Opinion writing (2006 ed)

An important part the practice to most independent practising barristers is opinion writing.

This manual takes a systematic, 2-stage approach in covering the essential elements needed in the skill of opinion writing.

Good writing and the use of Plain English are considered first.

The manual then analyses the issues in planning the structure of the opinion.

Particular attention is given to considering matters which students of academic law will not have addressed in the necessary detail (or at all), such as the importance of advising on practical matters such as evidence and procedure.

Chapters are particularly devoted to taking students with an academic background through a rigorous approach to analysing a brief and showing them how to apply their knowledge of the law.

The manual shows how to approach a simple fact situation with the aim of going beyond the student's legal knowledge, and showing them how to analyse and plan a practical opinion.

It is followed by a chapter dealing with a more complex and realistic case, of the sort that a new practitioner might be asked to advise in.The manual includes a selection of sample opinions written for various purposes by practising barristers.