Do-It-Yourself Tutorials for Microsoft Word 2010 and 2013

In last week’s Tech Tuesday post, we promised to feature tips and tricks to help you increase the efficiency and productivity of your daily practice, many of which will focus on legal writing and document production using Microsoft Word.  To kick off our series, we’re recommending a couple of good online resources for learning and/or fine-tuning your word processing skills. Using these sites to identify your weaknesses and build on your strengths, you’ll become an expert in document preparation and a master of efficiency!

Some of the best tutorials for learning the nuts and bolts of MS Word 2013 can be found, as expected, on the Microsoft website. These do-it-yourself lessons are grouped by skill level, covering everything from margins to mail merge. We also recommend the lessons at LearnFree.org, which cover basic operations and common tasks in MS Word 2010. 

Poetry of the Bench and Bar: The Taxman Cometh

It’s April 15th, and today, The Taxman cometh. We at the Harris County Law Library can think of no better way to welcome this annual visitor than to share a poem. The IRS doesn’t typically conjure the spirit of creativity, but on this day, while we celebrate National Poetry Month, a bit of written verse may be just what we all need. 

Currently on display in the Library lobby is an exhibit of legal opinions written in verse. Inspired by various sources including Edgar Allan Poe, Dr. Seuss, and Leann Rimes, these opinions reflect the wit and wisdom of their authors as well as the occasional levity of the court. One such opinion, written by Fifth Circuit Judge Irving Goldberg in the case United States v. Batson, even makes reference to government subsidies (i.e., tax breaks), in particular, the cotton set-aside program. A group of program participants in Gaines, Texas took full advantage of these subsidies, and managed to evade program payment limitations for a number of years. In his ruling, Judge Goldberg, known for his frequent use of biblical, literary, and musical references began his opinion with a poem:

Some farmers from Gaines had a plan.

It amounted to quite a big scam.

But the payments for cotton

began to smell rotten.

Twas a mugging of poor Uncle Sam.

The ASCS and its crew

uncovered this fraudulent stew.

After quite a few hearings,

the end is now nearing--

It awaits our judicial review.

This is just one of the clever opinions penned from the bench. For more examples of parody and verse in legal decisions, visit the Gallagher Law Library Judicial Humor page. And be sure to check in with Ex Libris Juris next Friday when we'll feature another law-related poem in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Legal Writing Resource Month: Bryan Garner on Words

April is Legal Writing Resource Month at the Harris County Law Library. Selected titles to help you improve your writing are currently on display. Included are a number of books by author, Bryan A. Garner, editor in chief of Black’s Law Dictionary and a highly-regarded expert on effective legal writing. In addition to his many print publications, Garner is very active online. He maintains a lively Twitter feed,  a popular Facebook page, and a regular blog on the LawProse website. He will even send you a Usage Tip of the Day if you email him at info@lawprose.org.

Another popular source for Garner’s writing is his monthly column in the ABA Journal, Bryan Garner on Words. Each month, Garner shares his thoughts on language, style, organization, and legal discourse. He typically offers  suggestions for improved writing proficiency, focusing at various times on the importance of good headings, well-organized tables of contents, and a dedication to clarity in writing. On occasion, he will share a historical vignette, offer his personal musings on a particular subject,  or wax philosophic about legalese and golf, none of which should be missed!

Whether you are writing a research memo, a legal brief, or an opinion letter, there is much to be learned from Bryan A. Garner. The Harris County Law Library highly recommends his work and will be happy to help you locate additional writing sources to improve your legal writing skills.  

Latest and Greatest – Locating U.S. Government Information Handbook

By Edward Herman and Theodora Belniak

Published by William S. Hein, Co., Inc. (2015)

ZA 5055 .U6 H47 2015

Let’s face it. There is a lot of government information found in print and online, but actually finding it can be quite difficult, not to mention confusing. Here comes Edward Herman’s Locating U.S. Government Information Handbook to the rescue. Designed for the novice researcher, this handbook takes you through a brief introduction about the structure of the United States government and basic online research skills and strategies then on to more specific research sources, such as the indexes published by the Government Publishing Office, U.S. Government maps, historical government documents, and technical reports. There is also some helpful information about how to contact governmental agencies and members of Congress as well as a discussion of the Freedom of Information Act and how to submit requests under the Act.

If you feel overwhelmed by the volume of government information and are not sure how to find answers you are seeking, try Locating U.S. Government Information Handbook. It’s available at the reference desk. Just ask a librarian for assistance.

Simplifying Your Legal Writing with Microsoft Word Tech Tips

Technology has dramatically changed the practice of law. The pace of this change is so rapid that it can be difficult -- and expensive -- to keep current with the latest trends in law office management. Comprehensive practice management systems are wonderful tools, but many of the essential functions performed by these all-in-one programs can also be accomplished with the software already at your disposal.

Built into Microsoft Office are a number of simple, user-friendly mechanisms for making your legal writing much less frustrating. Occasionally, Tech Tuesday will feature a new tip to help you increase your efficiency and productivity. A previous tip focused on using the Styles feature in Microsoft Word. Check the blog frequently to see what we’ll cover next. In the meantime, visit the University of Michigan Research Guide on Microsoft Word 2010 and 2013 for a detailed overview of the many functions that are the keys to defeating wasted time, talent, and treasure in your daily practice.