"Persuasive and powerful legal writing can only be achieved through clear thinking, clean organization, and the hard work necessary to edit, proofread, and rewrite."

View Professor Swift's research: SSRN Author Page -- Ken Swift

Legal Writing Instructor Ken Swift graduated with honors from Hamline University School of Law in 1995. While in law school, he was a published member of the Hamline Law Review and a member of the civil mock trial team. Prior to joining the Hamline faculty, Swift was in private practice in Saint Paul, specializing in civil litigation.

Swift has taught Legal Writing since 1997 and in 2001 developed the initial legal writing curriculum for, and taught in, Hamline's weekend J.D. program. He also developed the initial curriculum for the LRW III – General Practice and Transactional drafting course, part of Hamline’s expanded three-semester Legal Writing program.

Swift also teaches Employment Law and developed the curriculum into an online course. He has also previously taught Legal Advocacy and directed the Child Advocacy Clinic for two semesters.

Swift has published articles in Legal Writing teaching journals and in law reviews and journals, including articles on Employment Law, Insurance Law, and Torts. In addition, he has published several articles on Legal Writing techniques for practicing attorneys. Swift has presented at national legal writing conferences on the development of online courses.