How do I create a Legal Memo? What are the parts? What does one look like?
Answer
Paralegals are often required to draft legal memos. The sections of a legal memorandum are:
- Heading or Caption
- Facts
- Issue(s) Presented
- Brief Answer
- Reasoning or Discussion
- Conclusion
**Click HERE to view a Legal Memo Template**
The Caption appears at the top of the page and contains this information:
The Facts section of the memo provides a formal and objective description of the legally significant facts in your research question.
The Issue(s) Presented is the subject of the memo presented as a question; How does the relevant law apply to the key facts of the research question?
Beginning with a conclusion (yes, no, probably yes, etc.), the Brief Answer provides an explanation of the reasons for your conclusion. This section is no more than four to five sentences.
The Reasoning or Discussion section educates the reader about the applicable legal principles, illustrates how those principles apply to the relevant facts, and explores any likely counterarguments. This section is the heart of the memo.
This is followed by a restatement of the Conclusion.
Click HERE to view a Legal Memo Template.
You can find more information on the Justice Studies Guide.
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