Ever face a similar online roadblock? The known info of this Michigan Court of Appeals decision was limited The court website’s search features were not helpful for Silvia. But the original post shared enough info for me to effectively use Google search operators and quickly find the answer. For me, helpful Google search operators include:…
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The “write” stuff: 15 writing tips for the self-represented
Folks write and (e)file their own court papers in civil and criminal cases each day. Ordinary people—like Clarence Earl Gideon (handwritten in pencil) and Steven Alan Levin (formatted in Microsoft Word)—have successfully petitioned the Supreme Court of the United States on their own. The Michigan Supreme Court ordered oral argument on two handwritten applications filed…
Reconsideration: We got it wrong. We’re saying so. Now, we’re making it right.
Losing parties regularly file motions for reconsideration. Courts routinely deny them. (The Michigan Supreme Court’s online form proactively warns: “Generally, a motion for reconsideration that merely repeats the same arguments made in prior pleadings will not be granted. The moving party must demonstrate a palpable error by which the Court and the parties have been…
Understanding and using Word’s Styles and templates to format legal briefs (a guide)
If I had a dollar for each time I’ve read or heard a well-intentioned person say, “Lawyers (or law students) need to learn how to use Styles and templates when writing their legal briefs . . .” And, yet, for all of those who encourage, “You should,” I’ve never seen someone also point to a…
unDEFAULT: See how to review and adjust your proofing, grammar, and spelling settings in Microsoft Word (Editor)
Microsoft went big in 2020 when it released its new editing tool, Editor. Given all of its juiced-up functionality, it’s worth the straightforward review of your current Word settings and adjusting them to fit your preferences and writing needs. (No one wants to live and edit by Microsoft’s “default” settings, do they?) “While Microsoft has…
Time to stop using branded, pleading paper and templates
“Distinctive,” “polished,” “conveys a professional image,” were some reasons why attorneys and firms used to add their “brand” to their court-filed papers. The paper was fancy. And expensive! (Did you even practice law if you never got yelled at in the office for printing a draft on the bond paper instead of copy paper?) When…
Online court videos—why AI subtitles are not “good enough” and how they can be made better.
The public, litigants, media, and legal community have good reason (indeed, an obligation) to pay attention to what’s argued and decided in their state supreme courts. State courts are the only forum for enforcing a right under their own constitutions when the Supreme Court of the United States does not, reminds federal judge Jeffrey S….
#DataPrivacy in Legal Writing
Excited to share this legal-writing Venn as folks and groups mark #DataPrivacy day. This post covers first principles, context, and tips on how we can continue to recognize and mitigate identity theft risks in that part of our legal writing that makes its way into public court filings. [Spoiler: Another Michigan privacy court rule kicks…
Today’s reading: “Typography for judges”
Looking to amp up your briefs? Save this one-pager of observations from appellate lawyer Matthew Stiegler. This gem (article) is in the Summer 2020 issue of Judicature. And, yes, purchase, read, and dog-ear Matthew Butterick’s Typography for Lawyers!
Should an uncertified “transcript” generated by AI software and unknown online gig workers be presumed as “non-record evidence”?
The digital transcripts Against the backdrop of the continuing novel COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan Supreme Court will soon hear oral arguments of first impression. How much authority Michigan’s governor can exercise under the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act or the Emergency Management Act is the focus of In re Certified Questions from the United…