LEGAL WRITING AND ANALYSIS

Course Syllabus/ A.Y. 2019-2020

Atty. Moumina Sheryne L. Domadalug-Abdullah

COURSE OVERVIEW

Legal Writing and Analysis is a 2-unit course designed to provide students with tools that
will help them intelligently navigate their four (4) years in law school by equipping them through
a supportive environment with the necessary skills in case briefing, answering bar exam
questions, basic legal forms, and writing legal opinions and memorandum. This course will also
delve into the importance of good command of English language in all Legal Writing and will
specifically provide some pointers on grammar and sentence construction.

In contrast to Bar subjects, in which the student learns a particular body of law, Legal
Writing I is a broad-based methods course designed to teach the student how to understand
and address any legal issue. Because of this difference, the student must study and prepare for
this course differently than the other courses. In this course, the goal is to work through and
understand the process by which a lawyer approaches a given legal problem, creates and
evaluates arguments, predicts a result, and provides advice. The focus, therefore, will be on the
process first and the result second.

By the end of this course, and with the use of their acquired knowledge and skills from
theories and exercises, the student is expected to communicate his legal analyses, better and
clearer.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Students will learn how to write a proper case digest;

2. Students will learn employ several answering techniques to construct clear, concise, and
precise sentences and paragraphs in answering Bar Exam questions;
3. Students will learn how to outline and structure rules and arguments to produce
organized and coherent legal writing which they can employ in writing a legal opinion as
well as memorandum; AND
4. Students will properly attribute sources in their legal writing, and be able to cite to
cases, statutes, regulations, and secondary sources in Bluebook format.

CLASS RULES/ GRADING SYSTEM

Grading System. Students will be graded according to their output and attendance.
Corresponding percentage will be discussed in class.

Attendance. A student incurring three (3) consecutive unexcused absences will

automatically be given a FAILING GRADE unless such absences were incurred prior to the
deadline for withdrawal of enrolled courses and such student officially dropped this subject. In
case of absence, an EXCUSE LETTER citing the reason for the absence duly noted by the Office of
the Dean/ College Secretary shall be required. Absence in a 2-hour

Attire. The student shall be required to wear their proper corporate attire as required by
the Courts which shall comprise of Barong/ Coat. Any student who comes to class improperly
attired shall automatically deemed absent.

Late-comers. The students are expected to be punctual in coming to class and shall be
allowed at least fifteen (15) minutes of being late. Any student who comes to class after shall be
considered absent.

Submission of Output. No extension shall be allowed for whatever reason for late
submission of required output.

MATERIALS/ REFERENCES

Barodi, Norhabib Bin Suod S. A Handbook on How to Answer Bar Questions: An Alternative
Strategic Approach. MSU College of Law, Main Campus. 2018.

Bersamin, Lucas J., Writing and Writing Style, The Philja Journal, Vol. 4, Issue No. 14, pp. 74-98

Domadalug, Moumina Sheryne L.. A Module on Some Pointers in Basic English Grammar for Law
Students, MSU College of Law, Main Campus

Feliciano, Myrna S., Case Analysis and Legal Writing, The Philja Journal, Vol. 4, Issue No. 14, pp.
155-221

Garner, Bryan A., Legal Writing in Plain English, University of Chicago Press, Chicago and
London, 1992.

Quaison, Camilo D., 2002, Writing Style, The Philja Journal, Vol. 4, Issue No. 14, pp. 140-151

Raymond, James C., Plain English, The Philja Journal, Vol. 4, Issue No. 14, pp. 152-184

Strunk, William, Jr. and White, E.B. Elements of Style. S.l.: Longman, 2000. ISBN 0-205-30902-X
(paperback)

COURSE OUTLINE

I. Introduction
a. Course overview
b. Importance of legal writing in law school and in the practice of law

NOTA BENE: Make sure to read A.M. No. 19-03-24-SCotherwise known as Revised Law
Student Practice Rule;

II. Importance of the English Language in Legal Writing and Analysis

 a. Some pointers in basic English grammar for law students and legal practitioners
b. Writing style

III. Case Analysis

a. How to Digest Cases
i. Identifying relevant facts, issues, and ruling
b. Writing a Proper Case Brief

IV. Answering Bar Exam Questions

a. CLAC Method vs. Interweaving
b. Spotting the Immediate and Core Issue

V. Preparing Basic Legal Documents

a. Demand Letter
b. Affidavit
b. Legal opinion
d. Memorandum

NOTA BENE: Make sure to read the A.M. No. 11-9-4-SC otherwise known as Efficient Use
of Paper Rule

*NOTHING FOLLOWS*