Legal-writing books

Last week the Legal Writing Prof Blog recited a list of books that had been recommended for attorneys who wanted to improve their work product (writing) that had been compiled by an informal survey at the law librarian listserv. It’s a good list but didn’t include the following books that I also thought were good. I don’t think either list is exclusive of the other. Anyway, my additions to that list: Writing with Style (2nd ed. 2000), by John R. Trimble. This book was mentioned or recommended by Bryan A. Garner at one of his seminars, and I bought it on his recommendation alone. It is the best book on writing that I have ever read. I try to re-read it every year. Plain English for Lawyers (2nd ed. 2005), by Richard C. Wydick. A classic. Writing to Win (1999), by Steven D. Stark. Written by a former litigator for lawyers, it also gives specific tips on briefs, complaints, and memos. Revising Business Prose (2nd ed. 1987), by Richard A. Lanham. Provides you a template “how to” improve your writing. Writing for the Legal Audience (2003), by Wayne Schiess. Schiess is a legal-writing professor at the University of Texas. His book is excellent, and I follow his blog as well. Maybe the next list should recommend books on writing that are not directed at lawyers.