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

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.