Writing Matters

• Publication year: 2023
• Citation: Vol. 29 No. 3 Pg. 0064
• Pages: 0064

Writing Matters Vol. 29 No. 3 Pg. 64 Georgia Bar Journal December 2023

Making Words Count As legal writers, we know that we need to make the words we use count—both literally and figuratively.

A recent federal judge reminded us that legal writers need to make each word count and adhere to word counts and formatting requirements. The parties sought clarity from the court as to what "double spacing" refers to.^[1] The parties debated whether the standard double-space setting could be altered.^[2] If altered, 27 lines of text rather than 23 lines of text could appear on each page. Chief District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman denied the motion and stated, "The Court further notes that the last thing any party needs is more words on a page ... the Parties are encouraged to spend their valuable time focusing on the merits of this case, and certainly not figuring out how many sometimes-useless words will fit on a page."^[3]

While manipulating formatting may allow a writer to include more words per line and more lines per page, writers should refrain from formatting gimmicks—especially those which violate court rules. This installment of "Writing Matters" shares five strategies to ensure that you can convey a message without manipulating formatting.

1Prioritize Content

Whether an appellate brief or email, there is...