Let’s face it: Legal writing is often too long. Lawyers are trained to be thorough—but thorough doesn’t have to mean bloated. That’s why reduction is one of the most critical skills you can develop as a legal writer. According to WordRake’s article, the key to writing like an expert is knowing when—and what—to cut.
What Does “Reduction” Mean?
It means trimming away anything that doesn’t serve your reader. This includes:
- Redundant phrases (“in order to” ? “to”)
- Legal throat-clearing (“It is important to note that…”)
- Unnecessary qualifiers (“very,” “clearly,” “somewhat”)
Less isn’t lazy. It’s laser-focused.
Why It Works for Law Firms
- Makes briefs more persuasive. Judges are short on time—get to the point.
- Improves collaboration. Your team shouldn’t have to dig through three paragraphs to find one idea.
- Protects your credibility. Clear = confident. Wordy = insecure.
How to Practice Reduction
- Set a goal. Cut 10–15% from your first draft.
- Read aloud. If you stumble, it’s probably too long.
- Ask, “Is this doing work?” If not, delete it.
- Use tools like WordRake. Their algorithm flags common overused phrases and offers cleaner alternatives.
Even if you use AI to generate first drafts, remember: human-led reduction is where quality happens.
Keep the Good. Cut the Rest.
Reduction is where your writing gets precise. You’re not just saving space—you’re saving your reader. The fewer distractions you include, the more likely your strongest points will shine.
Want to train your eye for effective reduction? Read the full article here.
Reduce Friction Across Your Firm
Savvy’s LMS and legal-specific training content help teams write, collaborate, and communicate with precision. See how we save your attorneys’ time: https://savvytraining.com/save-time/