8.2. Drafting Legal Documents

8.2. Drafting Legal Documents: Correspondence & IRAC

Part A: Concept & Structure

Tip: Hover over underlined text for Turkish translation.

1 Writing Formal Emails and Client Letters

Legal correspondence must be clear, concise, and professional. A standard advice letter typically follows this structure:

• The Reference Line (Re:): Clearly identifies the case or subject matter.
• The Opening: States the purpose of the letter (e.g., "I am writing to update you on...").
• The Facts: Briefly summarizes the relevant facts to confirm understanding.
• The Advice/Analysis: Explains the legal position clearly, often applying the law to the facts.
• The Closing: Clearly states the next steps (e.g., "Please let me know if you wish to proceed").

Tone: Avoid slang. Use "Dear Mr./Ms." for salutations and "Sincerely" or "Best regards" for sign-offs.

2 Structuring Legal Arguments: The IRAC Method

When writing a legal memo or answering a problem question, lawyers use a standard structure called IRAC to ensure logical flow:

I (Issue)

What is the legal question? (e.g., "The issue is whether the contract is valid.").

R (Rule)

What is the relevant law? (Cite the statute or case law).

A (Application)

How does the law apply to these specific facts? (This is the most important part).

C (Conclusion)

What is the result? (e.g., "Therefore, the contract is likely void.").

3 Plain English: Translating "Legalese"

Modern legal writing rejects archaic words (like heretofore, aforementioned) in favor of "Plain English" that is clear and direct.

For example, instead of saying "pursuant to," say "under" or "according to".

PART B: INTERACTIVE EXERCISES

Exercise 1: The IRAC Scramble (Ordering)

Drag and drop the sentences into the correct IRAC order (or use the arrow buttons).

[ CONCLUSION ]: Therefore, the owner is liable for the medical costs.

[ RULE ]: Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, an owner is strictly liable if their dog bites a person in a public place.

[ ISSUE ]: The issue is whether Mr. Smith is liable for his dog biting a pedestrian in the park.

[ APPLICATION ]: In this case, Mr. Smith's dog attacked a pedestrian in Central Park, which is a public place, causing injury.

Exercise 2: De-Legalese (Rewriting)

Select the "Plain English" equivalent.

1. Pursuant to

-- Select -- a) After b) Under c) Before

2. In the event that

-- Select -- a) If b) Because c) Although

3. Aforementioned

-- Select -- a) The b) That c) This / The

4. Enclosed herewith

-- Select -- a) Inside b) Enclosed c) Here

5. At this point in time

-- Select -- a) Now b) Then c) Soon

Exercise 3: Formal vs. Informal (Tone Check)

Choose the most appropriate sentence for a formal email to a client you do not know well.

1. Opening the email:

a) Hi there, just checking in. b) I am writing to inform you regarding the status of your case. c) What's up with the contract?

2. Asking for a document:

a) Send me the files ASAP. b) Please find attached the document. c) Could you please provide the signed contract at your earliest convenience?

3. Closing the email:

a) Cheers, b) Sincerely, c) Later,

Exercise 4: Identifying the Parts of a Letter

Match the extract to its structural function.

A. Closing

B. Ref Line

C. Advice

D. Opening

1. "Re: Purchase of 123 Maple Street"

Choose... A B C D

2. "I advise you not to sign the contract in its current form."

Choose... A B C D

3. "Thank you for instructing us in this matter."

Choose... A B C D

4. "I look forward to hearing from you."

Choose... A B C D

Exercise 5: Text Editor (Drafting an Opening)

Scenario: You are a lawyer. You are sending a draft contract to your client, Mr. Jones, for him to read.
Task: Write the opening sentence referring to the attachment.

Suggested Answer: "Please find attached the draft contract for your review."
(Or: "I am attaching the draft contract...")

Exercise 1: 3 (Issue) -> 2 (Rule) -> 4 (Application) -> 1 (Conclusion).

Exercise 2: 1-b (Under), 2-a (If), 3-c (This/The), 4-b (Enclosed), 5-a (Now).

Exercise 3: 1-b, 2-c, 3-b.

Exercise 4: 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A.

Exercise 5: "Please find attached..." or "I am attaching..."