The easiest decision a reader can make is to stop reading, writes Bret Stephens in Tips for Aspiring Op-Ed Writers. That’s why every sentence must grab her attention, starting with the very first one. Because the only reason you’re writing is to be read:

Get to the point: Why does your topic matter? Why should it matter today? And why should the reader care what you, of all people, have to say about it?

Stephens wasn’t writing with lawyers in mind, but they can learn a great deal from his 15 tips, beginning with how to write so people will read their work, then keep coming back for more. Read the post. Start making your work worth reading. You’ll be glad you did.