Seeing Through Legalese

Book excerpt: This is Joseph Kimble's second book of essays. The first, published in 2006, was acclaimed as "superb," invaluable," and "a treasure." Seeing Through Legalese collects his more recent writings and promises to be equally good. Kimble, now a distinguished professor emeritus, is a leading figure in the international effort to bring a clearer, plainer style to legal writing and drafting. Every lawyer, law student, legislative drafter, and legal scholar will benefit from these essays. They are brimming with sound advice, helpful guidelines, and real-world examples (drawn in large part from his work in redrafting federal court rules). And several of them respond to the continuing false criticisms of plain legal language. Readers will find variety, inspiration, and instruction in these pages, all delivered in the author's spirited, incisive style.