Legal Memos That Work: From Research to Practical Advice

This presentation provides practical guidance on preparing clear, accurate and useful legal memoranda for assigning lawyers, clients and future readers. It distinguishes a practice-focused memorandum from a law-school essay and examines its purpose, audience and principal components, including material facts, issues, limitations, brief conclusions, analysis and authorities. Practical considerations include plain-language drafting, research documentation, proofreading, deadline communication, secure file storage and responding to comments on written work. The presentation also considers the risks associated with generative AI, including hallucinations, bias and the exposure of privileged or confidential information. Ko v. Li, 2025 ONSC 2766, illustrates lawyers’ duties to conduct legal research and use technology competently, verify authorities, ensure human review of AI-generated materials and avoid misleading the court.