| name | legal-memo |
| description | Write structured legal memorandums — issue, rule, analysis, conclusion (IRAC) — for internal use, client advice, or academic purposes. |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| author | Gnostor Community |
| license | MIT |
| metadata | {"hermes":{"tags":["legal","memo","IRAC","analysis","writing","legal-writing","opinion"]}} |
Legal Memo
Write professional legal memorandums using established legal writing structures — IRAC, CREAC, or office memo format — for any legal question.
Disclaimer: Legal memos are analytical documents. They do not constitute legal advice. Review by a licensed attorney required for reliance in legal proceedings.
When to Use
- "Write a legal memo on [topic / question]"
- "I need an opinion letter for [client situation]"
- "Draft a research memo analyzing [issue]"
- "Structure this legal analysis as a proper memo"
- "Write a case note on [decision]"
What to Give Me
- Legal question(s) to analyze
- Relevant facts (the operative facts that affect the legal analysis)
- Jurisdiction and applicable law
- Audience: supervising attorney, client, academic, court
- Format: internal memo, client opinion letter, academic case note
- Length: short-form (1–2 pages) or full memo (5–10 pages)
IRAC Structure (Standard Legal Analysis)
Issue: What legal question does this memo address?
Rule: What is the applicable law? (statute, regulation, case law)
Analysis: How does the rule apply to the facts?
- Arguments for each side
- Weight of authority
- Key distinctions
Conclusion: What is the answer to the issue?
Office Memo Format
MEMORANDUM
TO: [Recipient]
FROM: [Author]
DATE: [Date]
RE: [Subject — the legal question in one sentence]
---
## QUESTION PRESENTED
[One sentence statement of the legal issue in the context of the facts]
## BRIEF ANSWER
[One paragraph direct answer — the conclusion first, then the key reason]
## FACTS
[Operative facts — only those legally relevant to the analysis]
## DISCUSSION
### Issue 1: [Subheading]
**Rule:** [Applicable law stated]
**Analysis:**
[Application of rule to facts; competing arguments; weight of authority]
**Conclusion on Issue 1:** [Direct answer]
### Issue 2: [Subheading]
[Repeat structure]
## CONCLUSION
[Overall answer to the Question Presented; recommended course of action if applicable]
Client Opinion Letter Format
Formal version for external use:
- Formal salutation and client identification
- Statement of purpose and scope
- Summary of facts as provided
- Legal analysis (IRAC without the jargon)
- Conclusion and recommendation
- Limitations and disclosure
Tips
- Give me the facts before the question — it changes how I analyze the issue
- Tell me if you want arguments on both sides (adversarial) or a single-sided analysis
- Specify if there are time constraints, pending deadlines, or litigation context