The City of Philadelphia's Law Department has rolled out an updated version of its Inclusive Language Guide, an essential handbook to help legal professionals communicate more effectively and respectfully. This enhanced guide, which is a follow-up to the original published two years prior in 2023, offers an improved format and extended guidelines on crafting accessible, inclusive legal documents.

Why does it matter? Well, for one thing, words wield power. As explained by the updated guide, the way legal pros sling their words around can lead to real-world consequences, impacting not just the folks we rub elbows with daily but also coloring the experiences of clients, the served communities, and even the decisions handed down in courts. Developed by the Law Department, the manual underscores Philly's deep-seated commitment to an environment where equity, inclusivity, and respect are not just buzzwords but a lived reality. Encased in its pages are suggested practices to avoid language that someone might see as hurtful or just plain out-of-date.

Anyone with a pen or keys can draw from this well, aiming to punch up their prose with a hearty dose of inclusivity. "Following the recommendations in this guide will help legal professionals and other City employees to be more inclusive in their writing and avoid using terms that may be hurtful or outdated," reads the guide, according to the announcement published in the City of Philadelphia.