Plain Language

We are International experts on drafting legal documents in plain language or in plain English. We especially focus on the legal aspects of this.

We help people comply with laws that require plain language; manage the risks associated with legal documents; draft well-written legislation and other legal documents, and communicate clearly with their readers.

We do this by hosting workshops that train internal legal advisors on the principles of plain language law. We develop style guides to accommodate this new way of drafting. Among other things we host workshops that are designed to allay the concerns of colleagues who have not yet bought into this way of drafting in a legal context. Let us know how we can assist you.

We draft all our documents, guides and contracts in plain legal language and can quote to assist you to convert existing policies and contracts into plain language.

You can read our advice, or about the products or services we offer related to this focus area here or read on to enjoy our insights below,

Standard Bank v Dlamini | Victory for plain language and consumer protection

On 23 October 2012 Justice Dhaya Pillay handed down a judgment in the Durban High Court, which might prove to be a victory in the war against legalese and unfair contract terms. One of the biggest questions was whether Mr [...]

By |2022-12-20T13:14:04+02:00February 27th, 2013|Categories: Plain Language|Tags: , , , |
Read More

To use Capital Letters for defined words or not?

After having given it considerable thought, and after having carefully listened to the thought leaders on plain language, Michalsons have decided to dramatically minimise the use of capital letters for defined words in our contracts, if not do away with [...]

By |2025-08-19T07:14:33+02:00September 10th, 2012|Categories: Plain Language|Tags: |
Read More

Plain language, consumerism and reform of South African contract law

A book called "Plain language, consumerism and reform of South African contract law" has been published. It deals with how the plain language movement and contextualism has reshaped the drafting and interpretation of contracts in South Africa. It is quite [...]

By |2019-07-23T12:05:07+02:00July 23rd, 2012|Categories: Plain Language|Tags: , |
Read More

The ultimate plain language conversion

I think that this has to rate as the ultimate plain language conversion. "My gastronomic satiety admonishes me that I have arrived at the ultimate stage of deglutition consistent with dietetic integrity” (from Miss Bella Turk’s English class, ca 1924-1934, [...]

By |2022-11-01T09:46:40+02:00March 26th, 2012|Categories: Plain Language|
Read More

Typography for lawyers book review

I bought a new book called Typography for Lawyers, by Matthew Butterick. I just started reading it on the plane and I think it is brilliant. I could not put it down and before I knew it the plane had [...]

By |2024-05-03T11:39:14+02:00January 25th, 2011|Categories: Consumer Protection, Plain Language|Tags: , , |
Read More

Plain Language for Lawyers – An Interview

SAFM (Word of Mouth show) recently interviewed Andrew Weeks on plain language and the law.  Lawyers are said to be one of the worst culprits when it comes to using language that is verbose, but is there a reason for [...]

By |2019-08-24T09:46:54+02:00September 18th, 2009|Categories: Plain Language|Tags: , |
Read More