Dear 1L,

👉 Get your sample 1L Memo here—

Dear 1L,

As you know, law-school ethics codes prevent anyone from assisting with specific, 1L writing assignments before final drafts are submitted.

I see these memos after-the-fact, when I help students with job applications.

Attached is my best representation of what 1L professors are looking for.

It is based on what I’ve seen and what dozens of students have told me during the past few years.

It’s also a composite of a style compatible with the various acronyms—IRAC/CREAC, etc.—that professors teach.

***
Caveats:

1️⃣ The facts, law, court cases, and quotations in the Sample are fictional.

—Please use the Sample for illustrative purposes as to structure and writing style only, not for legal doctrine or analysis (it is fiction).

2️⃣ In reality, litigators do not often write formal, objective memoranda, and they do less so today than in the past.

—When we do conduct a legal analysis, we also usually focus on procedural posture and standard of review. You will focus on those things more in the spring.

3️⃣ In the interest of getting this to you when you need it, I have not created citations or proofread for perfection. (I welcome any typo sightings—preferably by DM. 🙂)

4️⃣ MOST IMPORTANT: If my model is inconsistent in any way with what YOUR specific professor instructs, follow what YOUR professor instructs.

I do think this should get you started, though.

I’m sending you all positive energy through this process.

Fondly,
💌 Amanda

PLEASE share to help more 1Ls. #Dear1L

🗳️ 1Ls: What questions do you have for me?

❓ Litigators: When was the last time you wrote from scratch without good models? (I remember, and it’s not fun.)