Writing to Win: Pointers and Pitfalls in Arbitration Brief Writing

The ability to write a clear, persuasive, and engaging brief – a winning brief – is one of the most important skills for any litigator, whether in the courtroom or before an arbitration tribunal. Cases can be won or lost on the briefs. The best briefs don’t just summarize arguments: they move a party closer to victory. Yet time and again, briefs contain the same flaws, unwittingly dilute the power of their arguments, and – worst of all – lose their readers. This program will teach attendees how to write to win, by giving valuable, concrete pointers to improve brief writing, and offering clear guidance on specific pitfalls and how to avoid them. Having read countless briefs, faculty members will identify and discuss non-obvious strategies to make your briefs work for you and your clients, instead of against them. The program will also explore one strategy that is nearly certain to immediately improve every brief, on any topic, in any area of practice, for even the most experienced lawyers. The program will be helpful to lawyers of all skill and experience levels, but is especially recommended for junior attorneys, who are often asked to prepare first drafts of briefs. Although situated in the context of arbitration, the material is just as relevant to writing for judges.

Speakers are:

Dani Schwartz, Co-Chair of the Domestic Arbitration Committee, a partner at Wachtel Missry LLP, and a member of AAA’s panel of Commercial Arbitrators.

Billie Colombaro, a full-time arbitrator and mediator on the AAA Commercial, Employment, and Appellate Panels, and the International (ICDR) panel, and a former appellate judge.

Bonus: Noted legal writing expert Bryan A. Garner will contribute a signed copy of his book The Winning Brief to the attendee that asks the best question!