Advanced Legal Writing: Legislative Drafting

This course will give students an overview of the legislative process and teach common techniques for drafting legislation, with specific emphasis on working with local government. Cast in the role of a lawyer for either local government or the private sector, students will draft a simple local ordinance, write a short advisory memo to non-lawyers about the law, write a short persuasive brief, observe a local government commission or agency hearing, and talk about achieving legislative goals with local elected officials. Students will explore how to represent both public and private entities in matters involving the local legislative process. Finally, students will also learn how writing techniques from this class translate to other law practice areas, including non-profit and in-house positions.

Professor John Strange is an attorney for the City of Madison. He has long experience in public service and has previously taught 1L legal writing courses at the Law School.