By Andrew Stark
One of the most common questions that I receive from students after they receive their graded work product containing my comments and edits is “what can I do to improve my writing?” My answer is always the same: pay attention to and embrace the feedback you receive from others (like your professor) who review your work. Nobody likes being on the receiving end of criticism. I get that. But most feedback that you receive as a law student or junior lawyer is not actually criticism, but rather critique designed to help you improve your work product.
The first step in embracing and learning from feedback is to understand the difference between criticism and critique. Criticism is generally defined as the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes. Conversely, critique is generally defined as an analysis and assessment of something, such as your writing. When reviewing the feedback you receive on your writing, make the conscious decision to view the feedback as positive critique, not criticism. This will allow you to embrace the redlined comments and edits and learn from them, rather than ignore the edits or otherwise distance yourself from the editor. If someone takes the time to critique your writing, it means that they care. I will tell you from experience that once you graduate from law school, finding a lawyer to take the time to critique your writing is difficult. Whenever I had a relationship with a lawyer who redlined my work so I could see the changes I cherished it knowing that the next time I draft work product, I may not receive any feedback Lawyers are busy people and they often make the changes to your work without sharing them with you.
The second step is to understand that the feedback concerns the specific document you prepared and the editor reviewed. The feedback does not concern you, your abilities, or your value to the institution or employer. It’s ok to be disappointed at times, but you must take this disappointment and use it to improve your writing, not hinder it. Writing is a process. Sometimes it’s a painful one. But through that pain comes the reward. As soon as you realize how this process works, you can use the feedback as a tool to improve you writing.
The third step is to actively participate in the feedback process. If you don’t understand certain comments or edits, ask the editor. Be proactive and ask for time to meet with the editor to go over any and all of your questions. Students and lawyers proactively use feedback always improve their next draft because they do not make the same mistakes they made before. Further, make sure you understand what edits or comments are necessary, or mandatory, changes that should be made, rather than mere stylistic, or optional, changes.