UNC Law Library Study Aid Resources: Brief Writing

As we wind down to the end of the semester, you might be working on writing a brief in your legal writing, legal research, or writing intensive class. Writing briefs can be tricky and overwhelming, so we’ve collected a series of digital and physical UNC Law Library resources that provide style and formatting tips, checklists, examples, and more!

Digital Study Aid Resources:

• Lynn Bahrych, et al., Legal Writing and Analysis in a Nutshell (2017) (Chapter 7 and Appendix A)

• Deborah L. Borman, A Short & Happy Guide to Legal Writing (2019) (Part IV)

• Peter Jan Honigsberg & Edith Ho, Gilbert Law Summary on Legal Research, Writing & Analysis (2019) (Chapter 14)

• George W. Kuney & Donna C. Looper, Mastering Legal Analysis and Drafting (2009) (Chapters 6 and 7)

• Terrill Pollman, Examples & Explanations for Legal Writing (2019) (Part III)

• David Thomson, Skills & Values: Lawyering Process, Legal Writing & Advocacy (2017) (Chapter 13)

Physical Study Aid Resources:

• Alexa Z. Chew & Katie Rose Pryal, et al., The Complete Legal Writer (KF 250 .C46 2020) (Chapters 14 and 16)
• Laurel Currie Oates, et al., The Legal Writing Handbook: Analysis, Research, and Writing (KF 250 .O18 2018) (Chapter 21)

• William H. Putman, Pocket Guide to Legal Writing (KF 250 .P873 2006) (Chapter 10 and Appendix C)

• Teresa J. Reid Rambo & Leanne J. Pflaum, Legal Writing by Design: A Guide to Great Briefs and Memos (KF 250 .R355 2013) (Sections II, III, and VI)

• Edward D. Re & Joseph R. Re, Brief Writing & Oral Argument (KF 251. R4 2005) (Parts II and III)

Non-Library Resources:

• SupremeCourt.gov : the Supreme Court’s Docket Search page contains briefs submitted for most cases from 2017 to the present and can be a good source for high level brief writing. 
• Chief Justice John Roberts Gives Law Students Advice on Writing Briefs : this CSPAN interview clip includes some of Chief Justice Robert’s brief writing advice, mainly on how brevity can strengthen your brief and help your argument stand out.

Finally, if you need help with research for your brief, get in touch with us here at the law library and we will be happy to help.