Heading

To:

From:

Re: Put Client name here

Issue(s)

What is the legal issue(s) you are discussing in the memorandum of law? Be precise.

Brief Answer(s)

In one paragraph, summarize your findings (this section usually is written last, although sequentially it comes third). It should be largely similar to the Conclusion section, but maybe even a few lines shorter.

Statement of Facts

This section contains a recap of the key facts of the case, the facts that are relevant to the legal analysis.

Analysis

This is the section where you apply the law to the facts to determine how the court should rule. A good format to follow in this section is to:

• State the rule of law – this can come from statutes of common (case) law
• Discuss case law that has interpreted the rule of law
• Apply the law to the facts of the case
• Counter-analysis – don’t forget to consider what the other side may say based on their legal analysis. Most cases aren’t one-sided or else they wouldn’t be in court.

Conclusion

Summarize your findings.

Note: Where there is more than one issue, follow this format:

Heading

Issue I

Issue II

Brief Answer I

Brief Answer II

Statement of Facts

Analysis I

Conclusion I

Analysis II

Conclusion II

FIRAC

This guide will help you in answering the weekly homework assignments

F – Facts

State the key Facts of the case. This should be done in a couple of sentences.

I – Issue

Identify the legal Issue the court is being asked to resolve in the case. This can usually be accomplished in one sentence.

R- Rule

Discuss the Rule of law the court is applying to the issue. Usually this is a governing statute or case.

A – Analysis

What is the court's analysis? In short, how does the court apply the Rule of Law to the Facts?

C – Conclusion

How does the court rule on the Issue? The court's ruling is based on the application of the governing law to the specific facts of the case.