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LEGAL-WRITING5 MIN READ

Make the Parenthetical Do Work

Write explanatory parentheticals that connect authority to the proposition being supported.

The case is strong, but the parenthetical only says the outcome. Build parentheticals proposition-backward: proposition -> needed proof -> relevant fact or reasoning. The common trap is writing a parenthetical that repeats the holding without explaining why the authority supports your specific sentence. Before - generic See Lane (holding injunction appropriate). After - useful See Lane (granting injunction where former employee exported restricted customer list and contacted the same accounts within one week). Step 1 - Identify proposition Proposition: rapid misuse of restricted customer data supports emergency relief. The parenthetical must support this proposition, not merely report that Lane exists.…

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