Legal Writer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving legal landscape, the role of legal writers has become increasingly significant.

As law continues to adapt and grow, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can articulate, elaborate, and safeguard our legal narratives and principles.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a legal writer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core aspects of this role,
• A hiring manager delineating the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate facets of legal writing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable legal writer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Legal Writer Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Writers are primarily responsible for creating and editing written content on a variety of legal topics.

They must possess a deep understanding of legal terminology and principles, and often require experience in the legal field.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Researching and understanding legal topics and recent legal developments
• Writing clear, concise, and accurate content on a variety of legal topics for different audiences
• Editing and proofreading legal documents and articles for accuracy and compliance
• Assisting lawyers in preparing for trials by drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs
• Translating complex legal information into easy-to-understand content for general public
• Interviewing legal professionals and subject matter experts for articles and blogs
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of changes and advancements in the legal industry
• Ensuring all written work is in line with the company’s or publication’s style guide
• Collaborating with legal professionals to ensure content accuracy

 

Legal Writer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a talented Legal Writer to join our team.

The Legal Writer will be responsible for conducting thorough legal research, crafting engaging and insightful legal content, and ensuring all writing is clear, concise, and accurate.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in law, excellent writing skills, and the ability to translate complex legal information into understandable content for the general public.

The Legal Writer should be detail-oriented, with strong analytical skills and a dedication to staying current on changes in the law.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive legal research on a variety of topics
• Write, edit, and proofread legal articles, blog posts, newsletters, and other content
• Translate complex legal concepts into accessible content for a non-legal audience
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on current laws and legal news
• Collaborate with legal professionals to ensure accuracy of content
• Adhere to deadlines and project specifications
• Ensure all written work complies with company style guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Legal Writer, Legal Assistant, or similar role
• Strong knowledge of legal terminology and principles
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Ability to simplify complex legal concepts for a general audience
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, English, Journalism, or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Legal Writer
• Work Environment: Office-based role, with potential for remote work flexibility. Occasional travel may be necessary for research or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Content or Editor-in-Chief.
• Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.
• Application Instructions: Please send your resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Legal Writer Do?

Legal Writers are professionals who specialize in creating legal documents and writing about legal topics.

They are usually employed by law firms, legal departments of companies, or non-profit organizations that deal with legal issues.

Their main role involves researching and writing about legal matters such as judicial decisions, legal opinions, legal procedures, and legal events.

They draft and edit documents including legal briefs, motions, contracts, wills, trusts, leases, and court reports.

They are required to present these legal documents in a clear and precise manner, ensuring they are understandable to both legal professionals and lay people.

In addition, they may also be required to write legal articles, newsletters, blog posts, and white papers, often aiming to inform, explain complex legal concepts, or provide an update on changes and developments in the law.

Legal Writers must comply with legal procedures and ethical standards in their writing, providing accurate and up-to-date information.

They may also collaborate with attorneys to ensure that the written material accurately reflects the intent and complies with legal requirements.

In some cases, Legal Writers may also assist in preparing cases for court, helping to summarize case facts and legal arguments.

 

Legal Writer Qualifications and Skills

A competent legal writer should possess a set of distinct skills and qualifications that align with their job role, such as:

• Strong research skills to efficiently investigate and gather accurate information about legal topics and cases.
• Proficiency in understanding and interpreting legal terminology and principles for writing comprehensive legal documents.
• Excellent communication and writing skills to convey complex legal issues and arguments in a clear, concise, and effective manner.
• Ability to comply with legal citation styles and maintain attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of facts and legal references.
• Strong analytical skills to understand and summarize legal cases and precedents, while predicting potential outcomes and implications.
• Working knowledge of legal databases and research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis.
• Time management skills to meet multiple deadlines and manage workload effectively.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and other legal professionals in gathering information and validating content accuracy.

 

Legal Writer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Legal Writer positions typically require 1 to 2 years of experience, which can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or freelance writing projects, specifically in the legal field.

In these roles, candidates gain experience in legal research, writing legal documents, and understanding legal terminology.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience have often worked full-time in similar roles, such as a Paralegal, Legal Assistant, or Legal Researcher, where they have had the opportunity to develop their legal writing skills and understand legal procedures.

Legal Writers with more than 5 years of experience are typically considered experts in their field.

They may have experience writing a variety of legal documents, including briefs, legal opinions, and legal news articles.

They may also have some experience in a specialized area of law, such as corporate law, criminal law, or intellectual property law.

Those with more than 10 years of experience may have leadership experience and could be ready for senior-level positions or roles such as Legal Writing Supervisor or Legal Publications Editor.

They are expected to have a thorough understanding of legal principles, a strong command over the language, and excellent research skills.

Some employers may also require their Legal Writers to have a law degree or a certificate in legal writing.

 

Legal Writer Education and Training Requirements

Legal writers typically have a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or a related field.

It’s highly beneficial for them to also possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as this gives them a solid understanding of legal jargon, principles, and procedures.

The bachelor’s degree courses help to hone their writing skills, while the JD program provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the law, both of which are crucial for a career in legal writing.

In addition to formal education, legal writers need to have excellent research skills and a strong understanding of legal terminology.

They should be able to interpret and explain complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner.

While not compulsory, some legal writers may also have passed the bar exam, which signifies a higher level of legal knowledge and understanding.

Continued professional development is important for legal writers as legal principles and regulations change over time.

Therefore, legal writers should engage in ongoing training to keep up with these changes.

Specialized certifications in legal writing or a related field can also enhance a legal writer’s credibility and expertise.

These certifications, alongside hands-on experience, demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to their profession and ongoing learning.

 

Legal Writer Salary Expectations

A Legal Writer can expect to earn an average salary of $60,985 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can significantly vary depending on factors such as the level of experience, the complexity of the tasks involved, geographical location, and the size and type of the employing organization.

 

Legal Writer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Legal Writer need?

Legal Writers should possess excellent writing and analytical skills to interpret and express complex legal information clearly.

They should have a strong understanding of legal terminology and principles, along with the ability to conduct thorough legal research.

Attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and proficient knowledge of legal citation rules are also crucial for a Legal Writer.

 

Do Legal Writers need a law degree?

While not all Legal Writers need a law degree, having a Juris Doctor (JD) or a background in law can be highly beneficial as it provides an understanding of legal principles and terminologies.

Some positions, particularly more advanced roles, may require a law degree.

However, a degree in English, journalism, or related field along with experience or education in law can also qualify one for this role.

 

What should you look for in a Legal Writer resume?

A Legal Writer resume should demonstrate strong writing, research, and analytical skills.

Look for experience in writing legal documents, articles, or reports.

They should have a solid understanding of legal principles and terminologies.

Also, their educational background could include law, journalism, or English.

Familiarity with legal citation rules and legal databases is a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Legal Writer?

A good Legal Writer has a keen attention to detail which is crucial in drafting legal documents.

They possess exceptional research skills to navigate through legal databases and are able to analyze and interpret complex legal information.

A good Legal Writer is also deadline-driven, ensuring all work is completed in a timely manner.

They have excellent written communication skills which allows them to present legal concepts in a clear and understandable way.

 

Is it difficult to hire Legal Writers?

Hiring Legal Writers can be a challenge if the job requires specific legal knowledge or experience in a certain area of law.

The pool of candidates with both strong writing skills and legal expertise may not be large.

However, there are many professionals with a legal background who enjoy writing and have developed strong skills in this area.

Be ready to offer competitive compensation and benefits to attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we delved into the intricate world of what it truly means to be a legal writer.

And here’s the kicker?

It’s not just about stringing words together.

It’s about shaping the narrative of justice, one legal document at a time.

With our top-notch legal writer job description template and real-life instances, you’re well-prepared to make your move.

But why halt there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating meticulously-detailed listings or honing your resume to absolute flawlessness.

Remember:

Every word penned is a stepping stone to justice.

Let’s craft that narrative. Together.

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