Writing Legal Memos That Get Read
A legal memo is not a research paper. The reader — usually a supervising lawyer or a client — wants the conclusion up front and the reasoning close behind. Most memo problems come down to structure: burying the answer, over-explaining obvious points, or losing the thread halfway through.
What this program fixes
Over three sessions, we work through memo organization using the BLUF method (bottom line up front), followed by how to present competing arguments without sitting on the fence. You will draft two memos during the course and receive line-by-line written feedback on both.
Instructor Bjarni Sigvaldsson brings experience from both law firm and academic writing environments. The feedback is direct and detailed — expect specific comments, not vague suggestions about clarity.
Sessions are recorded. Participants have access to recordings for 60 days after the course ends.Program Sessions
- Session 1 — Memo structure: question presented, brief answer, discussion, conclusion
- Session 2 — Drafting the analysis: using IRAC without padding, handling counterarguments
- Session 3 — Revision workshop: participant memo review, common pattern fixes
Between sessions, participants complete one draft memo for instructor feedback before the next class.