Welcome to plainlanguage.org
Plain language is our speciality. With more than 15 years' experience in running seminars and drafting documents, we can:

  • provide training programs to help your staff write clearly and effectively
  • draft documents—including legal documents—that clients can understand.

    Our director is Peter Butt, professor of law with almost 30 years' experience of teaching and legal practice. Peter holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws and Doctor of Laws from the University of Sydney. He is admitted as a legal practitioner (Australia) and is an honorary member of the Inner Temple (UK).

    Peter was a founding director of the Centre for Plain Legal Language at the University of Sydney. He lectures to lawyers and students in legal drafting. He has given seminars in the techniques of plain language in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Malta, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. His clients include many leading law firms and important government bodies. He is a regular contributor to the Australian Law Journal.

    In 2009, Peter was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Plain Language International Network (PLAIN) for his pioneering efforts in plain legal language.

    Peter's books include Modern Legal Drafting (published by Cambridge University Press, now in its second edition), The Elements of Drafting (10th edition), Land Law (now in its 6th edition) and Contract for Sale of Land (now in its 2nd edition). Peter is also co-editor of Butterworths Australian Legal Dictionary. He is a past President of Clarity, an international plain language organisation.