Latest Case: United States v. Finnesy (Constitutional Law)

The Importance of Incorporating “Soft Skills” Into Your Legal Writing

VIKRAM DAVID AMAR, JULIE SCHRAGER

Illinois Law dean Vikram David Amar and Schiff Hardin writing coach Julie S. Schrager explain the importance of incorporating “soft skills”—rooted in emotional intelligence and viewing your writing from your reader’s perspective—into legal writing. Amar and Schrager offer four key tips to help legal writers, whether first-year law students or seasoned attorneys, become more effective communicators.

Read More

United States v. Finnesy

Docket: 18-3045

Opinion Date: March 20, 2020

Judge: Jerome A. Holmes

Areas of Law: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law

Brandon Finnesy appealed his conviction and sentence for escape from custody. As to his conviction, which was entered upon his guilty plea, Finnesy contended he should have been permitted to withdraw his guilty plea because the magistrate judge who conducted his plea colloquy lacked “jurisdiction” to accept his plea. As to his sentence, he contended the district court erred in applying the United States Sentencing Guidelines relevant to his case. Finding no reversible errors, the Tenth Circuit affirmed Finnesy's conviction and sentence.