Of course. This is an excellent and highly specific request. International lawyers are not just writing in English; they are writing in a specialized, high-stakes dialect often called "Legal English" or "International Legal English."

The key challenge is moving from correct English to precise, persuasive, and culturally-neutral English that functions effectively in a cross-border context.

Here is a comprehensive guide for international lawyers writing in English, broken down into core principles, practical tips, and common pitfalls.

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I. The Core Mindset: Clarity Over Grandeur

The old-fashioned style of legalese (e.g., "hereinbefore," "aforesaid") is dead in international practice. Modern international legal writing prioritizes:

• Clarity: Can a non-native English speaking client, counterparty, or arbitrator understand it?


• Precision: Does it say exactly what you mean, with no room for ambiguity?


• Conciseness: Is every word necessary?


• Persuasiveness: Is the structure and language designed to lead the reader to your conclusion?

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II. Structural Principles: The Anglo-American Framework

Anglo-American legal writing typically follows a direct, "top-down" structure. This is crucial for memos, emails, and submissions.

• BLUF: Bottom Line Up Front. State your main conclusion or recommendation in the first paragraph or even the first sentence.


• Instead of: "After a review of the applicable laws and the correspondence between the parties, it has been determined that..."


• Write: "We advise that the client is likely to succeed in terminating the contract due to material breach."


• Use Headings and Signposts. Break down complex analysis into sections with clear, descriptive headings (e.g., "I. Applicable Law," "II. Analysis of Breach," "III. Recommended Action"). This helps readers navigate the document easily.


• The IRAC Method for Analysis: This is the gold standard for legal reasoning in common law systems.


• Issue: What is the specific legal question?


• Rule: What law, treaty, or contract clause applies?


• Analysis: Apply the rule to the facts of your case.


• Conclusion: State the answer to the legal question.

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III. Language and Style: Practical Tips

A. Word Choice (Lexicon)

• Use Plain English Equivalents:


• Avoid: pursuant to, herein, aforesaid, forthwith


• Use: under, in this document, mentioned above, immediately


• Prefer Strong, Simple Verbs:


• Avoid: is indicative of, gives rise to, effectuate


• Use: shows, causes, carry out / perform


• Be Wary of "False Friends" (Words that mean something different in a legal context):


• Actually (EN) means "in fact," not "currently" (like actuellement in FR).


• Eventually (EN) means "in the end," not "possibly" (like éventuellement in FR).


• Sanction (EN) can mean to approve OR to punish. Avoid it; use "authorize" or "penalize."


• Master Modal Verbs for Nuance:


• Shall: Imposes a firm, mandatory obligation. (Use sparingly and consistently. Often, "must" is clearer).


• Must: A strong, unambiguous obligation.


• Should: A recommendation, not a strict obligation.


• May: Grants a permission or discretion.


• Will: A statement of future fact.

B. Sentence and Paragraph Construction

• Keep Sentences Short. Aim for an average of 15-25 words. Break long, complex sentences into two or three shorter ones.


• Use the Active Voice. It is clearer and more direct.


• Passive (weak): "The payment shall be made by the Buyer." (Who is acting?)


• Active (strong): "The Buyer must make the payment."


• Use Lists for Clarity. When enumerating conditions, factors, or elements, use a bulleted or numbered list.

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IV. Genre-Specific Advice

1. Contracts & Clauses

• Consistency is King: Use the same term to refer to the same thing throughout the document (e.g., don't switch between "Agreement," "Contract," and "Document").


• Define Key Terms: Use a definitions section ("Affiliate" shall mean...).


• Structure Conditions Logically: Use "if-then" structures. "If the Seller fails to deliver the Goods by the Delivery Date, then the Buyer may terminate this Agreement."

2. Emails to Clients & Counterparts

• Subject Line: Be specific. "Update: [Matter Name] - Draft Contract Review" is better than "Contract."


• Salutation: "Dear Mr. Smith," or "Hello Maria," (if established relationship).


• First Paragraph: State the purpose immediately. "I am writing to provide our analysis of the liability clause you sent."


• Tone: Be professional but not cold. Avoid excessive formality.

3. Legal Memoranda & Opinions

• Header: To, From, Date, Subject.


• Question Presented: A single, concise sentence stating the legal issue.


• Brief Answer: A direct, yes/no answer with a one-sentence reason.


• Facts: A neutral, chronological summary of the relevant facts.


• Discussion: The IRAC analysis, with headings.


• Conclusion: A brief restatement of the advice.

4. Submissions to Courts & Tribunals (e.g., ICC, ICSID)

• Formal Tone: This is the most formal genre.


• Clear Argument Structure: Use headings that are argumentative. Not "Discussion of Law," but "The Tribunal Lacks Jurisdiction Because..."


• Roadmap Paragraph: Start with a paragraph that outlines your entire argument. "This submission will demonstrate, first... second... and finally..."


• Precision in Citations: Follow the required citation style (e.g., Bluebook, OSCOLA) meticulously.

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V. Common Pitfalls for Non-Native Speakers

• Overusing "The": English often omits "the" with abstract and uncountable nouns.


• Pitfall: "The arbitration is provided for in the contract."


• Better: "Arbitration is provided for in the contract." or "The contract provides for arbitration."


• Noun Stacks: Stringing multiple nouns together creates confusion.


• Pitfall: "We await the client data protection policy draft review comments."


• Better: "We await the comments on the draft of the client data protection policy."


• Misplaced Formality: Using overly complex words where simple ones suffice. This often obscures meaning rather than impressing the reader.

Essential Resources

• Books:


• Bryan A. Garner, "The Elements of Legal Style" - The bible of modern legal writing.


• Bryan A. Garner, "Legal Writing in Plain English" - A practical guide with exercises.


• Online Tools:


• Grammarly Premium: Excellent for catching grammar, tone, and clarity issues.


• PlainLanguage.gov: A US government site with superb guidelines for clear writing.


• Dictionaries:


• Black's Law Dictionary (the standard for US law).


• Oxford Dictionary of Law (for UK/Commonwealth law).

Final Pro Tip: Read your writing aloud. If you stumble over a sentence or have to take a breath in the middle, it's too long and needs to be broken up. This is the single best way to check for clarity and rhythm.