“A case of semantics”

I've got two complaints about this news article. One, the problem is with spelling, not semantics. Two, the reporter automatically assigned blame to a legal assistant for the typos: "Court documents can say the most amusing things. What's wrong with this sentence?"'We can only view AT&T's and Cingular's continued attempt to jeopardize NASCAR's relationship with NETEL as tortuous...

“Why Do Lawyers Need Editors?”

Gosh, there are so many reasons. You can find editing help & more from a new blog (written by an experienced 'wordsmith for law firms'); this post, for example:"The firm of Vinson & Elkins has a scholarship program for high school students who are interested in 'pursuing a career in law.' "Great! But take a look at these excerpts from the firm’s overview of the program.The...

“Million-Dollar Diction”

Yeah, this article is not targeted to the legal world! But it contains good advice for everyone whose work revolves around words : "Studies show you can't get ahead in business without a strong vocabulary. Here are some quick tips for learning new words and using them effectively. "When people want help solving the Sunday crossword puzzle or crafting a sophisticated presentation,...

“Crafting Effective Cover Letters”

Looking for a new job in the new year? Here's some good advice from AllBusiness.com: "Keep your cover letter brief. Never send a letter that is more than a page in length; half a page is ideal. Be sure to use clear, professional language while steering away from buzzwords, acronyms, jargon, or anything overly personal. Remember, the overall visual impression of your cover letter can be just...