The word "blatant"

Is "blatant" ever effective in legal writing?

Especially in persuasive writing, I'm starting to put it in the same category as "clearly" and "obviously." It does not persuade. It only draws attention to itself as an effort to sound persuasive. Anytime a word draws attention to itself, it's not good. And the attention it draws is therefore usually negative attention. I won't use it in my writing.

I'm sensitive to it right now as I read student briefs, some of which contain the word "blatant" or "blatantly." I must say, though, that I'm not seeing as much of it as I once did. I guess my preaching in class about the adverse effects of hyperbole and exaggeration are getting through a little.

What do you think of "blatant"?