Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction to legal analysis and writing -- Introduction to American legal system -- Reading and briefing cases: the basics -- Evaluating rules of law -- Evaluating a case -- Evaluating how an earlier case affects your client -- The office memorandum: on overview -- The discussion section: the basic template for analysis -- The discussion section: drafting the analysis (single case) -- Evaluating multiple cases -- The discussion section: drafting the analysis (multiple cases) -- The discussion section: drafting roadmap paragraphs -- Drafting an office memo: completing the draft -- Revising and finalizing the memo: content & organizational structure -- Revising & finalizing the memo: sentence structure & word choice -- Finalizing the memo: citation form -- Selecting cases for the memo -- Drafting client letters -- Persuasive writing style strategies -- Fast-centered arguments: pre-drafting strategies -- Fact-centered arguments: drafting the argument -- Law-centered arguments: working with mandatory case precedent -- Law-centered arguments: working with policy -- Law-centered arguments: working with statutes -- Drafting law-centered arguments based on statutes and policy -- Addressing unfavorable law and arguments -- Trial & appellate court briefs -- Trial & appellate court briefs: the factual statement -- Trial & appellate court briefs: drafting roadmaps of the argument -- Appellate court briefs: scope of review & statement of the issues -- Oral arguments -- Demand & settlement letters -- Sample memos -- Sample client letter -- Sample briefs (fact-centered) -- Sample briefs (law-centered) -- Sample appellate brief -- Sample settlement letters -- The self-defense problem -- The immunity/duty to warn problem -- Case selection exercise.