legal-memo

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