This comprehensive textbook covers predictive and persuasive writing and legal research, and is written in an informal style intended to appeal to today's law students. The book walks students through the writing process in short, easily understood chapters and stresses the importance of understanding the underlying principles of legal research rather than discussing the specific mechanics of ever-changing research resources. In addition to the standard topics covered in legal writing and research texts, the book offers chapters on reading, the ethics of writing, overcoming writer's block, and oral argument, and emphasizes at all points a client-based approach to lawyering skills.