Legal writing is a cornerstone of success for law students. Whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, and whether one is a home or international student, the ability to communicate legal analysis in writing is essential. Strong writing skills not only boost academic performance but also prepare students for professional roles where clear written advice is paramount. Indeed, writing has been widely acknowledged as a key skill for both law students and practising lawyers (Chin and Chua, 2024).
At the same time, composing effective legal text is challenging – as UK Supreme Court Justice Lord Neuberger famously observed, writing good legal arguments is “a real art” and never easy (Perry, 2024). It is therefore not surprising that many law students experience difficulties and even anxiety around legal writing. Recent research found a significant proportion of law students reporting high levels of writing anxiety, especially among those writing in a second language (Chin and Chua, 2024). The good news is that legal writing is a skill that can be learned and refined. With the right strategies and plenty of practice, all students can improve their legal writing prowess and approach assignments with greater confidence.
Common legal writing tasks in UK law courses
Case notes:
Law students are often asked to write case notes, which are concise analyses of individual legal cases. A case note typically includes a summary of the case facts and the court’s holding (the ratio decidendi or legal reasoning) as well as a critical evaluation of the decision (Conlon, 2018). Unlike a full research essay, a case note focuses narrowly on one case, examining whether the court reached the correct result and what impact the judgment may have on the law going forward.
Writing a good case note requires precision and insight – the student must recount only the key facts and points of law relevant to their discussion, then analyse the judgment’s reasoning in depth. Markers will expect a case note to identify any strengths or flaws in the court’s logic, compare the decision with prior precedent or academic commentary, and possibly comment on its implications (Conlon, 2018).
In essence, this task tests a student’s ability to distil a complex case into its essentials and engage critically with judicial reasoning. International students unfamiliar with UK case law may find this daunting at first, but by reading cases slowly, using dictionaries for legal terms, and discussing with peers or tutors, they can develop strong case analysis skills.
Problem question answers:
Another staple assignment is the problem question, which presents a hypothetical scenario (for example, a story of a dispute or crime) and asks the student to advise the parties by applying relevant law. Problem questions mirror the work of a practising lawyer: the student must spot the legal issues in the scenario, state the applicable rules (from statutes or cases), then apply those rules to the facts in order to reach a reasoned conclusion. This format calls for an organised and logical approach.
A common technique is the IRAC structure – Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion – which guides the writer to deal with each legal issue methodically (Jones, 2018). In an IRAC-based answer, the student first identifies the issue, then explains the legal rule or principle, next applies that law to the specific facts given (this is where analysis happens), and finally concludes on the likely outcome for that issue. There may be multiple IRAC cycles if several issues or parties are involved.
Clarity and structure are vital: the answer should read like a well-reasoned advice letter. It is crucial to show the reasoning process step by step rather than simply stating conclusions (Jones, 2018). For example, instead of jumping from a rule to saying “therefore X will be liable”, a strong answer will walk the reader through how the rule applies to X’s particular actions and why that leads to liability (Jones, 2018).
Problem questions also test a student’s knowledge of case law and statutes – one must cite the leading authorities and, importantly, explain their relevance to the scenario at hand. Overall, success in problem questions comes from rigorous analysis, a structured layout, and clear, plain English writing that an intelligent layperson could follow (Jones, 2019).
Coursework essays:
Law coursework often involves writing academic essays on legal topics. An essay question might prompt discussion of a contentious legal issue or invite critique of a given statement of law or policy. This is a more open-ended format than a problem question. A high-quality law essay needs a clear thesis or argument that directly addresses the question, supported by legal evidence and well-reasoned analysis.
Tutors expect students to not merely describe the law but to critically engage with it – for instance, by evaluating different viewpoints, assessing how well the law addresses the problem at hand, or arguing for reform if appropriate. In other words, a strong essay goes beyond stating what the law is to discuss what the law means or ought to be.
The structure of a typical law essay includes an introduction (outlining the issue and the thesis stance), a series of well-organised body paragraphs developing the argument, and a conclusion summing up the analysis and addressing the question posed. Each paragraph should tackle a specific point and usually starts with a topic sentence.
Evidence in a law essay comes from sources like case law, legislation, and academic commentary, all of which must be properly cited.
For UK law essays, students are generally expected to use authoritative sources (for example, peer-reviewed journals or reputable textbooks) to support their arguments. Good essays also demonstrate awareness of counter-arguments or contrasting authorities and explain why the chosen argument prevails.
Ultimately, essay assignments measure a student’s ability to think critically and write persuasively about legal issues, in a format similar to scholarly writing. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students are held to high standards on these tasks, though postgraduates may be expected to show an even greater depth of analysis and originality. Regardless of level, the fundamental approach – understand the question, research thoroughly, plan a logical structure, argue clearly, and back up every point with authority – remains the same.
Other tasks:
Beyond the big three above, UK law students may also encounter other writing tasks, such as research memoranda, reflective journals, or even the dissertation (especially at honours or LLM level). Each has its nuances – for example, a research memo (common in internships or certain courses) is typically an internal document that objectively analyses a legal problem for a supervisor, while a dissertation is a lengthy independent research project requiring a formal academic style.
However, the core skills required (clarity, analysis, structure, proper referencing) are consistent across all forms of legal writing. No matter the format, improving one’s general legal writing ability will pay dividends in tackling any assignment. The following sections outline key principles that underpin effective legal writing for law students across all these tasks.
Key principles for effective legal writing
For students seeking structured guidance when starting an assignment, Uniwriter’s AI essay writer can generate an academically referenced draft on your chosen topic. This can help overcome blank-page anxiety and provide a clear framework to adapt and expand with your own analysis and research. Alternatively, LawTeacher offers a bespoke law essay writing service.
Armed with a draft, keep the following principles in mind:
Clarity and precision
Clarity is the golden rule of legal writing. Even the most sophisticated legal argument is futile if the reader cannot easily understand it. Law students should strive to express their ideas in plain, straightforward language. This means avoiding unnecessary legal jargon and overly complex words when simpler alternatives suffice. As one legal writing expert notes, cramming in archaic terms like “notwithstanding” or Latin phrases does not make your work sound smarter – it only risks confusing your reader (Jones, 2019).
Of course, certain legal terms of art are unavoidable in context and should be used when appropriate. But whenever you introduce technical terms or cases, explain them in clear English to ensure a non-specialist could follow (Jones, 2019). A useful exercise is to imagine you are writing for an intelligent layperson with no prior knowledge of the topic. This mental check encourages you to define concepts, spell out acronyms, and generally write in a way that any educated reader can grasp (Jones, 2019).
Clarity also requires conciseness. Be wary of long, winding sentences full of subordinate clauses – these can obscure your point. As a guideline, aim to keep sentences relatively short and focused on one idea at a time. Research indicates that shorter sentences improve readability and reduce the chance of misunderstanding (Perry, 2024). In fact, using sentences that average around 15–20 words (and never stretch on for multiple typed lines) will make your writing much more digestible (Perry, 2024). By prioritising precise word choice and economical sentences, you demonstrate respect for your reader’s time and improve the impact of your arguments.
Logical structure and signposting
Effective legal writing is highly organised. A well-structured piece guides the reader through the argument step by step, much like a roadmap. To achieve this, law students should make thoughtful use of headings, paragraphs, and signposting language. Clear headings and subheadings can break up an essay or memo into coherent sections, each dealing with a major aspect of the topic.
According to Daphne Perry (2024), a consultant and former solicitor, informative headings are one of the most powerful tools for improving a document’s readability. They allow a reader to grasp the outline of your content at a glance and navigate to areas of interest (Perry, 2024). For example, in a 1,500-word essay with five main arguments, five concise headings summarising those arguments can give the reader an instant overview (Perry, 2024).
Consider how frustrating it is to read a long court judgment with no guideposts; by contrast, headings in your assignment will signpost the issues and show that you, as the writer, are in control of the material (Perry, 2024).
Even within paragraphs, keep a tight logical flow. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that states the main point, then develop it with explanation, evidence, and (where relevant) examples or cases.
Use transition words to connect ideas (e.g., however, furthermore, in contrast) so that the progression of your argument is explicit. In problem question answers, good structure might mean addressing each party or claim in turn, and within each, following IRAC to maintain an internally consistent approach (Jones, 2018). In essays, it means grouping related points together and dealing with them in a sensible sequence (for instance, by chronological development of the law or by thematic grouping of arguments).
Coherence is key: the reader should never feel lost or have to re-read passages to figure out how they relate to your thesis. If you introduce an idea, stick with it until you have fully explained it, rather than jumping around randomly. Importantly, do not forget to include a brief introduction and conclusion in substantial pieces. The introduction should set out your plan – what you will discuss and in what order – effectively giving the reader a guide to the journey ahead. The conclusion should tie everything together and reaffirm how you answered the question or met the assignment objectives. By paying attention to structure at every level (overall, sectional, and paragraph-level), you make your writing persuasive and professional.
Critical analysis and argumentation
Legal writing at university is not just about stating facts or reproducing lecture notes – it is fundamentally about analysis. Examiners want to see your thinking: your ability to weigh arguments, interpret rules, and make judgements about how the law applies. Thus, a top tip for all legal writing tasks is to avoid mere description of what the law says, and instead focus on the so what – the implications and controversies.
In practical terms, whenever you cite a case or statute, take the time to explain its relevance to your argument or problem scenario (Jones, 2019). Do not simply drop in the name of a case and move on, as that leaves the reader wondering why it was included. Instead, explicitly connect it: e.g., “The Donoghue v Stevenson case established the duty of care in negligence, which is directly applicable here because the claimant is a consumer injured by a defective product.” By linking authority to your specific point, you show a firm grasp of its legal significance (Jones, 2019).
Moreover, engage critically with sources. If you’re writing an essay and you quote an academic’s view or a judge’s obiter comments, do not let the quotation speak for itself – analyse or comment on it. Perhaps you agree and can reinforce it with further examples, or perhaps you identify a flaw or an opposing view. This kind of commentary demonstrates independent thought.
In problem answers, being analytical might involve discussing potential counterarguments or ambiguities in the law. For instance, if an issue could be decided differently depending on how a legal test is interpreted, acknowledge that and briefly evaluate which interpretation is more convincing based on precedent. In case notes, critical analysis is the heart of the task: you must assess whether the court’s reasoning was sound and consider broader implications. A good analytical writer will balance strengths and weaknesses – it’s not about one-sided criticism, but a nuanced evaluation.
Indeed, “critically analyse” in law often means identifying both what is praiseworthy and what is problematic in the subject at hand (Conlon, 2018). Always tie your analysis back to the question or your argument. Each section of analysis should ultimately support the position you are advancing or answer the query posed. By maintaining this focus, you ensure your writing has a sharp analytical edge rather than drifting into irrelevance. Remember, legal education in the UK highly values critical thinking, so showcasing this in writing is crucial for top grades.
Use of authority and referencing
Legal arguments gain credibility when backed by solid authority. In academic writing, this generally means you should support assertions about the law with citations to primary sources (cases, legislation) or respected secondary sources (textbooks, journal articles, law commission reports, etc.). For example, if you state a legal principle, cite the leading case that established or illustrates that principle.
When making a factual claim about the state of the law or a policy issue, refer to a reputable source. This habit not only bolsters the persuasiveness of your work but also demonstrates academic integrity by acknowledging the work of others. UK law students are typically required to reference sources according to a specific style guide, commonly the OSCOLA footnote system for law or sometimes Harvard style in interdisciplinary contexts. You can view our OSCOLA referencing guide and OSCOLA referencing generator on this site.
It is essential to follow the required format meticulously – consistency and accuracy in citations are expected at university level (e.g., italics for case names, correct abbreviations for law reports, pinpoint page or paragraph numbers for quotes). Beyond just citing, effective legal writing integrates sources smoothly. Introduce sources with attributive phrases where appropriate (e.g., “As Professor Smith (2022) argues, …”) and ensure quotations are formatted clearly and sparingly. In fact, one “don’t” from experienced lecturers is to overuse lengthy quotations (Jones, 2019).
Your work should not read as a patchwork of others’ words. Use direct quotes only when the exact wording is important or particularly eloquent, and even then, keep them brief. Paraphrasing in your own words often shows better understanding – just remember to still credit the source of the idea. Another advanced tip is to anticipate counterpoints and use authority to address them.
If there’s a well-known case that contradicts your argument, do not ignore it; instead, mention it and explain why it may be distinguishable or why you find another line of authority more persuasive. This demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of the topic and a willingness to engage with the full spectrum of sources, which are qualities of an excellent legal writer. Finally, maintain an objective and formal tone when dealing with sources.
Legal writing should generally avoid hyperbole or personal anecdotes; let the evidence and reasoning drive the point home. When you do infuse a personal viewpoint (for instance, in a policy discussion in an essay), support it with logical reasoning and, if possible, evidence such as comparative law examples or empirical data. By grounding your writing in authority and careful citation, you not only strengthen your arguments but also join the scholarly conversation with credibility.
Editing, proofreading and refinement
The first draft of any legal writing task is rarely perfect. Careful editing and proofreading are necessary to polish your work to a high standard. Start by checking the content: have you answered the question and met the criteria? Remove any tangents that do not serve your analysis – conciseness is valued over quantity. Ensure that the structure still holds together after any changes; sometimes adding content can create repetition or disrupt flow, so realign your sections if needed. Next, focus on clarity at the sentence level.
Read each sentence critically for grammar, punctuation, and tone. Law lecturers often lament basic writing errors that obscure meaning, such as misused punctuation or sloppy sentence construction (Chin and Chua, 2024). Pay attention to technical details: for instance, using the correct tense when discussing court decisions (past tense for the case facts, present tense for enduring legal principles), making sure singular/plural nouns and verbs agree, and avoiding informal language or contractions in formal assignments. Running a spell check is a good start but not sufficient on its own – automatic checkers may miss homophones or legal terminology (Jones, 2019).
Always proofread manually at first. A great tip is to set aside your draft for a day or two, then proofread with fresh eyes, or alternatively, read the text out loud to catch errors and gauge the flow (Jones, 2019). You will often hear problems – like an unwieldy sentence where you have to take a breath in the middle – that you might skim over on screen.
As well as traditional proofreading, students can also use AI tools such as Uniwriter’s “UniMarker” to receive instant, structured feedback on their drafts. This service uses academic marking criteria to suggest improvements to clarity, structure, and referencing, giving you targeted areas to refine before submission. Used alongside your own judgment and lecturer feedback, it can speed up the editing process and highlight issues you might otherwise miss.
Alternatively, LawTeacher.net also offers a professional marking and proofreading service.
Some students also swap papers with a classmate or ask a friend/family member to read their work; since they are not immersed in the topic, they can highlight sections that are confusing. While they may not help with content, they can point out if a paragraph does not make sense to an outsider, which is valuable feedback on clarity (Jones, 2019). It is important to note that proofreading help is generally allowed when it is limited to pointing out language issues, but the substantive work must remain the student’s own.
Additionally, be meticulous about formatting and compliance with instructions. Include all required elements (cover sheets, word count declarations, correct line spacing, margins, etc.) and ensure citations and bibliography are in the prescribed format. These details can affect your marks under presentation criteria.
One commonly overlooked aspect is the conclusion – make sure you have one (if required) and that it aligns with your introduction and arguments, without introducing new points. When editing, verify that your conclusions follow logically from the discussion and that you haven’t contradicted yourself.
Editing is also the stage to enforce the active voice and direct style in your writing. In line with good practice, try to minimise passive constructions; for example, instead of writing “It is believed that this statute is violated by the company,” write “The company appears to have violated the statute.” The latter is shorter, clearer, and assigns responsibility directly. Such tweaks contribute to a more authoritative tone.
Remember that even experienced writers go through multiple drafts. In professional legal practice, documents are revised many times to eliminate any ambiguity or error. Developing the discipline to self-edit thoroughly is a hallmark of an excellent student writer. It can be tedious to reread your work, but the effort pays off when your final submission is crisp, coherent, and free of avoidable mistakes.
Indeed, careful proofreading can catch embarrassing errors (like writing “statue” instead of “statute”, a classic spell-check slip) that would otherwise undermine your credibility (Jones, 2019). By presenting a clean, well-edited piece of work, you show the marker that you are diligent and serious about your writing.
Continuous improvement through practice and feedback
Lastly, improving legal writing is an ongoing journey. Practice is indispensable – the more you write, the more you refine your skills. Take every assignment as an opportunity to hone your technique. You might start the degree feeling unsure about how to structure an argument or how to properly cite cases, but with each essay and problem question you tackle, these processes become more intuitive.
Deliberate practice is particularly helpful: for example, you could practice writing short case summaries regularly, or draft answers to past exam questions under timed conditions to build fluency. Some law students keep a journal or blog about legal topics as a low-stakes way to develop their writing voice and clarity.
Even writing 200 words per day summarising what you learned in lectures can cement both your knowledge and your writing proficiency. Over time, patterns of effective writing – such as constructing strong topic sentences or transitioning between ideas – will become habits.
In addition to self-practice, seeking feedback is crucial to development. University courses often provide feedback on written work (through lecturers’ comments or marking rubrics). Instead of just glancing at the grade, take the time to digest any comments: do they suggest you needed a clearer structure? More analysis? Better grammar? Use this input to adjust your approach in future assignments.
If feedback is not automatically provided, do not be afraid to ask your tutor for it – most are happy to discuss how you can improve. Furthermore, many law schools in the UK offer skills workshops or writing clinics. These might cover topics such as legal argumentation techniques or common writing pitfalls. Attending such sessions can give you new insights and tips (Jones, 2019). Some universities also have a writing center where you can get one-on-one advice on drafts, particularly helpful for international students refining their English academic writing.
Interestingly, modern educational research underscores the value of targeted feedback. In a 2024 study, law students who received formative feedback pinpointing their individual writing errors and guidance on how to fix them showed significantly improved performance in writing tasks compared to those who only received generic sample answers (Weber et al., 2024). The students with detailed feedback not only wrote more structured and persuasive texts, but also reported higher confidence in their writing abilities (Weber et al., 2024).
This finding highlights that paying attention to corrections and learning from mistakes can markedly enhance your skills. So, when you get an essay back, for instance, reflect on the markers’ annotations: if they noted that a particular paragraph was unclear, figure out why – was it a lack of a topic sentence, a confusing sentence, or a missing link in the analysis? By actively incorporating feedback into your next piece, you ensure continuous improvement rather than repeating the same errors.
Finally, keep in mind that legal writing is a skill developed over an entire career. Even after law school, as a practising lawyer you will continue to refine your writing – from client advice letters to court briefs – and each will have its own stylistic demands.
The foundation you lay now, by mastering the core academic tasks and developing a clear writing style, will serve you well in any legal profession role. In the immediate term, consistent effort on your writing will reduce anxiety and last-minute stress. Students often find that as their competency grows, they spend less time agonising over how to start an assignment and are able to draft more efficiently.
Confidence comes with experience: knowing that you have tackled similar questions before and received positive feedback can make a new task feel far more manageable. Thus, embrace every opportunity to write, rewrite, and learn. Your future self – whether as a solicitor drafting contracts or a barrister writing opinions – will thank you for the investment made in law school to become an articulate legal writer.
Wrapping up:
Mastering legal writing tasks is a multi-faceted endeavour that involves understanding the nature of each assignment, adhering to fundamental writing principles, and continually refining one’s craft. We have discussed how UK law students must navigate diverse tasks like case notes, problem questions, and essays, adjusting their approach to meet the objectives of each. Underpinning all these is the need for clarity of expression, rigorous structure, analytical depth, and proper support from legal authorities.
By writing in a clear and active manner, structuring answers logically (for example, using IRAC for problem scenarios), and demonstrating critical engagement with the material, students can produce work that stands out for its professionalism and insight. Equally important is the process of revision and self-improvement – through diligent editing to eliminate errors and through seeking feedback to correct course. Legal writing is not a talent one is simply born with, but a skill honed over time. Every draft and every assignment contributes to that honing process.
For all law students in the UK, whether you are just starting your undergraduate journey, pursuing an advanced degree, or coming from abroad to study a new legal system, the message is encouraging: you can become an effective legal writer with practice and attention to the guidelines outlined here.
The task may seem daunting at first – after all, legal writing combines the precision of law with the craft of good writing – but by breaking it down into the above strategies, you can approach your next case note or essay with a structured plan and confidence. In doing so, you are not only aiming for better grades but also laying down skills for your future career. Clear and compelling writing is the mark of a sharp legal mind; it enables you to persuade others, be it a marker, a client, or a judge, of your point of view.
Indeed, the discipline of organising and articulating legal arguments well will deepen your understanding of the law itself. Therefore, invest the effort to master these writing tasks now. The results – in academic achievement and in your development as a thinking lawyer – will be well worth it.
As the saying goes, practice doesn’t make perfect, but it does make permanent; by consistently practicing good habits, you will permanently elevate the quality of your legal writing. Armed with the insights and techniques discussed, you are well on your way to writing like a top jurist in training, producing work that is not just technically sound but also engaging and persuasive. Good luck, and happy writing!
References and further reading:
- Chin, C. J. and Chua, Y. E. (2024) ‘Writing Anxiety: The Case of Law Students’, Journal of Communication, Language and Culture, 4(1), pp. 79–100.
- Conlon, B. (2018) ‘First Year Tip Series: Introduction to Case Notes’, Trinity College Law Review Online. Available at: https://trinitycollegelawreview.org/first-year-tip-series-case-notes/ (Accessed 14 August 2025).
- Jones, E. (2018) ‘6 Top Tips for Answering Problem Questions in Law’, Lawyer Monthly, 2 August. Available at: https://www.lawyer-monthly.com/2018/08/6-top-tips-for-answering-problem-questions-in-law/ (Accessed 14 August 2025).
- Jones, E. (2019) ‘Mind Your P’s & Q’s! Brush Up On Your Legal Writing Skills’, Lawyer Monthly, 1 May. Available at: https://www.lawyer-monthly.com/2019/05/mind-your-ps-qs-brush-up-on-your-legal-writing-skills/ (Accessed 14 August 2025).
- Perry, D. (2024) ‘Five writing habits every lawyer needs’, The Law Society (Blog), 1 March. Available at: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/blogs/5-writing-habits-every-lawyer-needs (Accessed 14 August 2025).
- Weber, F., Wambsganss, T. and Söllner, M. (2024) ‘Enhancing legal writing skills: The impact of formative feedback in a hybrid intelligence learning environment’, British Journal of Educational Technology, 56(2), pp. 650–677. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13529 (Accessed 14 August 2025).
