Go beyond the basics of legal writing learned in law school. Master the PAWS Method and other techniques to draft briefs, motions and legal memos more succinctly and persuasively, so you can effectively communicate your argument to appellate judges and your peers while spending less time writing. This guide will sharpen your writing skills and truly make your pen mightier than the sword. Order today!

1. The PAWS Method: Focusing on Key Elements for On-Target Writing
2. The Appellate Brief That Influences
3. Persuasive Motion Writing Techniques for Litigators
4. Strategic Legal Memorandum Writing: Getting Your Point Across

THE PAWS METHOD: FOCUSING ON KEY ELEMENTS FOR ON-TARGET WRITING
9:00 - 9:45, Thomas F. Mabry

• Purpose
• Audience
• Word Choice and Sentence Structure
• Style

THE APPELLATE BRIEF THAT INFLUENCES
10:00 - 12:00, Thomas F. Mabry

• Applying the PAWS Method
• Using a Subtle Compass: Table of Contents and Table of Cases
• Framing a Picture, Not a Puzzle: Statement of the Issues
• Writing the Statement of the Facts With Simplicity and Relevance
• Secrets to a Successful Argument: Persuading Without Exaggeration
• Making Footnotes and Authority Citations Work for You
• Variations in Format: Achieving the Maximum Effect While Following the Rules

--- Hands-On Writing Exercise ---

PERSUASIVE MOTION WRITING TECHNIQUES FOR LITIGATORS
1:00 - 2:45, Thomas F. Mabry

• Applying the PAWS Method
• More Than Meets the Eye: Successful Marshaling of Facts, Law and Form
• Statements and Structure That Resonate With the Judge
• Avoiding Irrelevancy
• Mind the Details
• Secrets to Drafting a Motion That Breaks Your Opponent's Case
• Veering From Boilerplate: Originality Counts

--- Hands-On Writing Exercise ---

STRATEGIC LEGAL MEMORANDUM WRITING: GETTING YOUR POINT ACROSS
3:00 - 4:30, Thomas F. Mabry

• Applying the PAWS Method
• Headings With Impact
• Providing a Roadmap Upfront
• Stating Legal Issues With Clarity and Brevity
• Tips to a Solid Summary of Facts
• Organizing Facts for Coherence and Handling Opposing Facts
• Early Destruction of Preconceived Notions
• Application of a Case Theme or Theory
• A Strong Finish

--- Hands-On Writing Exercise ---

THOMAS F. MABRY is a sole practitioner in the Knoxville metro area, where he has a general trial practice with emphasis on appellate law, business organization law, family law, wills and estates, and contract law. Mr. Mabry has lectured to paralegals on the use of the internet, to attorneys on the law of the internet and small law office management. He is a member of the Knoxville (past member, Board of Governors), Tennessee (past member, Young Lawyers Division) and American bar associations. Mr. Mabry also is a member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. He earned his B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga and his J.D. degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville School of Law.

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