Opopinion Writing and Drafting in Contract Law by Carron Russell, Carron-Ann Russell

This book is not intended to prescribe a certain way to write an opinion or to draft pleadings. There is no prescribed way to do either, subject to any directions from the White Book in respect of pleadings, but there are accepted formats. This book attempts to act as a guide, not a precedent, to analysing, preparing and writing an opinion and drafting certain basic pleadings. Both opinion writing and drafting skills are fundamental tools which need to be developed in order to become a competent practitioner. These skills are not easily taught but rather are learned. The most this book can do, therefore, is to provide ideas on how students can teach themselves, with professional guidance, the accepted way to do both tasks. It may appear that some of the ideas suggested seem facile and self-evident. However, in my experience the transfer from a student-focused, academic approach to law, to a practical professional methodology, is a quantum leap and not automatic. Therefore some steps to use as a guide may prove useful in achieving this transfer. However, ultimately, whichever approach students choose to adopt is personal and will be reflected in the conduct of their legal work. This book simply seeks to suggest ideas which have been tried, tested and proven successful. I hope the reader will find it of some value at the early stages of their legal training.