Write a Legal Business Letter
Writing any type of letter is quickly becoming a lost art. A written letter has competition with today's electronic world of emails and text messages. Learning write a formal legal business letter may be necessary at some point in a professional's life. Not every legal business letter will be the same, but there are basic guidelines a user can follow to write a successful professional legal business letter.
Instructions
1. Set up the layout of the legal business letter. Set the margins at one inch (from every direction). Use the font of Times New Roman, 12 point. Paragraph headings can be used if the letter is longer than one page. Paragraph headings separate different subjects, adding clarity to new topics. Write the paragraph headings in bold.
2. Address the letter. The sender's return address will be placed in the upper left corner. If using paper that has company stationary or a letterhead, a return address will not be needed. The address will appear as:
Full name and title
Company name
Company address
This can be spaced two to three spaces down on the page. This is a personal preference, do what looks best.
3. Begin the letter with a salutation. Dear (name) (add a last name if you do not know the addressee very well). Add a comma or colon, whichever is preferred. A comma is less formal than a colon. Skip the next line.
4. Write the body of the letter in full block style, aligning the letter along the left margin. Do not indent the beginning of paragraphs. Skip one line between each paragraph. Add one space following punctuation. Do not use colons or semi-colons in the body of the letter. Sentences should be less than twenty words long. Be clear and concise.
5. Sign the letter. This format is a matter of personal preference. Possibilities include: Sincerely, Regard, Best Regards or Best Wishes. Then leave space for adding the hand-written signature at the end of the letter.
6. Proofread the letter carefully. Make sure all punctuation, spelling and grammar are correct. It helps to read the letter aloud; it is easier to catch mistakes this way. Have someone else proofread the letter before it is sent.
7. Print the letter on high-quality stock paper. Use neutral colors like white or off-white.
8. Address the envelope. A typed envelope is the best form for a business letter as it adds a professional quality to the correspondence. The return address will be located at the top left of the envelope. The receiver's address will be located at the center bottom of the envelope. Place a stamp in the upper right corner, and the letter will be ready to send.
