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Supplements to Legal Documents

One of the most common questions in Legal English is what to call the material that supplements a contract. The...

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Clause Construction

When drafting a clause which must incorporate a right or obligation, it is worth remembering the time-honoured principle of clause...

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Demand Letters

Demand letters, or letters before action as they are called in the U.K., are typically used to persuade the recipient...

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Selection of the Forum

The selection of the forum of a contract is of great importance to the value of the contract. Naturally, there...

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May

Although the word ‘may’ is generally interpreted as being discretionary (giving the party the freedom to decide), case law shows,...

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Use of “less than” and “more than”

When using “less than” and “more than” in a list of periods, quantities, or charges, there is the danger of...

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Letter Writing, Stock Phrases

When drafting correspondence, whether a letter or a formal e-mail, it is important to inform the reader of the subject...

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The Myth of “Precision”

Lawyers often sacrifice clarity for the sake of precision. This, coupled with a lawyer’s tendency to use legalese and jargon...

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Whereas

Whereas is the archetypal legalism. It has been with us since the dawn of our legal system, and many lawyers...

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Construction of Insurance Policies

An elderly English couple came home from vacation to find their home ravaged; curtains ripped, pictures smashed and flower pots...

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