William Bernhardt

Superior Legal Writing: Winning With Words

A Legal Writing CLE
William Bernhardt, New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels and a former trial lawyer, tells lawyers what they really need to know to succeed on the printed page, based upon personal experience and extensive interviews with judges and practitioners. Bernhardt takes participants through a practical and systematic consideration of the writing process, peppered with practical assignments based upon real world legal scenarios.

Superior Legal Drafting: Making Words Matter

A Legal Writing CLE
William Bernhardt, New York Times bestselling author and former attorney, applies the principles of superior legal writing to specific legal documents, such as briefs and other litigation documents, contracts, wills, trusts, correspondence, and even electronic communications such as email and texts.  Bernhardt uses onscreen "Before and After" examples to demonstrate how attention to language and the application of good writing principles can improve any lawyer's written work.

About the CLEs

The greatest skill any lawyer can possess is the ability to write clearly, concisely, and convincingly. If a lawyer lacks solid writing ability, he or she risks losing motions and cases. This seminar introduces writing and editing techniques designed to maximize legal writing proficiency.

Bernhardt focuses on helping lawyers develop skills and strategies for communicating in a rapidly changing legal environment, with a special emphasis on the abilities needed to frame your case, present it persuasively–and win. Bernhardt covers common writing errors, the pitfalls of legalese, the importance of strategic issue-framing, capturing a reader's imagination (the best way to persuade), drafting briefs, memos, and client letters, building a bulletproof argument, giving your pleadings and briefs focus and direction, setting a winning tone from the first sentence, the critical importance of tight editing for clarity and impact, and creating a compelling story that best represents your client. Although the presentation is educational and illuminating, Bernhardt always keeps it lively, never boring.

All examples are graphically illustrated on PowerPoint. The attendees will be asked to work on the displayed exercises so they can see legal writing evolve from the typical to the superior. This technique allows participants to readily grasp the point and leave the seminar ready to implement these winning techniques.

This seminar also contains an optional section concentrating on ethical issues relating to legal writing, techniques for becoming a fair advocate that judges trust and rely upon while using the written word to its maximum potential. The topics addressed will include: how to write an ethical brief, avoiding ethical lapses that alienate judges, eliminating ineffectual barbs and derogatory comments and replacing them with persuasive, winning arguments. The ultimate irony of ethical writing is that the more fair you make your brief, the more likely you are to prevail.

COMMENTS FROM LAWTERS ATTENDING WILLIAM BERNHARDT'S SEMINARS:

“Bernhardt’s humor, expertise, passion, and respect for the art of writing was exceptional. He was welcoming, heartfelt, genuinely supportive, and
instructive.” –Wichita

“As a result of attending this CLE, I felt my writing improve the very next day.” –Idaho Falls

“Bernhardt obviously knows his stuff. He is very clear, to the point, and as a bonus, very entertaining.” –Little Rock

“This is the best CLE I have ever attended!” –Seattle

“After attending myself, I instructed every associate in my firm to attend Mr. Bernhardt’s CLE as soon as possible.” –Albuquerque
             

SPECIAL: Are you a lawyer with an interst in writing a book?  Register for the weekend "Lawyers Who Want to Write" seminar.
February 18 - 19, 2012 Oklahoma City


Are you a Director of Educational Program or CLEs? Click here for a Personal Letter from William Bernhardt

"Writing is a difficult topic to make interesting, much less interesting for an entire day. Author/attorney William Bernhardt addressed the topic with enthusiasm and extraordinary competence. Mr. Bernhardt exceeded my expectations and almost uniformly received the highest marks possible from our program registrants." –Donita Douglas, Director of Educational Programs, Oklahoma Bar Association

"Washington State Bar Association CLE has already used William Bernhardt for two seminars and looks forward to bringing him back for a return engagement in the future. [Bernhardt's CLEs] were very well received, garnering evalutaion form comments such as "Excellent instructor--Wow!," "Delightful, inspiring, and informative," and "Outstanding--presentation and written materials first class." --John M. Redenbaugh, Senior Conference and Seminar Development Specialist, Washington State Bar

Forthcoming Programs

February 18-19, 2012
LAWYERS WHO WANT TO WRITE
2801 S Parklawn Office Park, Suite 400C
Midwest City OK 73110
9am-4pm
This program is offered for lawyers interested in creative writing. It is not being offered for CLE credit.
Do you have the desire to write a book? Whether you're thinking about a novel or a nonfiction book, this seminar is designed for you. For two full days over the President's Day weekend, New York Times-bestselling author William Bernhardt will offer a seminar tailored toward lawyers with writing aspirations. In addition to the instruction, editing, and advice about the art, craft, and business side of writing, Bernhardt will offer instruction specifically tailored to lawyers who may have acquired bad writing habits in the course of a typically verbose "cut-and-paste" legal practice. Bernhardt also will offer suggestions on how to create a workable writing schedule while still maintaining a law practice. Whether you dream of being the next big legal thriller writer or have a personal story you want to tell, this seminar will help you achieve your literary dreams.

Registration: To register for a seminar, complete the box on the upper right.  After you click "Sign Up," you'll be taken to another page where you can pay either by PayPal or credit card.  If you prefer to register by phone, call 405 683 2881.