This might sound like the start of a joke, but, how can you tell someone is a very newly Called Lawyer? They use hereinafter, hereto for and “the said item”, in their legal documents.
Using old English and large words when a small one will do is not a sign of legal superiority: it is a sign that you are either slavishly following precedent (and ignoring your client’s actual needs) or that you are unsure of what you are drafting.
Our firm strives to create documents that are Plain English. We want our clients to understand what they’re signing, or asking others to sign. It is important.
There are certain legal documents that must contain technical terms: Wills come to mind as do releases. However, if your lawyer is insisting on a legal term, it is important that you understand what it means or you should not be signing or using the document.
If you’re tired of consulting a Law Dictionary in order to understand what your lawyer is drafting for you, give us a call. We’ll answer your questions simply, no dictionary required.
Inga B. Andriessen JD