PastIn Person

How Good Lawyers Don't Write Like Lawyers: Law, Logic, and AI

Name: How Good Lawyers Don't Write Like Lawyers: Law, Logic, and AI
Start: 2026-03-24
End: 2026-03-24

Clear, persuasive writing is a fundamental skill for lawyers, yet legal documents often become dense and formulaic. This program, organized by the State Bar of Arizona, aims to help attorneys enhance their writing by focusing on logic, structure, and plain language to communicate more effectively.

Key topics include principles of clear legal writing, common mistakes to avoid, the role of logic and organization in legal analysis, a judge's perspective on effective briefs and motions, and the evolving role of generative AI in legal research and writing. Attendees will learn techniques to write more clearly for courts, clients, and colleagues.

The event features a panel of esteemed faculty: Ann B. Ching, Clinical Professor of Law at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law; Robert J. McWhirter of The Law Offices of Robert J. McWhirter; and Judge Samuel A. Thumma of the Arizona Court of Appeals. Kyle Patton, Editor-in-Chief at the State Bar of Arizona, will serve as the moderator.

This program is designed for lawyers at all experience levels seeking practical strategies to improve clarity, persuasion, and professionalism in their legal writing.

Speakers(4)

Ann B. Ching

Clinical Professor of Law at Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University

Ann B. Ching is a Clinical Professor of Law at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, specializing in legal writing and analysis.

Judge Samuel A. Thumma

Judge at Arizona Court of Appeals

Judge Samuel A. Thumma serves on the Arizona Court of Appeals, bringing extensive judicial experience to the bench.

Kyle Patton

Editor-in-Chief at State Bar of Arizona

Kyle Patton serves as the Editor-in-Chief at the State Bar of Arizona, overseeing the publication of legal resources and materials for the state's legal community.