Attorneys increase billable hours at their dictionary

I read plenty of legal briefs, motions and complaints as part of my business of investing in lawsuits. And I am always struck with the language. Not only are many lawyers paid by the hour but I suspect they sometimes increase their billings with time at the dictionary replacing commonly understood words with the indecipherable.

I just read a motion that used the word “inapposite” rather than “not pertinent”. Why? Do attorneys think their average client understands the rarely used word (or anyone else for that matter)?

Powerful and effective language is using words and phrases that are both uncommon but broadly understood. Words that are used too frequently can annoy the reader and words that are not broadly understood are not very effective in communicating a message.