Hello!
Marysa Lin
I [Marysa] was stuck in the lowest quartile in writing the entire first semester. Second semester, I briefly broke into the second lowest. It was horrifying and demoralizing, especially since it's the only feedback you're getting right now. Please don't let this impact your confidence or focus! Writing turned out not to be an indicator of my overall performance in lawschool but it was a huge incentive for me to get serious about improving my writing.
My suggestions are to go see your writing fellow!! Now that your memo has been graded, try re-writing portions of it and taking it to your fellow so you have something concrete to show him/her. I did the same thing with my professor and it was much more helpful than just showing up with my memo and asking "how do I improve." Read the sample answer carefully. Legal writing is NOT about graceful or sophisticated expression- it's about being succinct, clear, and straightforward.
Without knowing who your professor is, it is not always possible to get detailed feedback. That is ok. Another great resource is the legal writing department. It was led by Professor Rosenbluth, but she is currently being appointed the federal bench. Your legal writing fellow can definitely help you find who to talk to in the writing department or student services. It may be helpful, especially if you're not even sure what is wrong in your writing.
Also, very practically, the legal research project and final are a great way to help get up a grade you are not in love with. Take the final seriously (more recommendations on that to follow) and you should do well.
Let
us know if you have any questions!! We can meet with you to help you sort out how to approach writing from here. The process of learning legal
writing is sort of incomprehensible, but you WILL all figure it out.
You're already all strong writers, that's why you're in lawschool.
<3 Travis & Marysa
