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Nov 05, 2026
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LEGS 124 - Legal Writing I
PREREQUISITES/COREQUISITE: LEGS 101 - Introduction to Legal Studies
PROGRAM: Legal Studies
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 3
TOTAL CONTACT HOURS MIN: 48
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Fall 2025
Legal Writing I is dedicated to transforming students into precise legal communicators. This foundational course demands mastery of English grammar and punctuation rules. It will also introduce the specialized mechanics that form the critical infrastructure for legal writing. Students will delve into essential legal terminology, specialized word usage, and Latin linguistics necessary to confidently navigate legal sources and documents. The course also teaches the IRAC method of briefing cases. Students will draft and edit professional documents, including correspondence, pleadings, and memoranda. Students will be prepared to go forward in the program where their writing skills will be continually assessed and refined. Achieving a polished writing style appropriate for the legal workplace is the goal.
MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:
- Define essential legal terminology, Latin phrases, and specialized word usage relevant to legal writing.
- Apply the rules of English grammar, syntax, and punctuation to construct accurate, clear, and concise sentences.
- Analyze writing samples to identify errors in professional style, usage, and sentence structure.
- Implement legal analysis by identifying and drafting factual accounts, issues, rules, analyses, and conclusions using the IRAC method.
- Edit and refine legal documents (such as memoranda, correspondence, and pleadings) to ensure adherence to accepted professional writing standards.
- Employ a polished writing style suitable for professional audiences.
- Demonstrate introductory usage of Lexis+.
- Construct accurate legal citations.
COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -
- Parts of speech
- Legal terminology
- Latin vocabulary
- Punctuation
- Grammar
- Syntax and mechanics of English
- Proofreading and editing
- Lexis Learn
- Interactive Citation Workstation
- Lexis+
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)
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