This accessible paperback earned its success in the classroom by: - providing a complete introduction to the techniques and process of writing appellate briefs - presenting class-tested materials and ample illustrations that are both accessible and teachable - emphasizing the process approach to writing, beginning with large-scale issues like content and organization, moving to smaller-scale issues like signals to the reader, and ending on the smallest-scale concerns of format and polishing methods - using numerous annotated examples -- both good and bad -- of legal writing from briefs, with commentary on the point each example is illustrating - including in the appendices four sample briefs with annotations that identify strengths of the brief and/or why the writer chose a particular technique - teaching students how abstract formulas (IRAC, CREXAC, etc.) can be effective in legal writing by having them identify whether certain elements have been included in a document and giving concrete advice on how to use formulas - encouraging students to critique their own work and improve their final product by using the self-graded draft The Second Edition is strengthened by: - including format and function information about dispositive motion memos (such as motions to dismiss or for summary judgment), along with a sample motion memo - refining the discussion of the use of authority to help students better understand what a citation means - improving the discussion of CREXAC to facilitate easier comprehension of how to use formulas to write effectively - adding the concept of user to complement the concept of reader and explaining the needs of bothgroups - supplying more information on identifying a theme for the argument - including tips on citing to web pages and citing to unpublished opinions