to make sure that you cover all of the important points. Your outline should include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. You should also make sure to include any supporting information that you feel is necessary.

Once you have your outline completed, you can start filling in the details. Your introduction should give the reader a brief overview of what your article will be about. You should also include your thesis statement in the introduction. The body of your article should be where you expand on your points and provide evidence to support your argument. The conclusion should be a brief summary of what you have covered in your article.

4. Start with a catchy opening

You want to make sure that you start your legal article the right way so that readers will be engaged from the beginning. Here are four tips to ensure that your opening is catchy and effective:

1. Start with a strong hook.

Your hook is the first sentence or two of your article, and it should be designed to grab the reader's attention. Try to make it interesting, provocative, or even humorous. Whatever you do, make sure it's not dry or boring.

2. Clearly state the purpose of your article.

After the hook, the next few sentences should be devoted to explaining the purpose of your article.

What are you trying to accomplish? Why should the reader care?

Answering these questions early on will help keep the reader engaged. 

3. Use strong, active language. Your language should be clear and concise, and it should avoid passive constructions. Using strong, active language will help ensure that your writing is readable and understandable.

4. Be sure to define any terms that might be unfamiliar to the reader.

If you use any terms that might be unfamiliar to the reader, be sure to define them right away. This will help ensure that the reader is able to follow along and doesn't get lost. By following these four tips, you can ensure that your legal article will have a catchy and effective opening.

5. Use clear and concise language

Use clear and concise language in your legal article to ensure that your readers can easily understand your argument. Keep your sentences short and free of unnecessary jargon. Use plain language when possible, and define any technical terms that you use. When using citations, be sure to include the full legal citation so that your readers can locate the source material.

6. Cite your sources

When writing a legal article, it is important to cite your sources correctly in order to avoid plagiarism and to give credit where it is due. There are a few different ways to cite sources, but the most common method is to use footnotes or endnotes. When using footnotes, the citation is placed at the bottom of the page where the quoted or paraphrased material appears. The footnote will usually include the author's last name, the date of publication, and the page number (if available). For example: 1. John Smith, "How to Write a Legal Article: The Right Way," Lawyer's Journal, vol.3, no. 1 (March 20, 2020), pp. 32-33. If you are quoting directly from the source, you will also need to include the page number in the footnote.

For example: 2. John Smith, "How to Write a Legal Article: The Right Way," Lawyer's Journal, vol. 3, no. 1 (March 20, 2020), p. 33.

If you are paraphrasing material from a source, you do not need to include a page number in the footnote. When using endnotes, the citation is placed at the end of the article, before the list of works cited. The endnote will usually include the author's last name, the date of publication, and the page number (if available).

For example: 3. John Smith, "How to Write a Legal Article: The Right Way," Lawyer's Journal, vol. 3, no. 1 (March 20, 2020), pp. 32-33.

If you are quoting directly from the source, you will also need to include the

page number in the end note.

For example: 4. John Smith, "How to Write a Legal Article: The Right Way," Lawyer's Journal, vol. 3, no. 1 (March 20, 2020), p. 33.

If you are paraphrasing material from a source, you do not need to include a page number in the endnote. whichever way you choose to cite your sources, it is important to be consistent throughout your article. Citations are important not only to avoid plagiarism but also to give credit to the sources you have used. When you cite a source, you are letting your readers know that the material you have used is not your own and that you have made an effort to find and use reliable sources. This shows that you are a credible author and that your article is worth reading.

7. Edit and proofread your article

After you have written your legal article, it is important to edit and proofread it before you submit it for publication. Here are some tips on how to do this:

1. Read your article aloud to yourself. This will help you to catch any mistakes that you may have missed when reading it silently.

2. Use a spell checker to check for any spelling errors.

3. Read your article backward, from the end to the beginning. This will help you to catch any errors in grammar or punctuation.

4. Have someone else read your article. Another set of eyes can often spot errors that you have missed.

5. Take your time. Don't try to rush through the editing and proofreading process. It is important to do a thorough job so that your article is error-free.

There are a few key things to remember when writing a legal article. Make sure to do your research, and don't forget to properly cite your sources. Start by outlining your article, and then flesh it out with supporting arguments. Be sure to proofread your work before submitting it. By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your legal article will be well-received.

Edited By Dr. Nidal Gaith