Workshops
Workshops are usually half-day group sessions (2.5 to 4 hours in length). Full-day sessions can also be scheduled.
During each session, participants work on real-life exercises, both in small groups and individually. These exercises are sometimes taken directly from office work product. Participants learn practical solutions to common writing issues. The interactive learning environment encourages questions and discussion.
Each participant receives Marilyn’s LawWriting handbook and an Editing/Email Checklist—resources to refer to after the program is over.
A typical workshop covers the following topics:
- Planning your writing
- Focusing on reader and purpose
- Organizing your thoughts
- Writing a first draft
- Editing for best results
- Editing for coherence
- Editing for clarity
- Editing for conciseness
- Choosing the right words
- Effective emails
Programs are usually focused on expository writing (including memoranda, briefs, letters, reports, and email). When appropriate, examples from transactional writing are used.
Marilyn was articulate, well versed, confident and kept our attention for 5 hours (!). She takes a dry subject and through real-world examples makes it germane and interesting.
Kyle Treadway, Esq.
Utah State Bar Corporate Counsel Section CLE
The individual and group exercises were a great way to test the lessons learned in the workshop.
Matthew Haslinger
Department of Justice
Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section
Excellent, informative and entertaining. While directed to legal writing, workshop would be useful to all writers.
Errol Krass, Administrative Patent Judge
Patent and Trademark Office
Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences