When reading your briefs, readers need white space. White space is the space breaks created by argument headers, paragraphs breaks, and the end of sentences.

White space gives readers breaks between thoughts. These breaks give the eyes and brain a chance to rest. Studies have shown that readers comprehend text better when it includes more white space. In contrast, pages with large blocks of text can lull a reader to skimming, or dozing.

When you are writing a brief, give readers a new header at least every two or three pages. Give readers a new paragraph at least every one-half or two-thirds of a page. And, where possible, use short sentences.

Robert Dubose, Alexander Dubose Jones & Townsend LLP