Written Communication
What this domain tests
Written Communication on the PLS/CLP exam asks whether you can produce accurate, professional legal documents and correspondence under a lawyer's direction. Expect editing, citation, tone, court formatting, and confidentiality in email.
Core rules
- Identify audience and purpose before drafting: client letter, opposing counsel email, court filing, internal memo.
- Follow the forum's rules for captions, font, margins, line spacing, and certificate of service; local rules control over firm habit.
- Cite authority consistently. Use the current edition of the adopted manual (Bluebook or ALWD) and verify every cite against the source, not a secondary summary.
- Use plain, precise language. Define acronyms, keep verb tense consistent, and avoid legalese that obscures meaning.
- Protect privilege and confidentiality: mark draft documents, limit distribution, and do not put sensitive facts in subject lines.
Worked example
A lawyer asks you to send a client a letter confirming a discovery extension. The draft says, 'We got the other side to agree to more time.' Revise it to state the new date, what was extended, and any conditions, without admitting delay or fault. Reasoning: the letter must be accurate, create a clear record, and avoid unintended admissions. Use 'The parties agreed to extend the deadline for responding to written discovery to March 14' rather than vague or self-critical phrasing.
Traps
- Wrong caption or court name.
- Missing certificate of service or proof of service.
- Unverified citation, pin cite, or quotation.
- Reply-all or metadata that discloses strategy.
- Overpromising in client correspondence.