Sign-offs

When composing an email to opposing counsel, a young lawyer needs to calibrate the message’s tone very carefully. Of particular importance is the sign-off at the end of the note. Subtle differences in word choice can lend completely different glosses to the message as a whole. For example, “Best” connotes a relaxed politeness, “Sincerely” has an earnest, formal quality and “Thanks” conveys an appreciativeness that depending on the circumstances may be appropriate. On the more negative end of the spectrum, “Warmly” is typically used only when in an ice-cold rage and “Regards” is generally code for “g* ***** y******f”.