Legal Definitions - American Society of Writers on Legal Subjects

The American Society of Writers on Legal Subjects, commonly known by its informal name Scribes, is a professional organization for lawyers dedicated to elevating the quality and clarity of legal writing. Founded in 1953, its core mission is to promote excellence in how legal professionals communicate, whether through court documents, academic articles, or other legal texts. The society achieves this by offering educational resources, sponsoring writing competitions, and publishing scholarly work on effective legal communication.

Here are some examples of how the American Society of Writers on Legal Subjects applies:

• Imagine a newly qualified attorney who wants to refine their brief-writing skills beyond what they learned in law school. This attorney might seek out resources from Scribes, such as articles from The Scribes Journal of Legal Writing, or even consider entering one of their annual writing competitions. This illustrates how Scribes provides practical guidance and a platform for legal professionals to continuously improve their ability to articulate complex legal arguments clearly and persuasively.

• Consider a senior partner at a law firm who is concerned that the firm's internal memos and client communications are often too convoluted or difficult to understand. To address this, the partner might encourage the firm's associates to engage with Scribes' educational materials or attend workshops promoted by the society. This demonstrates how Scribes serves as a benchmark and resource for law firms aiming to foster a culture of precise and effective legal writing among their staff, ultimately benefiting their clients and internal operations.

• Picture a law professor designing a legal writing curriculum for an advanced course. To ensure the course reflects the highest standards of the profession, the professor might incorporate principles advocated by Scribes or assign readings from its journal to students. This highlights Scribes' influence on legal education, as its dedication to improving legal writing helps shape how future generations of lawyers are taught to communicate effectively within the legal system.