Annual Pass Exclusive

This Class is Exclusive to Annual Pass Members

This program is only available to myLawCLE All-Access Pass subscribers. Subscribe now to unlock this class along with 1,000+ live webinars for only $395/yr — including 60+ new programs added every month.

Subscribe to All-Access Pass – $395

Legal Writing: Persuasion Through Clarity, Part II (Presented by The Federal Bar Association Judiciary Division, Federal Judicial Law Clerk Committee)

2026-02-25 12:00:00

2026-02-25 12:00:00

1 Credits

Enhance legal writing clarity through plain language and strategic information chunking, based on empirical research and practical examples.

2026-02-25 12:00:00

Enhance legal writing clarity through plain language and strategic information chunking, based on empirical research and practical examples.

2026-02-25 12:00:00

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

Key topics that will be covered

What will you learn

Attorneys will learn how empirical research demonstrates that plain language and strategic chunking of information enhance clarity, readability, and persuasiveness in legal writing.

What will you gain

Attorneys will gain practical techniques for using simple language instead of legalese and organizing information into manageable chunks marked by clear punctuation.

Plain Language
Studies show plain English is more persuasive than legalese in briefs.
Word Choice
Using simpler words makes readers perceive authors as more intelligent.
Strategic Chunking
Punctuation marks where information chunks begin and end for easier processing.
Wrap-Up Effect
Eyes slow at sentence ends, making final positions most impactful.
Grammar Rules
Keep subjects near verbs and modifiers close to what they modify.
Visual Aids
Diagrams and charts can help when used thoughtfully and sparingly.

What will you learn

Attorneys will learn how empirical research demonstrates that plain language and strategic chunking of information enhance clarity, readability, and persuasiveness in legal writing.

What will you gain

Attorneys will gain practical techniques for using simple language instead of legalese and organizing information into manageable chunks marked by clear punctuation.

Agenda

Session 1

Fostering Clarity in Legal Writing Through Simplicity

Session 2

Empirical Research on Plain Language and Word Choice

Session 3

Strategic Chunking for Readable Persuasive Legal Writing

Session 4

Practical Applications and Audience Questions Answered

clock 12:00 pm - 12:05 pm EST

Fostering Clarity in Legal Writing Through Simplicity

Honorable Robert E Bacharach

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

This introductory session establishes clarity as the common denominator in effective legal communication. Judge Bacharach introduces two complementary techniques for enhancing clarity: relaxing diction through plain language and conveying information in manageable chunks.

Honorable Robert E Bacharach

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

clock 12:05 pm - 12:30 pm EST

Empirical Research on Plain Language and Word Choice

Honorable Robert E Bacharach

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

This session examines landmark studies by Benson and Kessler on legalese and Oppenheimer’s research on word complexity. Participants will learn that plain English versions of briefs were rated more persuasive, and that simpler vocabulary actually enhances readers’ perceptions of the author’s intelligence.

Honorable Robert E Bacharach

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

clock 12:30 pm - 12:50 pm EST

Strategic Chunking for Readable Persuasive Legal Writing

Honorable Robert E Bacharach

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

Explore how the brain processes information in chunks rather than sentences, and how punctuation signals where chunks begin and end. Using examples from Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail and appellate briefs, this session demonstrates how clear chunking makes even long sentences easy to read and persuasive.

Honorable Robert E Bacharach

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

clock 12:50 pm - 1:00 pm EST

Practical Applications and Audience Questions Answered

Honorable Robert E Bacharach

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

This interactive session addresses practical questions including the use of AI tools for simplifying legal text, visual aids in opinions, introductory roadmaps, and effective use of emphasis techniques. Participants gain actionable insights on footnotes, parentheticals, timelines, and parallelism in legal writing.

Honorable Robert E Bacharach

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

01 04
Prev
Next

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.

Honorable Robert E Bacharach

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

Honorable Robert E Bacharach

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

Judge Bacharach has served for over twelve years as a United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, with prior experience as a U.S. Magistrate Judge and civil litigation attorney.

Education & Credentials

B.A. in History with High Honors from the University of Oklahoma (Tom Lottinville Award for Best Essay in History Department); Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis (1985), graduating order of the coif with the Breckenridge Scholarship for second highest grade average in senior year.

Recognition & Leadership

National Federal Bar Association's Earl W. Kintner Award; Oklahoma Bar Association's Award of Judicial Excellence; Washington University School of Law Distinguished Alumni Award; Mary Collier Hitchcock Prize for writing the best Note in the law review.

Professional Involvement

Developments Editor of the Washington University Law Quarterly (now Washington University Law Review). Author of 'Legal Writing: A Judge's Perspective on the Science and Rhetoric of the Written Word' (ABA Press) and numerous law review articles including publications in Memphis State University Law Review, Oklahoma Law Review, Oklahoma City University Law Review, Washington University Law Quarterly, and Indiana Law Review.

Experience

Clerked from 1985 to 1987 for Judge William J. Holloway, Jr., then Chief Judge of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Practiced civil litigation at Crowe & Dunlevy in Oklahoma City from 1987 to 1999. Served as U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Oklahoma until 2013, when appointed to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Honorable Robert E Bacharach

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

Judge Bacharach has served for over twelve years as a United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, with prior experience as a U.S. Magistrate Judge and civil litigation attorney.

Education & Credentials

B.A. in History with High Honors from the University of Oklahoma (Tom Lottinville Award for Best Essay in History Department); Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis (1985), graduating order of the coif with the Breckenridge Scholarship for second highest grade average in senior year.

Recognition & Leadership

National Federal Bar Association's Earl W. Kintner Award; Oklahoma Bar Association's Award of Judicial Excellence; Washington University School of Law Distinguished Alumni Award; Mary Collier Hitchcock Prize for writing the best Note in the law review.

Professional Involvement

Developments Editor of the Washington University Law Quarterly (now Washington University Law Review). Author of 'Legal Writing: A Judge's Perspective on the Science and Rhetoric of the Written Word' (ABA Press) and numerous law review articles including publications in Memphis State University Law Review, Oklahoma Law Review, Oklahoma City University Law Review, Washington University Law Quarterly, and Indiana Law Review.

Experience

Clerked from 1985 to 1987 for Judge William J. Holloway, Jr., then Chief Judge of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Practiced civil litigation at Crowe & Dunlevy in Oklahoma City from 1987 to 1999. Served as U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Oklahoma until 2013, when appointed to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

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

Why Attend

Why this 
program matters

Clear, plain language writing is essential for legal practitioners because empirical research shows it significantly enhances persuasiveness, reader comprehension, and professional credibility with judges.
66%
Of judges surveyed found plain English more persuasive than legalese in briefs. (Sean Flammer, Persuading Judges Study, Legal Writing: The Journal of the Legal Writing Institute, 2010)
90%+
Reduction in citizen complaints and questions after agencies converted documents to plain language. (National Association of Attorneys General, Plain Language: Lawmakers’ Preferred Solution, 2023)
70%
Of readers understood a court form’s purpose after plain language treatment, up from only 23% with the untreated version. (Transcend/California Courts Comparative Readability Study, Center for Plain Language)
80%+
Of judges and lawyers in Michigan, Florida, and Louisiana studies preferred plain language documents over traditional legalese versions. (Joseph Kimble, Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please)

Explore Our Featured Programs

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

September 5, 2025

3 Hour 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!

Closed-captioning available

2025-09-05 13:00:00

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

October 30, 2025

2 Hour 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.

May 8, 2026

2 Hour 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

2026-05-08 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
Approved
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
Approved
Louisiana
Pending
Maine
Pending
Maryland
No Required
Massachusetts
No Required
Michigan
No Required
Minnesota
Approved
Mississippi
Pending
Missouri
Approved
Montana
Approved
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
Approved
Pennsylvania
Approved
Rhode Island
Approved
South Carolina
Pending
South Dakota
No Required
Tennessee
Approved
Texas
Approved
Utah
Approved
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