INTRODUCTION

Rachel Voss
British
Studied Law and Criminology
5 years teaching experience
Racheltorr12000@yahoo.co.uk
Questions?
WHAT WILL WE COVER?
Quiz: Based on general knowledge
We will think about what tone we use when writing to a client.
Task: Rewrite 2 opening paragraphs using the correct tone.
We will build a word and phrase bank, this will help you in the future.
Task: Read and underline.
We will look at structure. How should we structure a letter?
Task: Two letters, looking at how different writers structure letters.

Task
Write an opinion/client letter based on a given case.
QUIZ
1. How will do you write a postcode in the UK?
HU5 6NQ
2. How do you write the date?
Day, Month, Year
3. If I do not know who I am writing to, how do I end the letter? (UK)
Yours faithfully
4. If I do know who I am writing to, how do I end the letter? (UK)
Yours sincerely
5. What is a “lay reader”? Why is this important to remember this when writing?
Aim the language at the right level.
6. Reword ”call me when you have digested the letter”
Please call when you are ready to proceed=easy to understand
OPENING A CLIENT LETTER-TONE
Example 1 of an opening paragraph.
What is wrong with it? How can you write it better?

It was a delight meeting you today. I feel that I have a grasp of the issues at hand.
I can therefore offer two different ways to proceed.

Sample Rewording of example 1

Thank you for attending our offices today to meet and discuss your case. To
confirm that I have accurately understood all the issues I will outline each in
detail before I then offer you my opinion.
TAKEN FROM AWYERINGINREALTIME.WIKISPACES.COM/FILE/VIEW/SLOCUM+-+CLIENT+LETTERS.PDF

Example 2 of an opening paragraph

What is wrong, how can you write this better?

It was great meeting you today. After our meeting , I checked out the law relating
to “attractive nuisance” and I have some good news. We have a good shot at
collecting money against the Hurts` insurance company in the death of your son!
The upshot of my research is that the Hurts probably violated the law by leaving
the gate to their pool open in which your son was drowned.
Sample rewording of example 2

It was a pleasure meeting you last week, although I am sorry it is under such sad
circumstances. Following our meeting, I researched the law in Florida and
confirmed that property owners who own pools are generally responsible for any
injuries to young children who gain access to the pool through unlocked gate.
From my research, I believe we have a very strong legal claim against the Hurts,
should you wish to pursue legal action against them
LANGUAGE AND STRUCTURE
Task
Read the client letter handout “compensation for early termination”

What language do we like? What language, words and phrases could you use
again in the future.

Reread the letter and note down what the aim of the writer is in each section i.e.
This section identifies the legal issue. You have 10-15 mins for this task

By the end of this task you will have an idea of how a letter is structured and have
ideas of language that you can use in the future.
COMPENSATION FOR EARLY TERMINATION
Structure

1 Client problem
2 Discuss the Law
3 Facts/Law/ideas
4 Breakdown the advice
5 Invite further conversation
TASK
Read the “car” handout. Do the same again, list words and phrases for future
use. Identify the structure.
1 Kind opening phrase
2 Reason for writing, structure of letter
3 Client problem
4 The Law
5 Transfer the law into straight forward language- into detail
6 How the law operates and the strategy
7 Relate the facts to other similar cases
8 Discuss what could happen
9 Feasibility of argument
10 Restate the advice/summary
11 Again not likely to win
12 Invite client feedback
WHEN WRITING A CLIENT LETTER, WE NEED TO
THINK ABOUT THESE POINTS.
Tone- who are you writing to
Structure
Sentences simple and short
Use words your client will understand
Keep related points together
If you need to give an example to illustrate a point then do that
Be specific- times, costs, etc.
Do not pad your letter
Only use case analysis when your client will understand it and when it directly is linked to your case
Be considerate to your clients’ feelings
Be direct
Reread each sentence and think: what is this sentence saying, am I repeating myself unnecessarily, can I say it
better?
NOW DRAFT A CLIENT LETTER IN GROUPS OF 4 OR 5
The law doesn’t need to be accurate.
The Problem- Landlord will not give deposit back
I rented a house for 4 years.
Monthly rent 1500 plus 150 side costs.
I paid a deposit of 3 months rent.
In the last year of the tenancy agreement, I reduced rent by 5 percent because the landlord wouldn’t repair a leaking
window in a bedroom rendering this bedroom useless.
The last month before we left, I paid only half rent, at this point I knew the landlord was not going to give the deposit ba ck.
I informed the landlord of the window 3 time by phone, once per Email and once by recorded mail.
The house was left in good condition and we have a signed document to state this from the Estate agent.
Questions:
What can I do about this?
What will I be entitled to?
Will I be in trouble for any issue?
How quickly will this be resolved?
SWAP YOUR LETTER WITH ANOTHER GROUP
Read the letter you now have. Underline any words or phrases that you could use
in other Client letters.

Write them on the blackboard. The idea is to share all of your ideas and make a
word and phrase bank.

Add all the words and phrases to your word banks. You may need these in your
exam!