I want to suggest that to write to your best abilities, it behooves you to construct your own toolbox and then build up enough muscle so you can carry it with you. Then, instead of looking at a hard job and getting discouraged, you will perhaps seize the correct tool and get immediately to work.

Filling up writing toolboxes

I encourage Sparke Helmore lawyers to develop their writing muscle with writing accessories such as using the active voice, present tense and correct punctuation and avoiding nominalization, archaic words and long sentences. I’m attempting to add to their writing toolboxes by:

• publishing regular LegalEase and PRECious tips bulletins;

• holding orientation for new recruits and refresher sessions on plain English/Firm styles;

• arranging pep talks and workshops by plain English experts such as Chris Balmford;

• holding workshops on grammar and letter writing for professional and support staff;

• encouraging people to attend external seminars on plain English; and

• ensuring every office library has copies and the staff is made aware they hold copies of my top four references.⁵¹

Included in my top four references is Stephen King’s ‘On Writing’. His writing style sets a good example for all writers. And instead of boring discussion on grammar rules and writing tips he explains them in passages like this:

One of the really bad things you can do to your writing is to dress up the vocabulary, looking for long words because you’re maybe a little ashamed of your short ones. This is like dressing up your household pet in evening clothes.⁵²

If only lawyers would write more like that! When I see some of this style in Sparke Helmore writing I will know that their writing muscle, rather than their lawyers voices, is kicking in.