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Consider these typical lines of legalese. The user can run through the document fairly quickly by pressing Accept or Reject buttons.Įven talented writers who value concision are sometimes prone to violate Jefferson's maxim, and they may be surprised by the superfluous phrases WordRake finds in their prose. The software then makes suggestions by crossing out a phrase and offering an alternative. The user selects a block of text and clicks the Rake button. WordRake is editing software that functions as an extension for Microsoft Word and Outlook. Sometimes, all that legalese is serving a purpose, but often, one too many "heretofore"s obscures a vital point.Įven skilled writers can find it difficult to edit their own writing, and a fresh set of eyes is not always available. Ruthless editing helps produce powerful writing, but for attorneys, Strunk & White's prescription to “omit needless words” can be easier said than done.

Thomas Jefferson’s advice on concise writing is lost on many lawyers, who seem to have a special talent for using 10 words when one will do. “The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”