![]() Here we can restate the answer and, more importantly, our recommended actions following this memo. bold / underline to direct attention, italics for quotes, and using paragraphs).Ĥ. “Moving Forward” / Next Steps (section 8) Using subheadings to guide the reader and It’s hard to give tips on getting to the right answer (it really just depends on experience, time and brainpower), but a general rule is to make this a standalone document with maximum readability by:Įxtracting the key statutory sections / case law quotes into the memo This is where we set out the relevant factual background (if known), key assumptions (if any), and detailed legal analysis. ![]() ![]() It’s also helpful to list out what is explored in the rest of the memo (i.e. The remainder of the memo is there to explain the reasoning behind the answer if the reader wants to know more. Some lawyers make use of visual aids (diagrams, flowcharts etc.) in this section to concisely set out the answer. It’s not uncommon for clients to expect to read only these sections to get the answer to their question(s) – so it’s worth writing this as if it’s a standalone document. It should be written so that a reader can get the answer and the recommended next step(s) by reading just the Introduction and Executive Summary. This sets out the answer to the question. considering prospects for potential litigation, responding to a claim, updating company contracts).įor complex legal questions, I would write this introduction out in its entirety and confirm with my supervisor before diving into the legal research. A well-written introduction allows anyone to pick up the document and understand what its purpose is (e.g. to another partner, to the client’s legal team, to a director in the client organisation for approval etc). Often, memos and advices will be circulated beyond your immediate instructing supervisor (e.g. The introduction should provide enough context so that somebody who may not be involved in this matter can understand what’s going on. This is where we state the exact question that this research memo is answering.
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