‘Plain English’ Drafting: How to Write a Letter of Advice a Client Will Understand
A plain English letter of advice communicates complex legal concepts using clear, simple language and a logical structure. The key is to prioritise the client's comprehension by starting with the most important information, replacing legal jargon with everyday words, and focusing on practical, actionable steps.
Why "Plain English" Isn't Dumbing it Down
For generations, legal writing has been associated with long, convoluted sentences, Latin phrases, and impenetrable jargon. While this may have once been the standard, the modern client expects and deserves clarity.
Writing in plain English isn't about "dumbing down" your legal advice. It's the opposite. It demonstrates a complete mastery of the subject, as it requires you to understand the law so well that you can explain it in simple terms. From a client's perspective, a clear letter:
Builds Trust: It shows you respect their time and want them to be an active participant in their own matter.
Ensures Informed Consent: A client can only give you proper instructions if they truly understand their position, the risks, and their options.
Reduces Disputes: Clarity minimises the chance of misunderstandings about your advice or the steps to be taken.
The Anatomy of a Client-Friendly Letter
1. Structure is Everything: Start with the Answer
Your client is busy and anxious. They shouldn't have to read four pages to find out what you think they should do. Put the conclusion at the beginning.
Create an "Our Advice in Brief" or "Key Points" Section: Start with a short summary of your primary advice and the key next steps. This gives the client the most critical information upfront.
Use Signposts (Headings): Structure the body of the letter with clear, descriptive headings like "The Background As We Understand It," "Your Options," "Our Recommendation," and "What Happens Next?". This allows the client to navigate the document easily.
2. Simplify Your Language
This is the core of plain English. Your goal is to sound less like a textbook and more like a trusted expert having a conversation.
Kill the Jargon: Go through your draft and actively replace legalese with plain words.
Instead of...Try...Hereinafter, heretoforeAfter this, before thisInter aliaAmong other thingsExecute the documentSign the documentNotwithstandingDespite or even withIn relation toAbout or regarding
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Use Short Sentences: Long sentences with multiple clauses are difficult to follow. Aim for one main idea per sentence. Read your work aloud; if you run out of breath, the sentence is too long.
Use the Active Voice: The active voice is more direct and easier to understand.
Passive: "A claim was filed by the plaintiff."
Active: "The plaintiff filed a claim."
3. Make it Practical and Actionable
Legal advice is useless if the client doesn't know what to do with it.
Focus on the Client: Use personal pronouns. Say "You should..." and "We will..." instead of "It is advised that the client should..." This creates a direct connection.
Create a "Next Steps" Table: The most important part of the letter is the action plan. End with a clear, unambiguous list of what needs to happen, who is responsible, and by when.
Action ItemPerson ResponsibleDeadlineProvide us with your financial statements.You (the Client)26 September 2025Draft the letter of demand.Us (the Firm)30 September 2025
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Use Visuals: Don't be afraid to use bullet points for lists, tables to compare options (e.g., "Option A vs. Option B"), or even a simple flowchart to explain a process.
By adopting a plain English approach, you transform your letters of advice from dense, intimidating documents into valuable tools that empower your clients. It is the hallmark of a modern, client-focused legal professional.
