Informal Written Communication Skills for New Attorneys in a Digital Age: Drafting Emails, Texts, Instant Messages

This CLE webinar will instruct new lawyers on the art of drafting clear and concise informal communications, including emails, texts, and instant messages (IMs), that are audience-appropriate and persuasive. The panel will also address privilege and ethical considerations.

While much of the training new lawyers receive is focused on formal writing, such as how to draft briefs, memos, letters, and contracts, most of the writing performed by lawyers in their daily professional life is informal communication in the form of emails, texts, and IMs. Therefore, drafting clear and concise informal communications that are audience-appropriate is a vital part of a lawyer's practice. How one responds to an email request from a Partner as opposed to a client question will vary greatly.

Lawyers should understand the various pre-drafting considerations to be made before creating an email, text, or IM—including the tone to use, word choice, and the level of explanation that may be required. They should also know how to clearly communicate the message, select the right method of communication, and understand how privilege and ethical issues may affect their choice.

Listen as our expert panel provides guidance to new lawyers on the art of drafting clear and concise audience-appropriate informal communications while maintaining privilege.