When you're writing legal documents for school, it’s easy to make mistakes with how they look. Things like margins, fonts, and layout can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Following Margin Rules

Margins matter! They help your document look neat and follow legal standards. Most legal documents need these margins:

• Top Margins: 1 inch
• Bottom Margins: 1 inch
• Left Margins: 1.5 inches (this is so it can be bound)
• Right Margins: 1 inch

Getting the margins right might seem boring, but missing them could cost you points!

2. Using the Wrong Font

The font you pick shows how serious or unprofessional your work is. Here are some common mistakes with fonts:

• Different Fonts: Switching from one font to another, like from Arial to Times New Roman, can confuse readers. Stick with one font for the whole document.
• Casual Fonts: Don't use fun or fancy fonts. It’s better to use 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri since they are widely accepted in legal writing.

3. Messing Up Line Spacing

Another mistake people make is with line spacing. Legal documents usually need to be double-spaced so they are easy to read.

• Many forget to apply double-spacing everywhere in the document, including paragraphs, quotes, and footnotes. Make sure it’s all double-spaced!

4. Forgetting Page Numbers

Page numbers are super helpful for longer legal documents. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not Numbering: If you don’t add page numbers, it can confuse the reader—especially if the document is long.
• Inconsistent Numbering: Start numbering from the first page. Don’t forget to include cover pages or tables of contents if you have them.

5. Skipping Headings and Subheadings

Using headings makes your document easier to follow. Common mistakes include:

• Different Formats for Headings: If one heading is bold and another is italic, it can be confusing. Keep the style consistent.
• Unclear Titles: Make sure your titles are clear, like saying “Legal Argument” instead of “Things to Discuss.”

6. Not Proofreading

Even if your formatting is perfect, typos and mistakes can ruin your hard work. Always proofread to find and fix any errors in margins, fonts, and layout.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll make your legal documents better. Plus, you’ll present your ideas more clearly, giving you a strong start in your legal writing journey!