Legal Memorandum

Drafts an objective, internally focused legal memorandum analyzing specific legal questions with reasoned conclusions and strategic recommendations.

Prerequisites

Gather before drafting:

Legal question(s) — specific issues requiring analysis
Relevant facts — documents, depositions, evidence, or client narrative
Jurisdiction — controlling state/federal law
Audience — attorney (doctrinal depth) or client (practical emphasis)
Known authority — statutes, regulations, key case law

Quick Start

Draft header with DATE, TO, FROM, RE (RE must identify the legal issue, not just the case name)
Frame 1–3 questions in Under-Does-When format
Provide brief yes/no answers with controlling rule and key facts
State facts objectively in chronological or topical order
Analyze each issue using CREAC
Conclude with direct answers, strategic recommendations, and next steps

Output Structure

1. Header

Standard memo header: DATE, TO, FROM, RE. The RE line must identify the specific legal issue (e.g., "Likelihood of Success on Summary Judgment — Causation in Doe v. Metro Transit"). Include matter/case reference number if available.

2. Questions Presented

Draft 1–3 questions using Under-Does-When format:

Under — relevant law, statute, or rule
Does/Is/Can — legal conclusion sought
When — key facts driving the analysis

Frame for yes/no or short definitive answers. Prioritize by importance to client objectives. No conclusory or leading language.

3. Brief Answer

For each question:

Open with Yes, No, or Probably [yes/no]
2–3 sentences of critical reasoning
Reference controlling rule and dispositive facts

4. Statement of Facts

Organization: chronological (transactions/procedural) or topical (multiple theories)
Scope: legally relevant facts + necessary background only
Tone: objective — no editorial commentary
Sourcing: cite specific documents, depositions, exhibits parenthetically
Disputed facts: flag explicitly when contested or unclear

Include a disclaimer that analysis is based on facts as presented and may change if additional facts emerge.

5. Analysis (CREAC)

Apply CREAC for each issue:

Conclusion — state conclusion for this issue upfront
Rule — articulate the legal rule; cite primary authority; quote key language where precision matters
Explanation — show how courts have applied the rule using factually analogous cases; explain reasoning, not just holdings
Application — apply rule to client's facts; draw direct parallels to precedent; address counterarguments; acknowledge weaknesses
Conclusion — restate conclusion for the issue

For multi-part tests, break into sub-analyses with subheadings. Cross-reference related issues.

6. Conclusion

Directly answer each question presented
Summarize key reasoning (no new arguments)
Strategic recommendations: actions, risks, alternatives
Next steps: deadlines, further research, litigation/negotiation strategy, information gaps

Checks

[ ] Use controlling jurisdiction's law; cite primary authority over secondary sources
[ ] Distinguish unfavorable cases rather than ignoring them
[ ] Address the strongest opposing position for each issue
[ ] Mark any unverified citation with [VERIFY]
[ ] Calibrate depth: doctrinal nuance for attorneys, practical consequences for clients
[ ] Present both sides honestly — do not hide unfavorable facts or authority
[ ] Recommendations are practical and actionable, not purely academic
[ ] Note where additional research may be warranted