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firm:drafting:style-guide [2024/07/24 03:11] adamfirm:drafting:style-guide [2025/07/23 01:45] (current) admin
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 Whatever you do, do __not__ freelance regarding style. A uniform style is part of a firm culture. Check with the lawyers and, if in extreme doubt, just check with Adam. Whatever you do, do __not__ freelance regarding style. A uniform style is part of a firm culture. Check with the lawyers and, if in extreme doubt, just check with Adam.
  
-Now, enjoy this sketch, which features at least one Cambridge doctor of English literature: {{https://youtu.be/PuDquo76490|Dr. Johnson's Book}}.+Now, enjoy this sketch, which features at least one Cambridge doctor of English literature:  
 +{{ :firm:drafting:blackadder_johnson_s_dictionary_-_2020-03-26_-_shirley_tung.mp4 |}}
  
 +=== Choice of word processor ===
 +If you use Pages, none of the firm's documents will be effective. You will need to use LibreOffice or Microsoft Word. The firm __will not__ pay for Microsoft Word. This software has been completely eclipsed by LibreOffice. 
  
 +If you wish to install a word processor, LibreOffice may be downloaded from [[https://www.libreoffice.org/download/download-libreoffice/|this link]]. 
  
 ===== Electronic document types ===== ===== Electronic document types =====
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 Conversely, documents that are shared within the firm ought to be provided to firm members as .ODT (LibreOffice) or .DOCX (Word), depending on the context.  Conversely, documents that are shared within the firm ought to be provided to firm members as .ODT (LibreOffice) or .DOCX (Word), depending on the context. 
 +
 +.DOCX (Word) file formats are always used to send editable documents to other parties, the Court, or any other person or institution.
  
 ---- ----
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   * Liberation Serif. Twelve point.    * Liberation Serif. Twelve point. 
  
--> //If a document is created using Arial font (or any sans-serif typeface) and is submitted to a lawyer for review bearing that typeface, the offending person risks losing any hope of continued work in this environment.// <-+-> //If a document is created using Arial font (or any sans-serif typeface) and is submitted to a lawyer for review bearing that typeface, God help you.// <- 
 + 
 +==== Inserting new pages ==== 
 +Use __page breaks__ to insert new pages. Do not create new lines to push text down the page.
  
 ==== Line spacing ==== ==== Line spacing ====
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 The heading and backpage are spaced based on the general rule. The heading and backpage are spaced based on the general rule.
  
-The text of a pleading in an action is double-spaced.+The text of a pleading in an action is **double-spaced**.
  
 The standard texts that appears on all statements of claim is spaced based on the general rule. The standard texts that appears on all statements of claim is spaced based on the general rule.
 +
 +=== Affidavits and facta ===
 +The heading and backpage are spaced based on the general rule.
 +
 +The text of a pleading in an action is **double-spaced**.
 +
  
 === Memoranda === === Memoranda ===
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 The distinction between the two traditions is described in //The Canadian Style//, which is reproduced by Heritage Canada online: [[https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/spelling-international-variations |Canada writing tips]] The distinction between the two traditions is described in //The Canadian Style//, which is reproduced by Heritage Canada online: [[https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/spelling-international-variations |Canada writing tips]]
 +
 +=== Use of capital letters in nouns ===
 +A proper noun refers to an identifiable and unique instance of a thing. 
 +
 +In the course of a sentence, proper nouns bear an initial capital letter to indicate that the noun is proper.
 +
 +A common noun refers to a class of things, or a nondescript thing.
 +
 +In the course of a sentence, common nouns do not bear an initial capital because they are common. 
  
 === Arabic numerals and spelling === === Arabic numerals and spelling ===

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