Program Overview

Program Overview

The Writing Plain Language for Law course is designed to help students modernize traditional legal language by applying the general guidelines and practices of plain language. This course focuses on techniques for dealing with legal clichés and technical terms of law.

Course Details

• Location: Online
• Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
• Duration: 3 weeks
• Tuition: $385
• Can be applied to: Plain Language Certificate

Upcoming Offerings

The course is available at the following times:

• Start Date: Tue, Feb 3, 2026
  • Schedule: Tue, Feb 3 - Mon, Feb 23 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: Julie Clement
  • Cost: $385.00
  • Seats Available: 19
• Start Date: Tue, Sep 22, 2026
  • Schedule: Tue, Sep 22 - Mon, Oct 12 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: -
  • Cost: $385.00
  • Seats Available: 25

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Convert non-standard, archaic legal grammar, punctuation, and terminology to modern, standard English and to plain language
• Modernize and update the structure and format of documents
• Correct the most common style problems in legal language that make it aloof, impersonal, and negative
• Differentiate between readers' identities and information needs for various legal fields and purposes like litigation, persuasion, advice letters, legal agreements, or public education materials

Course Structure and Evaluation

• Prepare to spend 6-10 hours per week on coursework, including readings, assignments, and online discussions
• Evaluation will be based on assignments and participation in discussions

Learning Materials

• No textbook is required; all course materials will be provided online
• Recommended reading:
  • Wydick, R.C. and Sloan, A.E. Plain English for Lawyers, 6th Edition. Carolina Academic Press, 2019. EISBN13: (available from Amazon.ca or as an e-book from Red Shelf for U.S. purchasers)
  • Stephens, C. Plain Language Legal Writing. Plain Language Wizardry, 2009. ISBN (e-book available for purchase from Lulu.com)

Technical Requirements

For online courses, students will need a computer with audio and microphone connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system used for the course.

English Language Requirements

To succeed in this course, students will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. The recommended minimum English language proficiency is:

• Overall band score minimum 6.5
• No band below 6.0
• Writing band score minimum 8.0 (International English Language Testing System, IELTS)