The GWL supports Law School students with their writing and communication skills. Use one-on-one consultations, writing workshops, peer-review groups, and writing retreats to grow as a legal writer and meet your writing goals. We strive to create a supportive and welcoming community of writers among Law School students.
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Supporting YLS Writers
in 2023–24
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113
YLS students used GWL programs, with 357 total engagements
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22
YLS students attended writing consultations, with over 50 total engagements
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40
YLS students participated in a GWL workshop, with 95 total attendances
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12
YLS students participated in a semesterlong SAW or dissertation peer-review group
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36
YLS students wrote for over 500 hours at GWL writing retreats and All Write events
1-on-1 Consultations
The GWL’s Associate Director of Graduate Writing Support and our team of Graduate Writing Fellows are available to meet with you to discuss your YLS writing projects. Whether you are working on a legal memo, brief, journal article, or research paper, we will work with you to achieve your goals. Make a consultation appointment at any stage of the writing process–from brainstorming through rough drafts and reviewing final papers.
The essays became much clearer, and more specifically focused … Great suggestions and I really appreciate them!”
YLS consultation client
Workshops
Writing workshops for Law Students are designed to help you develop the writing skills you need at YLS and in legal practice. Topics include writing the legal memo, writing briefs, legal academic writing, and time management. Our workshops are interactive, providing students an opportunity to apply the principles covered and engage with each other.
I really enjoyed every session. They helped me learn and refine new skills. I appreciated the practical exercises we did. The instructors were both super helpful!
YLS “Writing in Legal Practice” workshop participant
All Writes
All writes provide you an opportunity to join a community of graduate writers. Each session begins with goal-setting. Then, we provide a quiet space for you to work among peer graduate writers, with breaks for meals and snacks. Participating in an all write can help you make progress on your YLS writing projects.
The silence and how everyone was concentrating on their task motivated me and helped me to concentrate as well.
All Write participant
YLS Peer-Review Groups
Peer-review groups provide support, structure and accountability. The GWL’s Associate Director for Graduate Writing Support facilitates two types o fpeer-review groups for YLS students. In SAW peer-review groups students meet weekly and get feedback on their SAW drafts. SAW groups begin in October and continue into the spring semester. JSD peer-review groups follow a similar schedule, meeting monthly to review dissertation drafts. These groups begin in September and run through May.
The feedback was very helpful. Also, having a deadline in which I needed to present helped me progress with my research.
YLS peer-review group participant
YLS Newsletter
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Monday, April 7
Writing in Legal Practice; One-on-One Consultations; Writing Groups
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Monday, February 24
Writing Groups; Public Speaking; One-on-One Consultations
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Monday, January 13
SAW Peer-Review Groups; Writing Retreat; Consultations Now Available
Want to Learn More?
For additional information about Graduate Writing Lab programming for Law School Students contact legal writing specialist Patricia Trainor at patricia.trainor@yale.edu.
Explore GWL Programs
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Peer-Review Groups
Groups of 4–7 students who meet weekly to share feedback, make progress, and support one another on a common project.
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1–1 Writing Consultations
Get feedback at any stage of the writing process—from brainstorming to final edits.
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Public Speaking Studio
Practice and your lecture, pitch, or presentation and receive feedback on nine aspects of your delivery.
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Writing Retreats and All Writes
Full-day and half-day events where graduate students set goals and write as a community in a quiet, supportive space.
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Audience
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