Register for Annual Pass, or On-Demand Video

All-Access Pass

Gain access to all of myLawCLE's 1,000+ Live webinars for only $395/yr. Includes this program and over 60 new webinars each month.

Subscribe to All-Access Pass – $395

On-Demand Video

Register for instant access to the recorded video of this one webinar.

Register for Recorded – $195.00

The Art of Clear Legal Writing: Advanced Tools for Structuring Arguments and Drafting Contracts Without Ambiguity

2025-10-15 14:00:00

2025-10-15 14:00:00

Over 1,000+ webinars

Clear legal writing techniques for structuring arguments, drafting briefs, and creating unambiguous contracts with practical examples and strategies.

2025-10-15 14:00:00

Clear legal writing techniques for structuring arguments, drafting briefs, and creating unambiguous contracts with practical examples and strategies.

2025-10-15 14:00:00

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

Course Overview

Mastering Precision in Legal Writing

Participants will learn structured approaches for drafting questions presented, counterarguments, persuasive briefs, and unambiguous contract provisions. These techniques strengthen legal analysis and improve document clarity.

Question Structure

Construct effective three-part questions presented.

Counterargument Strategy

Identify and resolve opposing arguments systematically.

Brief Clarity

Apply strategic fact placement and strong verbs.

Contract Drafting

Eliminate ambiguity in provisions and dates.

Course Overview

Mastering Precision in Legal Writing

Participants will learn structured approaches for drafting questions presented, counterarguments, persuasive briefs, and unambiguous contract provisions. These techniques strengthen legal analysis and improve document clarity.

Question Structure

Construct effective three-part questions presented.

Counterargument Strategy

Identify and resolve opposing arguments systematically.

Brief Clarity

Apply strategic fact placement and strong verbs.

Contract Drafting

Eliminate ambiguity in provisions and dates.

Why Attend

Why this 
program matters

Mastering clear legal writing prevents costly malpractice claims, reduces contract disputes, and ensures judges can efficiently understand and rule on briefs and motions.
34%
of construction contract disputes are triggered by ambiguity in bill of quantities descriptions alone, resulting in cost overruns of 15-25% and average resolution times of nearly 12 months. (HyperStart, Contract Ambiguity Guide, 2025)
78%
of judges surveyed prefer citations in the text rather than footnotes, emphasizing that clarity and accessibility are paramount when reading briefs electronically. (Ross Guberman, Litigation Journal Survey of 1,000+ Judges, 2018)
70%
of readers understood the purpose of plain language court forms compared to only 23% for traditional legalese versions, demonstrating a threefold improvement in comprehension. (Transcend Readability Study, Center for Plain Language)
80%+
of judges and lawyers in Michigan, Florida, and Louisiana studies preferred plain language documents over traditional legal versions for clarity and persuasiveness. (LanguageLine/Joseph Kimble Legal Studies)

Agenda

Session 1

Crafting Effective Questions Presented in Legal Writing

Session 2

Building Strong Counterarguments in Legal Analysis

Session 3

Break

Session 4

Achieving Clarity in Brief Writing Techniques

Session 5

Using Metaphors and Similes in Legal Writing

Session 6

Drafting Clear and Unambiguous Contract Provisions

clock 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST

Crafting Effective Questions Presented in Legal Writing

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

This session explores the three essential components of a well-constructed question presented: controlling law, narrow legal issue, and key persuasive facts. Participants will learn multiple structural approaches including single sentence format, statement-statement-question format, and the deep issue method favored by experts like Brian Garner.

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

clock 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm EST

Building Strong Counterarguments in Legal Analysis

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

Learn to distinguish between counterapplication and counteranalysis as two distinct approaches to addressing opposing arguments. This session covers how to identify weaknesses in your position, weigh competing arguments effectively, and construct complete counterarguments that demonstrate thorough legal analysis.

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

clock 3:00 pm - 3:10 pm EST

Break

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

A short intermission allowing participants to refresh before continuing with the remaining sessions. Use this time to review notes and prepare questions for upcoming material.

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

clock 3:10 pm - 3:30 pm EST

Achieving Clarity in Brief Writing Techniques

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

This session covers writing effective statements of facts using strong verbs, strategic placement of favorable facts, and avoiding legal conclusions. Participants will learn to organize arguments using CREAC structure, apply law to facts precisely, and use techniques like thesis paragraphs and rule synthesis.

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

clock 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm EST

Using Metaphors and Similes in Legal Writing

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

Explore how literary devices like similes and metaphors can make complex legal concepts more accessible and persuasive. Learn to construct effective comparisons that break down complicated ideas into simple, relatable explanations for judges and clients.

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

clock 3:50 pm - 4:10 pm EST

Drafting Clear and Unambiguous Contract Provisions

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

This session addresses three common pitfalls in contract drafting: legalese, poor formatting, and ambiguity. Participants will learn plain English alternatives to outdated terms, proper sentence structure techniques, and how to identify and resolve semantic, syntactic, and contextual ambiguities—particularly around dates and time measurements.

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

01 06
Prev
Next

Key topics that will be covered

What will you learn

Attorneys will learn techniques for structuring questions presented, crafting counterarguments, achieving concise brief writing, and drafting unambiguous contract provisions.

What will you gain

Attorneys will gain practical guidance on clear legal writing drawn from years of practice experience and teaching legal writing and contract drafting.

Questions Presented
Structure questions with controlling law, narrow legal issue, and key facts.
Counterarguments
Use counterapplication or counteranalysis to address opposing arguments effectively.
Statement of Facts
Use strong verbs and strategic placement while avoiding legal conclusions.
Brief Writing
Organize arguments using CREAC structure with case illustrations and rule synthesis.
Contract Clarity
Eliminate legalese and use plain English for clearer contract provisions.
Avoiding Ambiguity
Address semantic, syntactic, and contextual ambiguity in contract drafting.

What will you learn

Attorneys will learn techniques for structuring questions presented, crafting counterarguments, achieving concise brief writing, and drafting unambiguous contract provisions.

What will you gain

Attorneys will gain practical guidance on clear legal writing drawn from years of practice experience and teaching legal writing and contract drafting.

Plans

Proven CLE solutions for every legal professional

Access type Individual Purchase Basic Premium Most Popular Corporate CLE Plan
Price
$95 – $245
Price varies based
on the course duration
of 1 to 3+ hours
$395/year
One-time purchase
Custom
based on firm size
Access type Pay per class Unlimited annual access Unlimited access for all firm members
Number of Available Webinars 1 1,000+ 1,000+
Number of New Webinars Added Yearly Limited 500+ 500+
Earn "Live" CLE credit Included Included Included
Ability to Ask Questions During
the Presentation via a Chat Box
Included Included Included
Attend "Live" Re-Broadcasts Included Included Included
Exclusive Partner Webinars & Events Included Included
Special credits (Ethics, Elimination
of Bias, etc.)
Included Included
Instant Certificates After Completion Included Included
Personalized CLE Platform Included Included
Live Conferences Included
Bootcamps Included
Individual Purchase
Basic
Premium
Corporate CLE Plan
$95 – $245
Price varies based
on the course duration
of 1 to 3+ hours
Access type Pay per
class
Number of Available Webinars 1
Number of New Webinars Added Yearly Limited
Earn "Live" CLE credit Included
Ability to Ask Questions During
the Presentation via a Chat Box
Included
Attend "Live" Re-Broadcasts Included
Exclusive Partner Webinars & Events
Special credits (Ethics, Elimination
of Bias, etc.)
Instant Certificates After Completion
Personalized CLE Platform
Live Conferences
Bootcamps

speakers

Joe Ervin

The Law Firm for Truck Safety, LLP
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Kevin Foley

Reminger Co
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Grant H. Lawson

The Law Firm for Truck Safety, LLP
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Professor of Legal Writing at St. John’s University School of Law since 1994, teaching first-year legal research and writing and upper-level contract drafting and scholarly writing.

Recognition & Leadership

Immediate Past Editor in Chief of Perspectives: Teaching Legal Research and Writing. Co-author of Becoming a Legal Writer (Carolina Academic Press, 2d ed. 2025); Persuasive Advocacy in Action (Carolina Academic Press 2025); and author of Teaching Contract Drafting (Edward Elgar 2023).

Experience

Prior to entering academia full-time, she was a bankruptcy associate at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler, a law clerk for a bankruptcy judge, and was a corporate associate at (the former firm of) Dewey Ballantine.

Robin Boyle-Laisure

St. John’s University School of Law

Professor of Legal Writing at St. John’s University School of Law since 1994, teaching first-year legal research and writing and upper-level contract drafting and scholarly writing.

Recognition & Leadership

Immediate Past Editor in Chief of Perspectives: Teaching Legal Research and Writing. Co-author of Becoming a Legal Writer (Carolina Academic Press, 2d ed. 2025); Persuasive Advocacy in Action (Carolina Academic Press 2025); and author of Teaching Contract Drafting (Edward Elgar 2023).

Experience

Prior to entering academia full-time, she was a bankruptcy associate at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler, a law clerk for a bankruptcy judge, and was a corporate associate at (the former firm of) Dewey Ballantine.

Heather Gram

Wake Forest School of Law

Teaching Professor at Wake Forest School of Law, teaching Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research (LAWR) I & II, Appellate Advocacy, Entertainment Drafting, and Entertainment Law.

Experience

Prior to entering academia, she was the Associate General Counsel/Vice-President of Legal & Business Affairs at Harpo Productions in Chicago. As the primary counsel for The Oprah Winfrey Show and other Harpo programming, she specialized in transactional drafting and the legal issues surrounding television production, online content, sweepstakes/marketing law, and defamation.

Explore Our Featured Programs

Tax strategies for self-employed attorneys covering deductions, S corp structures, and retirement planning to maximize savings legally.

March 27, 2026

3 Hours Program

MCLE Credits

Being an attorney is hard enough without the bookkeeping/IOLTA nonsense. Ready to keep more of what you earn? Whether you’re launching a new law practice or been in your own practice for forty years, this program is your roadmap to slashing your tax bill and building real wealth. Want to write off that second home, or discover how to deduct your vacation? In this dynamic, eye-opening session, civil and criminal tax controversy attorney Eric Green will walk you through often-overlooked strategies to dramatically cut taxes, increase deductions, and protect your law practice from IRS audit adjustments. You’ll walk away armed with actionable insights you can put to work immediately and easily earn back 8-10X what you invested in this seminar!
The program will cover not just how to deduct these expenses but what documentation you need to maintain to make sure you are audit proof if Uncle Sam comes calling!

In this new expanded webinar, Eric and Leighanne will review other benefits like converting your practice to an S Corporation, retirement planning and discuss apps that can help tie all this together and make your record keeping a breeze!

Who Should Attend:

  • Self-Employed Attorneys in a partnership
  • Solo Attorneys running their own firm
  • Any attorney considering opening their own firm

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform the way you think about taxes—and take home the tools you need to save thousands year after year.

Key topics to be discussed:

  • How running a home-based business can open the door to massive deductions
  • The secrets to deducting meals, vacations, and even your kids’ college tuition—legally
  • Audit-proof your tax return and ensure your business isn’t labeled a “hobby” by the IRS
  • How to choose the best business entity (and where to set it up) to maximize tax advantages
  • Why a Subchapter S Corporation could be the golden ticket to saving thousands
  • Unlock the power of home office deductions and car write-offs without triggering red flags
  • How to safely write off a second home and maximize real estate tax savings that most people miss
  • Strategies for supercharging your fringe benefits and saving up to 40% on taxes by turbocharging your retirement savings
  • Critical Apps that can make tracking auto miles and expenses a breeze!

Date / Time: December 31, 2025

  • 1:00 pm – 4:20 pm Eastern
  • 12:00 pm – 3:20 pm Central
  • 11:00 am – 2:20 pm Mountain
  • 10:00 am – 1:20 pm Pacific

Closed-captioning available

2026-03-27 13:00:00

Learn generative AI fundamentals and build custom GPTs to automate legal workflows—no coding required.

October 30, 2025

2 Hours Program

MCLE Credits

This program begins with the foundations of generative AI, introducing large language models and transformer architecture, then moves into practical applications for legal professionals. Participants will learn how to design and deploy custom GPTs in OpenAI and build agent-based automations in Microsoft Copilot, both of which enable legal teams to streamline repetitive work across transactional matters, litigation management, and broader legal operations. The program also highlights how to use OpenAI projects and Microsoft’s integrated tools to scale and organize AI-driven efficiencies across the legal function.

Key topics to be discussed:

  • Foundations of generative AI
  • Custom GPTs & Copilot agents
  • Scaling with projects & platforms

Date / Time: December 19, 2025

  • 2:00 pm – 4:10 pm Eastern
  • 1:00 pm – 3:10 pm Central
  • 12:00 pm – 2:10 pm Mountain
  • 11:00 am – 1:10 pm Pacific

Closed-captioning available

2025-10-30 14:00:00

Comprehensive guide to revocable and irrevocable trusts covering structure, tax implications, Medicaid planning, and practical administration strategies for estate planners.

March 30, 2026

2 Hours Program

MCLE Credits

Session I – Considerations: Revocable vs. Irrevocable – Georgia Bender

In this session, attorney Georgia Bender will present a brief analysis of the structures and considerations involved in revocable and irrevocable trusts and when each type of trust may be appropriate. Next, Ms. Bender will go into a broad discussion of revocable trusts and the advantages they bring in flexibility of administration, probate avoidance, and estate tax planning. She’ll then review who might be an ideal candidate for this type of trust.

Key topics to be discussed:

  • Revocable vs. irrevocable
    • Flexibility
    • Tax treatment
    • Asset protection
    • Life circumstances
  • Revocable trusts
    • Joint vs. his & hers
    • Income taxes
    • Estate taxes
    • Ideal candidates

Session II – Irrevocable Trusts and Trust Administration – Joseph Donohue

In this session, Attorney Joseph Donohue will review four common types of irrevocable trusts and the contexts in which they are best used. Next, Mr. Donohue will offer some helpful drafting tips for trusts. Lastly, he will dive into topics surrounding trust administration from tax reporting to key phases, avoiding trust contests, and drafting documents to protect your fiduciary clients.

Key topics to be discussed:

  • Common types of irrevocable trusts
    • Medicaid asset protection
    • Spousal lifetime access
    • Irrevocable life insurance
    • Special needs
    • Drafting tips
  • Trust administration
    • Separate EIN needs
    • 4 key phases of trust administration
    • Avoiding trust contests
    • Protecting your fiduciary

Date / Time: December 11, 2025

  • 1:00 pm – 3:10 pm Eastern
  • 12:00 pm – 2:10 pm Central
  • 11:00 am – 1:10 pm Mountain
  • 10:00 am – 12:10 pm Pacific

Closed-captioning available

2026-03-30 14:00:00

FAQ

Get answers before you ask

Are all CLE programs included with an unlimited pass purchase?

Yes — the Basic Unlimited Pass gives members access to all online live, replay, and on-demand CLEs, excluding only the live conferences. With the Premium Unlimited Pass, members receive access to over 11 multi-day live conferences as well.

Yes — myLawCLE is an officially accredited CLE provider and seeks CLE approval in all 50 states. Our live webinars, on-demand programs, and replays meet or exceed state bar requirements, ensuring your CLE credits are fully recognized wherever you practice.

Yes — after completing the CLE webinar, attendees select their state for CLE credit and fill out an online evaluation form. Once submitted, a CLE certificate is emailed to them and uploaded to their dashboard.

Yes — myLawCLE develops CLE programs meeting all required CLE types, including mental health, ethics, professionalism, technology, substance abuse, and elimination of bias.

myLawCLE maintains all CLE programs in its library for 12 months following the original broadcast date. Attendees can access any program that remains available in the system during this period.

Yes — all of myLawCLE’s programs are originally broadcast live, with a chat box available for attendees to submit questions during the webinar. Additionally, replays and on-demand versions offer email correspondence with the presenters for any follow-up questions.

Expand Your Legal Expertise

Expanding practice
Expand your expertise and grow your client reach with new practice areas.
Live conferences
Join live events with top attorneys and real-world case insights.
Live webinars
Attend expert-led sessions in real time and earn accredited CLE credit from anywhere.
Legal Bootcamps
Deep-dive training programs designed to build advanced, practical legal skills fast.
Expanding practice
Expand your expertise and grow your client reach with new practice areas.
Live conferences
Join live events with top attorneys and real-world case insights.
Live webinars
Attend expert-led sessions in real time and earn accredited CLE credit from anywhere.
Legal Bootcamps
Deep-dive training programs designed to build advanced, practical legal skills fast.

MCLE Credits

Alabama
Pending
Alaska
Approved
Arizona
Approved
Arkansas
Pending
California
Approved
Colorado
Pending
Connecticut
Approved
Delaware
Pending
District of Columbia
No Required
Florida
Approved
Georgia
Approved
Hawaii
Approved
Idaho
Pending
Illinois
Approved
Indiana
Approved
Iowa
Pending
Kansas
Pending
Kentucky
Pending
Louisiana
Pending
Maine
Pending
Maryland
No Required
Massachusetts
No Required
Michigan
No Required
Minnesota
Approved
Mississippi
Pending
Missouri
Approved
Montana
Pending
Nebraska
Pending
Nevada
Approved
New Hampshire
Approved
New Jersey
Approved
New Mexico
Approved
New York
Approved
North Carolina
Pending
North Dakota
Approved
Ohio
Approved
Oklahoma
Pending
Oregon
Pending
Pennsylvania
Approved
Rhode Island
Pending
South Carolina
Pending
South Dakota
No Required
Tennessee
Approved
Texas
Approved
Utah
Pending
Vermont
Approved
Virginia
Not Eligible
Washington
Approved
West Virginia
Pending
Wisconsin
Approved
Wyoming
Pending

Alabama

Requirements

The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.  

Formats

  • Attorneys can earn unlimited “live” credit through live seminars, live webcasts, and co-sponsored locations with MyLAWCLE-Alabama approved programs
  • Attorneys are limited to 6 credits per compliance period of “online” programs through MyLAwCLE On-Demand programs