Paralegal Certification PrepLegal Research and WritingEasy
A paralegal is tasked with drafting a legal memorandum for a senior attorney. The memorandum needs to analyze the application of a specific statute to a client's factual scenario and conclude with a recommendation. Which of the following sections is typically found immediately following the 'Question Presented' in a standard legal memorandum?
- AConclusion
- BStatement of Facts
- CArgument
- DDiscussion
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Statement of Facts
In a standard legal memorandum, the 'Statement of Facts' section always follows the 'Question Presented' to provide context before the legal analysis begins.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Conclusion summarizes the analysis and recommendation, appearing at the end of the memorandum.
- C. An 'Argument' section is more typical of a brief, not a neutral legal memorandum.
- D. The Discussion section contains the legal analysis and application, coming after the facts.
Legal Memorandum Structure
A formal document analyzing a legal question based on specific facts and legal authority, typically advising a supervising attorney.
- Objective analysis of law and facts.
- Standardized format for clarity and efficiency.
- Used for internal legal advice.
Memory trick: Remember, 'IRAC' helps with the Discussion, but the memo starts with facts!