The competition challenges our lawyers to ditch the legalese and use clear, simple, and engaging ways to give advice, often with a dose of humour.
At the end of last year, CIE Legal’s lawyers contested the Clear Thinking – Clear Writing crown, by preparing an advice in response to this critical canine conundrum: “A friend has shared with you that their dog, Jasper, barks a lot, especially when they are not at home. The neighbours are complaining, and your friend doesn’t know what to do. Jasper is young and a bit crazy: loved by your friend, but, when you see him, only tolerated by you. Your friend has asked for advice on handling the situation. How should they deal with the neighbours?”
The winner was our Senior Associate Hannah Pike, with her clearly entitled submission “Barking Dog”. As many of us know (and have seen countless pictures of, even without asking), Hannah has a dog, Max. This might explain her aptitude for the task and the numerous links to toys and training schools.
All jokes aside, her submission was well-presented, used active language, had a clear, easy-to-read structure, and shared thoughtful content. We also appreciated the clever naming of the owner of Jasper the barking dog – Casper!
Congratulations Hannah and we hope you enjoy your prize.
Hannah’s winning submission can be read here.