For this assignment, you are required to write legal memos on one of the following two (2) topics:

1. Effects of the Covid pandemic on refugee law

2. Factors that are weighed in refugee law cases and whether they help or hinder an application

What is a legal memo? A legal memorandum (also known as a legal memo for short, or legal memoranda in plural) is an in-firm legal research document that is intended to assist the reader with better understanding a legal issue. A sample link is provided here. You should follow the structure accordingly (e.g. To, From, Date, File Number [you may make this up for now, though in a law firm you will use a unique file number], Subject/ Re line, memo body). The memo body should follow the (F)IRAC structure.

What are legal citations? "Legal citations" is another way of saying that you have properly cited your reference material (e.g. statutes, cases etc). When you properly cite your references, then your readers can easily identify your source materials and you can better support your arguments. Within the Legal Research and Writing Guide linked above, you can also find a section on legal citations.

What is the (F)IRAC structure? (F)IRAC is an acronym that stands for (Facts), Issue(s), Rule(s), Analysis, Conclusion. It is a standard legal analytical framework that is used by legal professionals, tribunals, courts, students, etc across North America.

Whenever you draft legal memoranda, you should employ the (F)IRAC structure.