Volume II, Chapter §3.3
The Foundations of Legal Writing

Correspondence

§3.3    



Introduction
Learn this early: Ask for a form. Even in something as simple as correspondence letters.

The Demand Letter
Every lawyer will have his or her own style of demand letter. You will need to adjust your writing form to his or her preferences.

In this case, simply use the example in the manual to create your own demand letter (unless your instructor has provided you with another example). You may also use the Legal Writing Lab, if you prefer.

Once you have gotten your demand letter back from your instructor, file it in your Client File. Place it in the Correspondence panel, and list it in the index.

The Client Letter
The client letter is simple, but important. You will most likely have much more written contact with clients than the attorney will. The letter should be brief, professional, and to the point.

Once the client letter has been returned by your instructor, file it in your Client File. Place it in the Correspondence panel, and list it in the index.

Don't Forget to Bill Your Time
Remember, always keep track of your billable hours when working for your client. We have said it before, and we will say it again. This is a great opportunity for you to develop a very critical habit: Always keeping accurate track of your billable hours!

Don't think you can just go back and reconstruct the time later. It is very, very easy to spot that. Instead, use copy of the time sheet to keep track. Or even use the Briefcase tool at the bottom of the page for now. But do it!

 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Time Sheets
Click on the examples of Time Sheets below to zoom in and compare. Yours should look like the Good example.

Click to Zoom Click to Zoom Click to Zoom
The Good
The Bad
The Ugly

Time Sheet Download
Click here to download a Time Sheet that automatically adds up your billable hours. You should keep track of any research or writing you do on behalf of your client, including the Written assignments in this chapter.

InterActive Study
   

Legal Writing Lab

Click to Zoom!

For help with this assignment, click on the Writing Labs link at the top of the page and navigate to the Demand Letter and the Client Letter.