How to Write a Legal Memo
Many paralegals and legal professionals become confused when attempting to write their first legal memos. But once you have written a few, it becomes much easier. The purpose of this document is typically to give your employer an update about a case that is in progress. These memos are important in establishing good communication processes in law practices.
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Instructions
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Create a header. Your legal memo header should include the following fields: to, from, date and subject. In addition, you should add a field for the office file number of the case you are referencing.
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Create a summary paragraph. The first paragraph should summarize the purpose of the memo. For example, if the goal of the memo is to provide an update on a child custody case, you would summarize this information in the first paragraph.
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Discuss legal issues. The second paragraph of the memo should discuss the legal issues of the case. For example, if a parent is seeking additional custody privileges, you would discuss the legal grounds of this request.
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Include a facts section; a few short paragraphs about the facts in the case. For example, you could discuss which facts allow the parent to take on additional custody responsibilities.
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Incorporate an analysis of the case. Locate the cases that are most similar to your employer's case and include as many as possible in the analysis section. For example, you may want to include all custody cases within the state that share the same circumstances as the client's.
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Conclude with recommendations. The final section of the legal memo should include recommendations. This section can be one to two paragraphs concluding the details of the case and offering recommendations based on the facts and analysis of the case.
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Tips & Warnings
Use Lexus-Nexus for research if your employer provides access to it. It's an easy research tools that allows access to many case studies across the nation.
Make your memo concise. When writing your memo, keep it as concise as possible. This will make it quicker for your employer to read.
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Comments
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rebos1969
May 06, 2010
I wanted to know, aare there any writings that are to the structure of writing? Currently i am enrolled into a two year college seeking a segree in Paralegal, and this will do a world of good for myself.
