Legal writing has long been associated with a certain… density. For decades, contracts, briefs, and even client letters have been wrapped in layers of formal language, arcane phrasing, and Latin terms. But in 2025, that tradition is rapidly shifting. Across the legal world—from Big Law to solo practitioners—clarity is replacing complexity as the gold standard.
Why the change? Because clients, judges, and even attorneys themselves are no longer tolerating legal writing that obscures more than it reveals.
A Cultural Shift Toward Plain Language
The demand for plain language in legal communication is part of a broader societal trend. In an age dominated by instant information and digital accessibility, people expect content to be clear, concise, and actionable. This expectation doesn’t vanish when they walk into a courtroom or consult with legal counsel.
Many courts have embraced the plain language movement. Judges routinely praise briefs that get to the point and avoid unnecessary legalese. Likewise, legal education programs are increasingly teaching students to write with precision, structure, and readability in mind.
Government agencies and regulatory bodies are also leading by example. The SEC, IRS, and Department of Education have all implemented plain-language policies to improve public engagement and comprehension.
The takeaway is simple: if you want to be heard, you must be understood.
Why Legal Complexity Lingers
Despite this movement, some corners of the profession cling to complexity. Why? Part of it is habit—legal tradition is slow to change. Some attorneys also equate verbose writing with sophistication or thoroughness. Others simply fear that simplifying the language might risk oversimplifying the law.
But here’s the truth: clarity doesn’t mean dumbing down. It means communicating with purpose.
Great legal writing is not about showing off what you know—it’s about making what you know accessible and persuasive. The most effective lawyers are those who can explain legal concepts so clearly that a judge or jury immediately grasps not just the argument, but the reasoning behind it.
The Role of Technology
AI-powered legal tools like ChatGPT, CoCounsel, and Jasper are reshaping how lawyers write. These tools assist with drafting and editing, often prioritizing brevity and clarity by default. As AI becomes a routine part of legal practice, it’s pushing human writers to adopt similar standards.
Legal tech is also giving clients more visibility into their cases. Clients now expect to read and understand the documents they receive—not struggle through them. Contracts, memos, and filings are being scrutinized not only for their legality but for their readability.
The shift is practical as much as it is cultural.
Writing for the Right Audience
Another key to clear legal writing is knowing your audience. A memo to a general counsel should sound different than a demand letter to an insurance company or a brief for a federal court. But in every case, clarity remains the cornerstone.
When writing for:
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Clients: Use plain English, explain options clearly, and summarize risks.
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Courts: Lead with your strongest arguments, avoid fluff, and cite relevant authority early.
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Colleagues: Be thorough, structured, and objective—yet always readable.
The goal in each scenario is the same: eliminate confusion and guide the reader to the desired conclusion with minimal resistance.
Tools and Best Practices
Here are a few practical tips for making your legal writing more effective in 2025:
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Start with a roadmap: Begin each document with a brief summary or outline of key points.
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Use headings and bullet points: They break up dense text and make complex arguments more scannable.
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Avoid passive voice: Say “The court granted the motion,” not “The motion was granted.”
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Cut the jargon: Replace “inter alia” with “among other things,” or better yet, drop it entirely.
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Be ruthless with editing: If a sentence doesn’t serve your argument, cut it.
Additionally, consider using readability tools like Hemingway Editor or Grammarly, which can flag overly complex sentences and suggest simpler alternatives.
Clarity Is a Competitive Edge
In a saturated legal market, clear writing is more than a courtesy—it’s a competitive advantage. Attorneys who can translate legal complexity into understandable insights are not only more effective in court, but more valuable to clients.
Clear communication builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and improves outcomes. In an era of rapid change and rising client expectations, that’s exactly what the legal profession needs.
Final Thoughts
The future of legal writing is here—and it’s leaner, sharper, and more transparent. As the legal community moves toward greater accessibility and client-centered practice, clarity will become not just a best practice, but a professional imperative.
In 2025, the most powerful words in law aren’t the longest or the most obscure. They’re the ones that make sense.
