"This Handbook is the outgrowth of the author's empirical research into the struggles encountered by first-year law students as they begin their legal writing classes."-- page ix.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

An overview of the four stages of the pre-writing process -- Understanding the story -- Understanding your specific assignment -- Formulating a research plan -- Incorporating research into your pre-writing process -- Reading and assessing the relevant authorities -- Building a bridge between reading and analysis -- Analyzing your narrow issue -- Moving from pre-writing to writing.