first-rate brief or memorandum; few, if any, can describe intelligibly the process by which such documents are created. One learns the craft of lawyering by doing and observing, relying on one's own instinct, talent, and judgement, assisted by occasional criticism from peers, teachers and more experienced lawyers. Unfortunately, senior lawyers and law teachers have lacked time and incentive to organize their basic shared insights into a convenient form that allows them to be communicated economically to younger lawyers. This book is a long step in the right direction. It is an insightful, systematic articulation of what goes into good legal analysis and writing. It de-mystifies the process of thinking and writing clearly. This is a simple book; it is written more for the average than the exceptional law student and lawyer. Those who pride themselves on their sophistication, however, may find that a clear articulation of basics provide a secure foundation for more complicated intellectual maneuvers. Dernbach and Singleton have made available a full course of instruction with exercises for those who might wish to adopt their method of teaching legal writing. The text stands alone, however, and can be used in a wide range of course formats. Virtually anyone who must teach lawyering skills will find something in this book that will help young lawyers to master the fundamentals of legal writing. Sallyanne Payton Associate Professor of Law University of Michigan. (From the foreword of this book)

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