Celebrate Plain Language Day 2016

Since the passage of the Federal Plain Writing Act on October 13, 2010, those who favor and promote the use of clear language have celebrated International Plain Language Day. The Act (Pub. L. 111-274) defines plain language as "writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience." The purpose of the Act is to "improve the effectiveness and accountability of Federal agencies to the public by promoting clear Government communication that the public can understand and use." Although the intention of the law is to increase the clarity of our nation's official documents, communicating in simple language is a worthy goal in all areas, including law. 

At the Harris County Law Library, we have several titles in our collection that will help you simplify and organize your writing. Thinking Like a Writer: A Lawyer's Guide to Effective Writing and Editing is one such title, and several CLE publications address the topic as well, including Exceptional Legal Writing and Legal Writing to Win. Bryan Garner, the undisputed dean of legal writing, is a strong proponent of plain language. His column, On Words, which is published monthly in the ABA Journal, is an exceptional resource for learning about the effective use of language in legal documents. An organization called Clarity, the international association for promoting plain legal language, is another useful source, as is their biannual journal, The Clarity Journal, which is distributed free to Clarity members. Past issues are available through the journal's online archive. 

Reducing the complexity of legal writing is a worthwhile objective, and taking a day to recognize this effort is part of that goal. Join is in observing International Plain Language Day and the commitment to using effective communication in government and law. 

Latest & Greatest – Encryption Made Simple for Lawyers

By David G. Ries, Sharon D. Nelson, and John W. Simek

Published by ABA Law Practice Division

QA 76.9 .A25 N455 2015

Seeking to take the fear out of encryption and what it entails, the authors of Encryption Made Simple for Lawyers set upon the task of proving that encrypting information is not as complicated and difficult as it may seem to those not fully versed in the language of “techspeak”. From its earliest forms, e.g. ciphers and secret decoder rings, encryption has been used to make communications secret and secure, and in this age of cyberterrorism and data breaches, understanding how to encrypt confidential information has taken on even greater importance. The authors begin by explaining, in simple terms, the basics of encryption technology, such as the Data Encryption Standard algorithm, digital certificates, and symmetric and asymmetric encryption before discussing the nuances of encrypting laptops and desktops, smartphones, and portable drives. The authors also stress the need to protect data as it travels through various networks or into the cloud as well as the practicality of securing individual documents.

If you don’t think that you need to encrypt or further secure your documents, you may be mistaken. As the authors readily point out: lawyers have an ethical obligation to keep communications confidential. Encryption Made Simple for Lawyers can help you perform that duty or, at a minimum, convince you that you need to obtain the services of a qualified professional. Don’t wait until a data breach to take action.

Learning Tech -- Deliberate Practice and Beneifts of Proficiency

Last week, on the ABA Journal website, two "Legal Rebels," Darth Vaughn and Casey Flaherty of Procertas (famous for developing the Legal Tech Assessment), co-wrote a column about the necessity of learning how to use technology in the practice of law. "Sorry," they say, "technology isn't easy -- you take the time to learn, or you lose."

No advanced skills are required to conduct a basic Google search or to compose a simple document in Microsoft Word, but for attorneys and other legal professionals, sophisticated tech abilities are a must. As Vaughn and Flaherty say, "We actually need to work at becoming proficient with the standard technology tools of our trade."

Developing technological competency as a lawyer is mandated by the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and being aware of the limitations and potential risks of technology's applications is just as critical. The adage about 10,000 hours of deliberate practice may not apply, but familiarity with standard issue software and expert-level skill in managing email, manipulating spreadsheets, and conducting advanced legal research is increasingly essential.

Immigration Law Resource Month

In October, we at the Harris County Law Library are continuing to highlight our collection of immigration law resources. Throughout the month, we will feature materials, in the library an online, to assist you in conducting research and learning about immigration law in the United States.

Several new immigration law resources are now on our shelves, including the 15th edition of Kurzban's Immigration Law Sourcebook, and the 17th edition of U.S. Immigration Made Easy, published by Nolo Press. On Westlaw, you can access the latest immigration news and analysis, as well as immigration law treatises, and official immigration forms. Lexis provides additional access to popular immigration titles, including Benders Immigration Law Bulletin and Benders Immigration Case Reporter. Both Westlaw and Lexis can be accessed on our computers in the Law Library.

These titles are just a few of the immigration law items in our collection. Additional resources will be featured throughout the month in the Law Library and on our blog.

Latest & Greatest - Social Media and Local Governments: Navigating the New Public Square

By Patricia E. Salkin & Julie A. Tappendorf

Published by the American Bar Association. Section of State and Local Government Law

KF 5300 .S63 2013

With more widespread use of social media in the workplace, it is imperative that attorneys in both the public and private sectors understand the opportunities it offers in the form of marketing and the dissemination of information and the challenges it presents in terms of ensuring the reliability of the information provided and of maintaining confidentiality where required.  Written for attorneys who work in the public sector, Social Media and Local Governments: Navigating the New Public Square explains the benefits and pitfalls that this ubiquitous technology can present. From its practical uses in the government context to legal questions, the authors cover all aspects of social media to allow government attorneys make informed decisions regarding the implementation of social media policies for its employees and the establishment and maintenance of its own online presence. This book is a must-read for any government lawyer exploring the use of social media for its own purposes.