---
name: legal-memo-dhsustainer
title: Legal Memo
description: Write structured legal memorandums — issue, rule, analysis, conclusion (IRAC) — for internal use, client advice, or academic purposes.
author: DHsustainer
author_url: https://github.com/DHsustainer/gnostor/tree/main/skills/legal/legal-memo
license: MIT
version: 0.1.0
execution_mode: open
jurisdiction: general
practice: general
language: en
---

# 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

```markdown
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