A letter written by a lawyer is an important part of any legal practice. It communicates the attorney’s advice, strengthens her position, and invites the recipient to respond appropriately. A well-written letter also shows that the attorney has a clear understanding of her legal principles and is competent in speaking for herself.
How a lawyer writes a letter depends on the purpose of the letter, the client’s sophistication level, and whether or not the legal issue is complex or straightforward. For example, a letter to a client seeking a divorce is likely to be more formal and sophisticated than a letter to the judge of a small claims court.
Generally, attorneys begin their letters with the attorney’s surname and a colon, followed by a salutation such as “Dear Mr. Smith:.†A comma is sometimes used instead of a colon, depending on the tone of the letter.
Next, the writer sets out the legally significant facts on which she will base her analysis. For example, she might describe the rules for offers under contract law and state her conclusion. She might explain that a firm should offer a price that the client can easily afford.
The second paragraph might set out the facts of the case, including any phone conversations or email correspondence. This is an important step, as the opponent may not remember these details or may not be able to recollect them in the future. In addition, this might help the court understand the case and possibly aid in any defense or rebuttal proceedings that may be taken by the plaintiff’s lawyers.
Finally, the author sets out a concise and compelling explanation of her position. She might start with a sentence such as, “I believe that it is my duty to take this matter further.†Recommended this site workers compensation lawyers .
When writing a letter for your client or your client’s family, be sure to use clear and direct language. Using improper language can make you seem unprofessional and create an atmosphere of distrust.
Moreover, avoid expressing your displeasure in an angry or argumentative manner.
If the letter is a complaint or response to a legal matter, be courteous and respectful.
To write a letter to your attorney, follow his instructions carefully. For instance, if your attorney sends you a list of questions to answer, write each question out in detail as the lawyer has instructed you to do.
Be sure to proofread your letter for spelling and grammar errors. The spell-checker on your computer will not catch every error, so it is always best to have someone else read the letter before you send it off.
If the letter is a response to an earlier letter from your attorney, use the previous date at the top of the page to indicate the date you sent it. Then place your name and address on the right hand side of the page.
In most cases, the date of the letter should be in bold type. Alternatively, the lawyer’s name could be placed above the date of the letter. This will help the lawyer and her staff locate the document.
