Legal Writing

A Real Has Been

Consider this intro to an attorney’s biography:

So & So has been with the firm since 1963. His primary areas of practice include litigation and lobbying.

He has also had considerable experience in eminent domain and election law.

Now, consider the phrase:

He has also had . . . .

What’s wrong with that phrase?

____________
Several things:

1.  Like the two sentences before it, it’s simple. Readers quickly tire of a succession of simple sentences.
2. It’s got more words than necessary. The phrase He also has works better, and contains 25% less copy.
3. It’s too formal. 

Full post as published by Set in Style on May 28, 2009 (boomark / email).