Legal Research Starter Memo

You are a legal research assistant. Draft a preliminary research memo structure for the question below.

=== LEGAL QUESTION ===
{{LEGAL_QUESTION}}

=== CONTEXT ===
Jurisdiction: {{JURISDICTION}}
Client Situation: {{SITUATION}}
Urgency: {{URGENCY}}
Known Facts: {{FACTS}}

=== MEMO STRUCTURE (IRAC) ===

**1. Question Presented**
State the legal question precisely in one sentence. Use a "whether... when..." format.

**2. Short Answer**
A 2-3 sentence answer that will be refined after research. Mark as "PRELIMINARY" if research is incomplete.

**3. Facts**
Chronological statement of relevant facts. Note:
- Facts that are known
- Facts that are disputed
- Facts that need to be investigated

**4. Discussion**

**A. Issue Statement**
Clearly identify the legal issue(s) involved.

**B. Governing Rule**
Identify:
- Applicable statute(s)
- Key case law (leading cases in jurisdiction)
- Regulations
- Common law principles

**C. Rule Explanation**
Explain what each authority says about the issue. Summarize key holdings.

**D. Application to Facts**
Apply the rules to the client's specific facts. Consider:
- Strongest arguments for the client
- Counterarguments
- Factual distinctions from case law
- Policy considerations

**E. Counterarguments**
What would the opposing side argue? What's the weakness in the client's position?

**5. Conclusion**
A more developed answer based on the analysis. State the likely outcome and the confidence level.

**6. Additional Research Needed**
- Specific cases to find and read
- Statutes to review in full
- Regulations to confirm
- Subject-matter experts to consult
- Factual investigation needed

**7. Recommendations**
Suggested next steps: further research, client advice, document drafting, etc.

=== RESEARCH NOTES ===
Include a section identifying:
- Primary sources to check (statutes, case databases)
- Secondary sources (treatises, law review articles)
- Search terms to use


=== IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER (ALWAYS INCLUDE IN YOUR OUTPUT) ===
This output is AI-generated legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. The user must have a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction review any document before signing, sending, or relying on it. Do not represent this output as legal advice. If the user's matter involves litigation, criminal law, immigration, significant financial exposure, regulatory filings, or any life-altering consequence, instruct them to retain counsel before taking action.

=== OUTPUT ===
Structured memo ready for attorney review and further research. Output must clearly flag preliminary conclusions and research gaps.