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FORMAT

Caption and TitleIntroductionStatement of the CaseStatement of FactsIssuesDiscussion or ArgumentsConclusionPrayer

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FORMAT

Verification is not necessary in amemorandum or opinion.Dont forget to put the title of thepleading.Certification of non-forum shoppingnot required.

Provide something regarding thetimeliness of the filing of yourpleading.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS

This should tell the story that gaverise to the legal question.The facts should have a tone and

structure that is easy to read thatmakes the issue understandable. Avoid unnecessary facts.

Do not state legal conclusions.Note disputed facts.Only one key fact per sentence.

Avoid bias or distortion.

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ISSUES

Major issues.Minor issues or sub issues.Number them and group themaccordingly.Only deal on issues that are raised inthe case.Learn to identify the main issue/s.

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ARGUMENTS

This is the main body of a legalmemorandum.It must clearly apply the case law youhave researched to the facts. Includeproper citations whenever you refer toa case law or other law, such as

statutes and regulations.You should not include any secondaryresources, such as legal

encyclopedias.

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CONCLUSION

Must be authoritatively written.Use strong words.Very short and straight to the point.

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PRAYER

Must contain what you really wantfrom the court.Be concise in your prayer.Just reiterate what you have prayedfor in your original pleading (complaintor answer).

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MISCELLANEOUS

PTR NumberRoll NumberMCLE ComplianceCopy furnished portionGR: Counsel signsExplanation why no personal servicemade.

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REVIEW THE LAW

Use every source at your disposal.Familiarize yourself with thegeneralities of the topic.Top-down research.Find favorable law and unfavorablelaw.

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CHART THE LAW AGAINSTTHE FACTS

Create a chart that lists each essentialfact or event and identify the main

legal element that pertains to theevent.

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IDENTIFY THE ISSUES

Using the chart of law and facts,identify the issues that will have to beaddressed, analyzed and explained in

the memorandum.

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WRITE THE MEMORANDUM

Follow a format and some elements ofstyle.Be careful about grammar andpunctuations.

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EDIT EDIT EDIT

Have someone assist you in editing.If no one is available to assist, tryspending some time away from thememo before returning to read it overand edit it.