NFPA Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE)Legal Writing and CommunicationMedium
A paralegal is preparing an internal memorandum to a supervising attorney regarding a recent court decision. The attorney specifically requested a concise summary of the decision's holding and its potential impact on a pending client case. Which section of the memorandum should the paralegal prioritize for this information?
- ADiscussion
- BStatement of Facts
- CQuestions Presented
- DConclusion
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Conclusion
The Conclusion section of a legal memorandum typically provides a direct answer to the legal question(s) presented, summarizing the holding and its immediate implications, making it the ideal place for a concise summary as requested by the attorney.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Discussion section provides a detailed analysis and application of the law, which is not a concise summary of the holding and impact.
- B. The Statement of Facts outlines the relevant factual background, not the legal holding or impact.
- C. The Questions Presented section poses the legal questions to be addressed, it does not provide the answers or summary.
Legal Memo Conclusion
The section of a legal memorandum that provides a direct answer to the legal questions presented, summarizing the analysis and stating the likely outcome or advice.
- Offers a concise answer to the legal questions.
- Briefly states the holding and immediate implications.
- Should be easily understandable, even without reading the full discussion.
Memory trick: IRAC's structure guides the legal memo's flow.