Kathy Vinson, of Suffolk University Law School, presented workshops at the school’s downtown Greensboro campus as an Association of Legal Writing Directors Distinguished Speaker.
Writing well is challenging, but becoming the writer you aspire to be starts with a few practical habits.
That was the message Suffolk University Law Professor Kathy Vinson shared with Elon Law students during a two-day visit as an Association of Legal Writing Directors (ALWD) Distinguished Speaker. Students gained practical, easy-to-implement strategies to boost writing productivity and confidence.
Among her most effective tips:
- Write quickly, edit slowly. Don’t self-edit as you draft. Get the words down, then revise with purpose.
- Break your writing or projects into smaller tasks. Estimate the time each will take and plan your calendar to manage them.
- Develop consistent writing habits. Short daily writing, even morning brain dumps, will increase writing productivity.
- Set the right time and environment. Clear both physical and mental space before you begin. Put your phone in another room to avoid distractions.
Vinson shared these and many more during a student workshop, “Defying Gravity: Overcoming Barriers to Legal Writing Productivity.” A nationally recognized leader in the legal writing field, Vinson is director of Suffolk’s Legal Writing, Research, and Written Advocacy and a past president of ALWD.
“It is always helpful to hear that there are many ways, both big and small, that we can set ourselves up for success as we develop and hone our legal writing skills,” said Elizabeth Gregory L’26.
Vinson’s Elon Law visit was supported by a grant secured by Associate Dean and Professor of Law Sue Liemer and Associate Professor of Law Caroleen Dineen, director of the Legal Method and Communication Program.
“Our guest speaker used a ‘wicked’ theme — as the word is used in New England, but also playing off the movie — to keep learning fun, too,” said Liemer.
On April 10, Vinson also led “Contemplative Reflection & Strategic Planning: A Faculty Workshop to Prevent Burnout, Increase Productivity, and (Re)discover Your Joy.” The workshop helped professors identify intentional changes to improve their well-being and reignite their passion for the classroom. Faculty described the session as rejuvenating, motivating and uplifting.
“The sessions and strategies Professor Vinson shared are helpful to everyone at any stage of their career,” said Dineen. “It’s valuable to reflect on how you work, how you can do it better, and where you can give yourself grace.”
The ALWD is a non-profit professional association founded in 1996 to advance legal communication and education. In addition to producing resources and publications for professionals, educators and scholars, the ALWD serves as the American Bar Association’s legal writing affiliate entity and works alongside the Legal Writing Institute’s Professional Status Committee.