![]() ![]() ![]() For example, WordRake suggested that “pursuant to” become “under,” that “in respect to” become “regarding” and that “in the absence of” become “absent.” That’s six words saved right there. Going beyond simple word substitutions, WordRake also identified several complex passive-voice constructions and suggested more direct active statements. ![]() Lawyers who submit documents to courts with strict word count limitations should find WordRake extremely helpful in identifying potential cuts. I tested WordRake on several publicly filed documents and found that it worked quickly (13 pages of single-spaced text were raked in less than a minute) and made many suggestions that, I believe, streamlined the writing in the documents and made the documents easier to read. Then you watch as WordRake uses Word’s Track Changes feature to strike through text it suspects is unnecessary or unnecessarily long and suggest its own substitutions.īy reviewing each of WordRake’s suggestions and accepting or rejecting them, you can quickly clarify your writing, shorten your documents and improve your eye for good writing in the process. You start the process by clicking the “Rake” button in the WordRake tab, which the program adds to Microsoft Word for you. ![]() WordRake operates similarly to spell-check and suggests improvements to certain words or phrases that are often used but rarely needed in legal documents. Those interested in a quick, inexpensive tool to help them unclutter their writing should consider WordRake. This software program, developed by Gary Kinder based on his years of experience helping lawyers improve their writing, works with Microsoft Word 2010 to help lawyers move beyond basic spell-checking and proofreading to achieve clearer writing. Whether due to a lack of time, of mental energy, of colleagues available to proofread, or of awareness of just how bloated a legal document can get, good lawyers sometimes can-and do-send out bad documents full of extra, meaningless words. It seems excellent lawyers do not always produce excellent legal writing. Have you ever heard the term “legalese” used to compliment a lawyer’s writing? I haven’t. ![]()
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