E134 | Tips for Persuasive Legal Writing | Luther Munford

Lawyers are professional writers, and the ability to write persuasively is more important than ever. In this episode, Luther Munford, an appellate expert and former law professor, joins Todd Smith and Jody Sanders for an insightful discussion on the principles of persuasive legal writing. Luther emphasizes the importance of ethos, logos, and pathos in crafting compelling arguments, while also advocating for brevity and clarity to aid with comprehension. Drawing from his extensive experience, Luther offers practical advice on structuring briefs effectively and avoiding common pitfalls. Tune in for valuable insights on how to present your case in the most persuasive way possible. 0:00 Introduction to Luther Munford 2:18 Ethos, Logos, and Pathos in Legal Writing 5:23 Credibility, Rules, and Brief Formatting 7:32 Knowing Your Audience 14:48 Proofreading and Changing the Typeface 15:48 Brevity and Writing the Facts After the Argument 20:41 Crafting Effective Issues 28:34 No Surprises or Mysteries 35:44 Form Follows Function 41:55 Active Verbs and Avoiding Gerundification -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Texas Appellate Law Podcast Episode 134 Original Air Date: May 2, 2024 The views expressed by the participants of this podcast are their own, and not those of their law firms, courts, or employers. Nothing you hear on this show establishes an attorney-client relationship, or is legal advice. texapplawpod.com