This specialized course focuses on developing precise, clear, and effective legal writing and drafting skills for business professionals who need to create or work with legal documents. Participants will learn the principles of legal drafting, including structure, language, and formatting techniques that enhance clarity and reduce ambiguity. The course covers various types of business documents, from contracts and agreements to legal correspondence and internal policies. Through practical exercises and detailed feedback, learners will develop the ability to draft documents that are legally sound, commercially practical, and easily understood by all stakeholders.
Legal Writing and Drafting for Business
Legal and Contracts Management
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
This course enables participants to:
- Apply principles of clear and precise legal writing
- Structure legal documents effectively
- Use defined terms and definitions appropriately
- Draft common contract clauses and provisions
- Write professional legal correspondence
- Edit and proofread legal documents effectively
- Adapt writing style for different audiences
- Avoid common drafting errors and ambiguities
- Apply plain language principles to legal drafting
Target Audience
- Contract managers and administrators
- Business professionals who draft agreements
- Legal assistants and paralegals
- Compliance and risk officers
- Procurement and sourcing professionals
- Corporate communications staff
- Managers who review legal documents
Methodology
- Hands-on drafting exercises with individual feedback
- Peer review sessions for document improvement
- Case studies analyzing well-drafted and problematic documents
- Group activities restructuring complex provisions
- Individual writing assignments with progressive complexity
- Editing and proofreading practical exercises
- Template development workshops
Personal Impact
- Enhanced legal writing and drafting skills
- Improved clarity and precision in written communication
- Stronger document structuring and organization abilities
- Better editing and proofreading capabilities
- Increased confidence in creating legal documents
- Enhanced attention to detail in written work
Organizational Impact
- More precise and enforceable contracts
- Reduced disputes due to ambiguous drafting
- Improved efficiency in document creation and review
- Better communication with legal counsel
- Enhanced professional image through quality documents
- Reduced legal risks from poorly drafted documents
Course Outline
Unit 1: Principles of Legal Writing
Section 1.1: Writing Fundamentals- Characteristics of effective legal writing
- Plain language principles and techniques
- Sentence structure and paragraph organization
- Active vs passive voice in legal documents
- Eliminating legalese and unnecessary complexity
Unit 2: Legal Document Structure
Section 2.1: Document Organization- Standard contract structure and components
- Headings, numbering, and formatting conventions
- Recitals, definitions, and operative provisions
- Schedules, exhibits, and appendices
- Boilerplate and general provisions
Unit 3: Drafting Specific Provisions
Section 3.1: Clause Drafting- Drafting scope of work and deliverables
- Payment and consideration clauses
- Term and termination provisions
- Warranties and representations
- Liability and indemnity clauses
Unit 4: Legal Correspondence
Section 4.1: Business Communications- Formal business letters and emails
- Notices and formal communications
- Memos and internal legal updates
- Demand letters and settlement communications
- Minutes of meetings and resolutions
Unit 5: Review and Revision Techniques
Section 5.1: Editing Skills- Proofreading techniques for legal documents
- Checking for consistency and accuracy
- Cross-referencing within documents
- Version control and document management
- Collaborative drafting and review processes
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