• Defines terms and addresses common misconceptions associated with certain terminology (e.g., transgender, not transgendered);
• Outlines techniques to reflect inclusivity and gender neutrality, including review of honorifics, greetings, and pronouns;
• Provides examples of how to incorporate gender inclusivity into one’s own writing style; and
• Provides a list of resources for legal writers who want to learn more.

Gender-inclusive legal writing demonstrates a high level of professionalism and commitment to justice. It shows the writer’s commitment to the ideals underlying the legal profession and respect for their audience. Inclusive language is important because it recognizes diversity and seeks to avoid discriminatory terminology. Inclusive language does not discourage a writer from discussing differences when it is important to do so. Instead, it asks that a writer not exclude and marginalize people by drawing differences or using exclusionary language where differences are immaterial to the information being conveyed. More specifically, it respects ability, Indigeneity, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and other attributes of personal identity that have been used to discriminate against and marginalize persons with those attributes. The Guide supports all legal writers in this goal–from long-term practitioners seeking to learn a new way of writing, to new lawyers beginning their careers with best practices.”