Opinion Writing and Case Preparation equips trainee barristers with the tools and techniques they need to identify, analyse, and present convincing legal arguments, and gives a thorough grounding in the skill of writing opinions.
With its systematic approach to legal research and fact management, the manual provides trainee barristers with an efficient and reliable method for preparing a client's case. The fundamental qualities of effective writing are also clearly identified and explained, helping you develop this essential skill. Particular care is taken to guide you through the appropriate ways of writing opinions in a variety of contexts.
Legal Research
1: Preparation: a forensic skill
2: Introduction to practical legal research
3: Legal research methods and techniques
4: Legal resources for the practitioner
5: Using electronic resources for research
6: Researching words and phrases
7: Reading and interpreting a case
8: Practical legal research: a summary
9: Legal sources for the practitioner: a bibliography
Fact Management
10: Overview of a civil case
11: Anatomy of a criminal case
12: The fact management process
13: Presentation for the practitioner: the CAP approach in action
14: Dealing with figures
15: Communication and information technology use in case preparation and presentation
Opinion Writing
16: Words and the barrister
17: Qualities of good writing
18: Plain language
19: Opinion writing
20: The use of law in an opinion
21: Getting started
22: An illustration of the opinion writing process
23: Advice on evidence in a civil case
24: Advice on evidence in a criminal case
25: Checklist for opinion writing skills
