# data[].attributes.headline
our reaction to him calling out lawyer's jargon and the useless techniques we find authors use in legal language...  

# data[].attributes.subject
our reaction to him calling out lawyer's jargon and the useless techniques we find authors use in legal language...  

# data[].attributes.headline
However, despite what seems like rigidness to professional writing, writers are still human and your audience is still human. There is no need to fool anyone into thinking there is greater sophistication than there actually is.  

# data[].attributes.subject
However, despite what seems like rigidness to professional writing, writers are still human and your audience is still human. There is no need to fool anyone into thinking there is greater sophistication than there actually is.  

# data[].attributes.body
Lawyers and attorneys are daunted with  tasks that can be seen as tedious and time-consuming, especially within their legal writings. it is crucial we stay realistic within our work as it could be quite easy to sound ridiculous...
It can be obvious when someone is using language beyond their scope, jargon that really does not make sense within the context of the material, and frankly, when a professional writer is trying too hard. Audiences can see right through these efforts and what was once deemed with respect is now tossed aside as if it were idiotic and elementary.

So in the end, despite the structure and specific stylistic choices one must make in professional writing, it is important to remember that we are all still human - it is okay to sound human.

# data[].attributes.body
Peer Reviewed Journals:

- Stylistic Study of Legal Language by Rashid Behram Khan, Sohail Qamar Khan, 2015, volume 3, issue 1

- Understanding “Style” in Legal Writing by Stephen V. Armstrong, Timothy P. Terrel - Perspectives: Teaching Legal Research and Writing, 2008, volume 17, issue 1

Videos:

- Adaptation and Cuteness in Legal Writing – Insights Interview with Ross Guberman [Interview by M. Walen]. (2019, May 15). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMFK763D1Eg&t=10s

- Vorpahl, A. (Director). (2019, May 22). Write like a Lawyer | 7 common legal writing mistakes! [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T41LZlnaca8

Blogs & Articles:

- Peha, S. (2003). Looking for Quality in Student Writing. Retrieved from https://www.ttms.org/writing_quality/conventions.htm

- Hargreaves, C. (2013, November 18). Legal Drafting – The Ultimate Guide to Writing like a Lawyer. Retrieved from https://tipsforlawyers.com/legal-drafting-writing-for-lawyers/

My own work:

- Kaplun, J. A. (2021, March 4). Chapter 2 - Exercise 2: Social Role Analysis [An original paragraph taking on the perspective of a relatively known individual in society]. Montclair State University, Little Falls, NJ.

- Kaplun, J. A. (2020, December 11). Policy Analysis Paper: [Notification to Parent of Minor Daughter’s Abortion: Section 9:17A-1.1-1.112]. Montclair State University, Little Falls, NJ.

The Office memes courtesy of google images.

# data[].attributes.headline
As we are perfecting our writing skills, we are learning new tactics and concepts to address, present, or argue information. Through the use of practice, we are constantly growing and improving, but with improvement comes the notion: do not fix what isn't broken. We as writers, professional writers specifically,y need to keep in mind the basics that come with professional writing:

# data[].attributes.subject
As we are perfecting our writing skills, we are learning new tactics and concepts to address, present, or argue information. Through the use of practice, we are constantly growing and improving, but with improvement comes the notion: do not fix what isn't broken. We as writers, professional writers specifically,y need to keep in mind the basics that come with professional writing:

# data[].attributes.body
Despite your efforts to addressing individuals properly, legal language does not permit the use of pronouns. This could be confusing and allow room for interpretation - something lawyers are typically opposed to.

# data[].attributes.headline
It is important to ensure one's overall style is not aggressive by keeping the tone and mood to be non-combative or ensuring you are not writing in accusation. 

# data[].attributes.subject
It is important to ensure one's overall style is not aggressive by keeping the tone and mood to be non-combative or ensuring you are not writing in accusation. 

# data[].attributes.headline
This example of what not to do is quite interesting because as lawyers, one assumption is to be defensive and aggressive in their work, more specifically their writing, but here it is debunked! 

# data[].attributes.subject
This example of what not to do is quite interesting because as lawyers, one assumption is to be defensive and aggressive in their work, more specifically their writing, but here it is debunked! 

# data[].attributes.body
Thought we all can relate to this as writing does not have one right from wrong..
.. and its just too funny not to.

# data[].attributes.headline
In addition, I have always practiced subordination and the practice of style focused on subject matter. 

# data[].attributes.subject
In addition, I have always practiced subordination and the practice of style focused on subject matter. 

# data[].attributes.body
- Throughout my work, we can see the use of style focusing on language and subject matter quite frequently. As we know, new information usually comes last in a sentence, as this is the order that is the most appealing to the audience. By focusing on subject matter, we are narrowing down on the information we already have and the relationship it has with the new material being presented. Through the use of subordination when it comes to my argument in my policy analysis paper, the audience is focusing on the important facts being addressed. By focusing on subject matter, we are forcing the accentuation of certain information, hopefully moving the audience to some sort of revelation - otherwise known as the tactic of using high style.

In this sentence, we can see that my topic for the overall essay is a young teenage girl who had a mistake as I've strategically chosen to present that information last.

# data[].attributes.body
the sentence starts with  "If we raise awareness..

# data[].attributes.headline
As depicted in Khan & Khan's 2015 article, longer, more complex sentences in professional writing are seen to be more "fruitful" and hold more detail in compared to shorter sentences. In fact, it is seen to be effective for higher levels of formality in legal language. 

# data[].attributes.subject
As depicted in Khan & Khan's 2015 article, longer, more complex sentences in professional writing are seen to be more "fruitful" and hold more detail in compared to shorter sentences. In fact, it is seen to be effective for higher levels of formality in legal language. 

# data[].attributes.body
After this course, I find that I use this concept in my writing. Short sentences create an elementary style, chopping up ideas and thoughts, producing a very rigid flowing piece of writing. However, with longer sentences, I am able to get multiple points across, ultimately increasing my chance of effectiveness in my audience.

I have featured two paragraphs that hold true to this example.

# data[].attributes.headline
Attached is a policy analysis paper I did in 2020, outlining the differences in each state in the US in regards to their individual policies of notifying a parent when a minor seeks an abortion from a medical professional. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Attached is a policy analysis paper I did in 2020, outlining the differences in each state in the US in regards to their individual policies of notifying a parent when a minor seeks an abortion from a medical professional. 

# data[].attributes.headline
What pieces of professional writing have I done so far that represents the stylistic choices that have been illustrated above?

# data[].attributes.subject
What pieces of professional writing have I done so far that represents the stylistic choices that have been illustrated above?

# data[].attributes.body
I take immense pride in calling certain citizens of our powerful nation "leaders". To overcome these hardships, sufferings, misfortunes, and tribulations holds more weight than any words I could say before you today. As your President, I take  responsibility and account for those who hold power and govern the states and cities of the United States. I can confidently say however, that your actions have proven that we are in great hands. If I could I'd list all of the selfless efforts they've never been thanked for, the never-ending work they were always the first to volunteer to do, and countless contributions they've never asked for back, I would... but I am sure we all want to make it to dinner on time.

To the leaders that stand before me, it is people like you that make our nation great. Your work has been deemed responsible for contributing to the well-being of our country, but also in addition to our progress and growth within our communities to maintain a healthy environment for years to come. We have seen you go above and beyond the expectations and requirements one could ever impose on such an individual and have never asked for anything in return. Today, I give you not only the acknowledgment, but admiration you deserve as leaders of the United States.

On behalf of everyone you've impacted already and to those you still have yet to reach, we thank you. We hope to see your efforts reflected in this great nation for years to come. It is people like you that create the notion of the American Dream.

# data[].attributes.headline
Chapter 2's exercise 2 instructs us to pick a relatively known individual in our society and write a transcript as if it was written or spoken by that individual. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Chapter 2's exercise 2 instructs us to pick a relatively known individual in our society and write a transcript as if it was written or spoken by that individual. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I chose Barack Obama and have attached my original assignment submission: 

# data[].attributes.subject
I chose Barack Obama and have attached my original assignment submission: 

# data[].attributes.body
I take great pride in the individuals we call our leaders of this beloved nation. They’ve overcome trials, hardships, and circumstances others would simply crumble at. As your president, I feel responsible for who runs and governs our states and cities, but I feel nothing but immense honor and admiration for those standing before me today. I feel compelled to tell you all their good works, selfless acts, and countless contributions to the well-being of our society and our communities, but we’d be here all day and I am sure we all want to get to dinner on time. It is individuals like you that make our nation so great. We’ve seen you go above and beyond your expectations and requirements everyday and do not ask for an ounce of admiration in return. It is the fact that the only ‘thank you’ you’ll ever need is seeing your efforts actually helping and positively contributing to those around you.

# data[].attributes.headline
NOW.. HOW CAN I CORRELATE ALL OF  THIS TO MY WORK?

# data[].attributes.subject
NOW.. HOW CAN I CORRELATE ALL OF  THIS TO MY WORK?

# data[].attributes.headline
IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER TO MAKE IT ENJOYABLE FOR THE AUDIENCE TO READ. ONE CAN ACHIEVE THIS THROUGH MEANS OF HIGH STYLE AS IT IS IN THE MOST FOCUS ON THE AUDIENCE. NO ONE WANTS TO READ A BORING PIECE OF WORK...

# data[].attributes.subject
IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER TO MAKE IT ENJOYABLE FOR THE AUDIENCE TO READ. ONE CAN ACHIEVE THIS THROUGH MEANS OF HIGH STYLE AS IT IS IN THE MOST FOCUS ON THE AUDIENCE. NO ONE WANTS TO READ A BORING PIECE OF WORK...

# data[].attributes.body
hopefully like I am not boring you now! ;)

# data[].attributes.headline
As this was addressed in Khan & Khan's article

# data[].attributes.subject
As this was addressed in Khan & Khan's article

# data[].attributes.headline
coordinate clauses can be further explained here 

# data[].attributes.subject
coordinate clauses can be further explained here 

# data[].attributes.headline
Point of view: you're taking a course geared towards style in writing, but you're looking to be a professional in the judicial system... how does one correlate their course work with their field of interest? Just like anything else in life, it is what you make out of it.

# data[].attributes.subject
Point of view: you're taking a course geared towards style in writing, but you're looking to be a professional in the judicial system... how does one correlate their course work with their field of interest? Just like anything else in life, it is what you make out of it.

# data[].attributes.headline
As this is quite explanatory, convention is needed in professional writing. For example, when an advocate is writing to a superior, their writing needs to not only be effective, but comprehensive. 

# data[].attributes.subject
As this is quite explanatory, convention is needed in professional writing. For example, when an advocate is writing to a superior, their writing needs to not only be effective, but comprehensive. 

# data[].attributes.headline
As we've learned the syntactic methods that were addressed are deemed strategic components of professional writing and legal language. In contrast, there are components of writing that should be left out of professional writing.. 

# data[].attributes.subject
As we've learned the syntactic methods that were addressed are deemed strategic components of professional writing and legal language. In contrast, there are components of writing that should be left out of professional writing.. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Rhythm here can be compared to the stylistic choices an author can make illustrated in our text.. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Rhythm here can be compared to the stylistic choices an author can make illustrated in our text.. 

# data[].attributes.body
- when an author is focusing on language, he or she is introducing information are strategic times, using coordinate clauses to emphasis importance where it is needed and the concept subordination of material in retrospect to when it was presented to the audience. Subordination helps represent the relationships between the information being addressed and can be used with the help of coordinate clauses. Coordinate clauses can be defined as the use of, but not limited to:
a.) and
b.) but
c.) or
d.) semicolons

- We now know, at this point in the course, that stylistic choices are not by accident, but intentional and purposeful, holding a greater meaning to the audience. We hold stylistic choices to create a mood, address information in a manner that we want, and hopefully hold an affect on our audience that drives them into further participation. With the use of pauses, coordinate clauses, and even long sentences as we've seen in Khan and Khan's article and addressed here, we are setting an overall style to our audience.

We want a reader to pause and think at certain moments. We want our audience to understand the weight and severity of the details addressed in our work. We want them to be persuaded into take a course of action as well - whatever that might be - or have hopes to move our audience, affecting their emotions towards a subject.
We simply cannot do this when our words are blended together, without room for thought.

# data[].attributes.headline
As discussed before, the use of high style can be interpreted as the overall theme in professional writing. As it is the general technique or method a writer will choose to use in their work, many do not see this as a component for professional writing, but instead it is an assumption that style is only seen in fiction pieces. Stephen Armstrong and Timothy Terrell however debunked this in 2008 when they addressed style in legal writing and the importance of such an aspect.

# data[].attributes.subject
As discussed before, the use of high style can be interpreted as the overall theme in professional writing. As it is the general technique or method a writer will choose to use in their work, many do not see this as a component for professional writing, but instead it is an assumption that style is only seen in fiction pieces. Stephen Armstrong and Timothy Terrell however debunked this in 2008 when they addressed style in legal writing and the importance of such an aspect.

# data[].attributes.headline
Attached is a journal written by Rashid Behram Khan and Sohail Qamar Khan all the way out of University of Sargodha in Pakistan.  Here, they are defining and analyzing the aspects of "legal language" and the purpose for doing for each strategy and technique. With the addition of historical background of legal language, this is a great piece to base your knowledge of professional writing as a whole. Addressing many aspects of professional writing, even beyond our scope of work here in the course, this article shows that legal writing and the language of professional writing is quite universal, no matter where you are in the world - for instance, whether you are practicing as a lawyer in Pakistan or the United States.

# data[].attributes.subject
Attached is a journal written by Rashid Behram Khan and Sohail Qamar Khan all the way out of University of Sargodha in Pakistan.  Here, they are defining and analyzing the aspects of "legal language" and the purpose for doing for each strategy and technique. With the addition of historical background of legal language, this is a great piece to base your knowledge of professional writing as a whole. Addressing many aspects of professional writing, even beyond our scope of work here in the course, this article shows that legal writing and the language of professional writing is quite universal, no matter where you are in the world - for instance, whether you are practicing as a lawyer in Pakistan or the United States.

# data[].attributes.body
Below is the entire article if interested in reading, reflecting many important aspects of our work here in the course,  but I've enlarged the highlighted portions to your right for ease of access (you're welcome =D) .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
understanding style in writing - armstrong and terrell

# data[].attributes.headline
When a professional writer is using the style focusing on subject matter, their main focus is on the organization and structure of the material and information that is presented. We group and organize information together or in a specific order to accentuate the equivalence, importance, or contrast between the material. 

# data[].attributes.subject
When a professional writer is using the style focusing on subject matter, their main focus is on the organization and structure of the material and information that is presented. We group and organize information together or in a specific order to accentuate the equivalence, importance, or contrast between the material. 

# data[].attributes.body
Khan & Khan have reflected the idea that when using colons, commas, slashes, etc., we are demonstrating style focused on subject matter because we are presenting information in a certain order. The authors are illustrating the different tactics or  idea of presenting new information in ways that shows the audience their importance and creates an overall effect on the reader. This ultimately accentuates the overall high style theme that is correlated with professional writing.

# data[].attributes.headline
As this is a blatant focus on language through the use of coordinate clauses and subordination, we also see a focus on subject matter as well. 

# data[].attributes.subject
As this is a blatant focus on language through the use of coordinate clauses and subordination, we also see a focus on subject matter as well. 

# data[].attributes.headline
BUT WHAT ARE THESE PROCESSES OR SYSTEMS THAT PROFESSIONAL WRITERS USE? 

# data[].attributes.subject
BUT WHAT ARE THESE PROCESSES OR SYSTEMS THAT PROFESSIONAL WRITERS USE? 

# data[].attributes.headline
By using language that not only accentuates certain information being presented, but also exhilarates the audience, this is a reflection of high style and style focused on language. 

# data[].attributes.subject
By using language that not only accentuates certain information being presented, but also exhilarates the audience, this is a reflection of high style and style focused on language. 

# data[].attributes.body
remember - high style's purpose is to move the audience and stir emotions. Author's Khan and Khan illustrated this here by establishing the use of certain language to "reflect, express, and even perhaps affect" the already established ideas and thoughts of the audience (Khan & Khan, 2015).

"...noblest, honorable, and important..."
"...absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure..."
"...I will bear true faith and allegiance..."

# data[].attributes.body
Guberman speaks about the "process" or "system" in the flow of professional writing...
Can we not agree that, one, the systematic tactics of style focused on subject manner and/or language, two, the reassurance that we are using convention in our work, but, three, the overall use of high style in our writing reflects Guberman's idea of implementing a structured system or process? Through the use of these concepts outlined in the course's text, professional writing can be done effectively and efficiently quite effortlessly.

By breaking down what is seen as such a daunting task into a basic, outlined effort to advocate and defend future clients, professional writing can be easily done, allowing a lawyer's efforts to shine, as opposed to their mediocre writing.

# data[].attributes.headline
However, Guberman did not see this as the way lawyers should view professional writing. He found that certain techniques and tactics were actually strategic in creating a healthy relationship between lawyers and professional writing. 

# data[].attributes.subject
However, Guberman did not see this as the way lawyers should view professional writing. He found that certain techniques and tactics were actually strategic in creating a healthy relationship between lawyers and professional writing. 

# data[].attributes.body
Here is where you can find the techniques that are useful in professional writing:

# data[].attributes.headline
 LAWYERS & THEIR USE OF PROFESSIONAL WRITING..  

# data[].attributes.subject
 LAWYERS & THEIR USE OF PROFESSIONAL WRITING..  

# data[].attributes.body
As a representative in a judicial system, lawyers are seen as defenders and advocates in and out of the court room. However, like many other professions, their efforts would only go so far if their writing does not match their work.

By writing effectively and well, an attorney or lawyer's effort would not only excel them as a professional, but also compel their audience to listen to their side, to take into consideration their defense. When a lawyer writes well, they are allowing the audience to focus on the material at-hand, the information being presented, ultimately creating a moving, but effective piece of writing to whomever they are addressing.

But this task - professional writing - has become a daunting subject, topic, and task for lawyers... why? Attorney Ross Guberman, president of Legal Writing Pro and creator of BriefCatch, speaks upon this in further detail in his interview with Casetext.

# data[].attributes.headline
WHAT ARE THESE "ATTRIBUTES"? WHAT DOES PROFESSIONAL WRITING CONTAIN? 

# data[].attributes.subject
WHAT ARE THESE "ATTRIBUTES"? WHAT DOES PROFESSIONAL WRITING CONTAIN? 

# data[].attributes.headline
But also contains aspects of convention.. 

# data[].attributes.subject
But also contains aspects of convention.. 

# data[].attributes.body
- conventions of readability: this is quite self explanatory. Convention allows comprehensible, but effective reading with aspects focusing on whether the pieces is active, it flows, it is organized for emphasis, and it uses familiar language.

# data[].attributes.headline
Professional writing holds a specific style that can be focused on.. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Professional writing holds a specific style that can be focused on.. 

# data[].attributes.body
- subject manner:  Style focused on subject manner uses certain tactics to organize and structure information, to either show their equivalency or superiority on important aspects. More often than not, style focused on subject manner uses this template to define relationships among the subjects discuss, but organizing them in strategic ways. This focuses on the relationship between the style the author chooses to use and the information that it is expressing.

- language: this paints a picture in the audience's mind by using certain definite articles and the organization of information.  Style focused on language accentuates the order in which information is presented to the audience, giving attention to where it is needed - usually the new information. Finally, language, can include the use of coordinate clauses ('and', 'but', 'or', or the use of a semicolon) to highlight information that is equal of importance or emphasis.

# data[].attributes.body
When writing to anyone in a position of power or leadership, a certain style is to be expected that is focused on language and the subject matter at hand, but also a piece of writing that contains high levels of convention to ensure readability to the audience. Overall, as professional writing can be seen with high style, this can be described as an author simply trying to move and motivate the audience into action, stir emotions,  urging them to a greater participation. It can seem much more structured and rigid than other styles of writing, such as fiction writing, but we find that each technique holds a specific value or meaning into why an author might doing it. Professional writing is a broad topic that can be seen in many different professions, but the attributes that are found within this style of writing are consistent throughout all different intent and purposes of professional writing, no matter the profession.

We find that professional writing and legal language go hand-in-hand. As a lawyer, court official, or politician, one must be able to write and portray themselves in a respectful, admirable, but competent way. They may also be trying to persuade the audience to take their defense - whatever the argument may be. We find that those who follow certain syntactic rules, their writing is proven to be more efficient reaching an audience's emotion, motivating them into participation.