You start the process by clicking the “Rake” button in the WordRake tab, which the program adds to Microsoft Word for you. WordRake operates similarly to spell-check and suggests improvements to certain words or phrases that are often used but rarely needed in legal documents. Those interested in a quick, inexpensive tool to help them unclutter their writing should consider WordRake. This software program, developed by Gary Kinder based on his years of experience helping lawyers improve their writing, works with Microsoft Word 2010 to help lawyers move beyond basic spell-checking and proofreading to achieve clearer writing. Whether due to a lack of time, of mental energy, of colleagues available to proofread, or of awareness of just how bloated a legal document can get, good lawyers sometimes can-and do-send out bad documents full of extra, meaningless words.

It seems excellent lawyers do not always produce excellent legal writing.

Have you ever heard the term “legalese” used to compliment a lawyer’s writing? I haven’t.

Wordrake blog