While there’s no one “official” font style for legal documents, there are a few court-approved fonts that are considered most easily readable:
Lawyers not being too technologically advanced, they ended up using the default font on the default word processor for all of their documents. As a result, most legal documents (including letters and memos) are stuck in the rut that is Times New Roman. But don’t take my word for it; I’m no expert.
For one thing, because contracts are negotiated, you should use a "system font"—one already installed on your computer—so as to avoid having it displayed on the other guy's computer in some fallback font. And because contracts don't seek to persuade, most contracts professionals don't get too worked up about fonts.
While there is no standard font, some insist on using Times New Roman or Courier; personally, I like to use Bookman Old Style. If you are using MS Word as your wood processing software, you have numerous choices.
When you use a sans serif typeface, your law firm’s brand could come across as more approachable and relatable to a younger audience. What are the best fonts for legal documents?
While there's no one “official” font style for legal documents, there are a few court-approved fonts that are considered most easily readable: Arial. Century (and Century-related fonts like Century Schoolbook) Verdana.
And the U.S. Supreme Court has long required lawyers to use a font from the “Century family” (e.g., Century Schoolbook). Of course, most courts don't go that far. Most courts simply require a “legible” font of a particular size (usually at least 12-point).
The best font for professional documents is Calibri. It is a sans serif font that is universally readable and has replaced the default Times New Roman font. The other fonts used for professional documents are Cambria, Garamond, Didot, Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, Book Antiqua.
The generally accepted font is Times New Roman, size 12, although other fonts such as Arial may be used.
Basic fonts like Arial, Cambria, Calibri, Verdana, Courier New, and Times New Roman work well. Avoid novelty fonts like Comic Sans, or fonts in script or handwriting style.
Serif vs Sans Serif fonts help the eye travel across a line, especially if lines are long. But it's also important to consider your target audience. Sans is preferable for young children, or anyone just learning to read. Sans is also good for readers with certain visual impairments.
The 10 best fontsAkzidenz-Grotesk. Probably the best typeface ever designed. ... New Baskerville. Probably the best serif typeface ever designed. ... DIN 1451. ... Franklin Gothic. ... HTF Didot. ... Gotham. ... Knockout. ... Gill Shadow.More items...•
10 Best Professional FontsHelvetica.Futura.Trajan.Sabon.Garamond.Bodoni.Rockwell.Proxima Nova.More items...
If you work with professional law firm website designers, you will quickly realize there are numerous elements of fonts you need to consider. You need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each lawyer font before you decide which one is right for you. A few important elements of fonts include:
So, what font do lawyers use? There are numerous locations where your typeface might show up on the screen of a potential client or business partner, here are four big ones:
So, what type of font should you use for your documents? It depends on where you are posting your content. For example, if you have legal documents that you need to submit, you need to make sure you follow all the rules and laws. You should typically avoid Times New Roman, and make sure you pay attention to the rules in your specific state.
Even though you might not think much about the font you use, this is actually a very important element of your digital marketing strategy. There are several reasons why fonts are so important. These include:
Your Law Firm font is important, and you need to work with a professional designer who can help you put your best foot forward. If you would like help selecting the best fonts for attorneys, the team from Law Firm Sites can help you.
Fonts matter for a variety of reasons, including readability, making a professional impression, and brand recognition. You’ll want to choose a font that can be used consistently across various online and offline mediums—including those that are trickier to print on like clothing, decals for glass surfaces, and office supplies.
There are seven main elements of font typography that influence impression and readability. A font itself is a variation on a typeface, which is defined as the lettering design. Each individual font represents some change to the general typeface.
Each venue might require different fonts since what works well on the web might not perform as well for print. There are four primary places law firms use their fonts: the firm website, branding and logos, email, and legal documents.
Times New Roman and Helvetica are the most popular fonts to use on legal websites, although these are not the only options. On your website, selecting fonts familiar to your readers can make it easier for them to consume your content.
Many fonts come with access to tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Word. These free fronts are used widely for documents and emails.
It turns out that many lawyers lean into the same font choices when getting a website built. Nearly 25% of lawyer websites use Opens Sans. Rounding out the top five fonts for law firm websites are:
The fonts you choose for each aspect of your business help to tell a cohesive story. Whether it’s in your logo and branding materials or on your website, finding the right font depends upon the unique properties of your brand.
Times New Roman is the most common business letter font, according to Purdue Online Writing Lab. A serif font, Times New Roman can easily be read at many different sizes and appears professional for printed material. Times New Roman also remains the default font for many word processing programs.
Otherwise, your reader might not take the time to read your letter. This is particularly important when writing job application letters, such as cover letters.
If you're drafting contracts, that simplifies choosing a font. For one thing, because contracts are negotiated, you should use a "system font"—one already installed on your computer—so as to avoid having it displayed on the other guy's computer in some fallback font.
Times New Roman and Cambria remain popular choices because they’re available across most platforms. Also a good idea: Build plenty of white space into the agreements, letters, briefs, etc. It rests the eyes and encourages readers to keep going. Short paragraphs, substantial margins and use of subheads help.
Arial can be used in professional letters, and is a good font for letters transmitted via email because it is a sans serif font. A Sans Serif font doesn't contain decorative flourishes at the end of the strokes.. Arial can be read at small sizes and also is most commonly used at 12-point for professional letters.
Footnotes must be 10 point with 2-point or more leading between lines. Any type that does not measure on a typesize finder to be 12-point for the body and 10-point for footnotes will not be accepted. Attached are sample copies of correct and incorrect type. Continue Reading.
And the U.S. Supreme Court has long required lawyers to use a font from the “Century family” (e.g., Century Schoolbook). Of course, most courts don’t go that far. Most courts simply require a “legible” font of a particular size (usually at least 12-point).
But don’t take my word for it. First, read legal-writing guru Bryan Garner’s full-throated endorsement of a book called Typography for Lawyers, by Matthew Butterick. Then read what Butterick says about using Times New Roman in legal documents:
Times New Roman is not a font choice so much as the absence of a font choice, like the blackness of deep space is not a color. To look at Times New Roman is to gaze into the void. If you have a choice about using Times New Roman, please stop. Use something else. . . .