LEGAL WRITING SKELETONS
EMAIL:
[OPENING]
Subject: [client name/matter] (Draft)
Dear Partner,
A draft email for you to send to [client] is below. Please do let me know if there is anything further that I
can assist you with.
Kind regards,
Candidate
[DRAFT EMAIL]
Dear X
Thank you for your call/email earlier today. As requested, I am writing to provide/address… /I have
outlined my advice on your [number] key concerns in detail below.
Executive summary (if relevant) e.g. In summary,
Heading
Outline legal position
Apply it to the facts
Heading
Outline legal position
Apply it to the facts
In conclusion, …
I hope this helps explain the position. Please do contact me by phone or email if you have any further
questions
/ Please let me know if I can provide further clarity on the above, or if you have any further questions.
Yours sincerely,
Partner
, LETTER:
[Address of the FIRM]
[Address of the CLIENT]
[Date]
Subject line in bold/underlined
Dear X,
Further to our telephone conversation, I am writing to advise you in relation to… / I will address the
matter with reference to…
Empathy line – something recognising their position e.g. I hope to put you at ease following this advice.
Exec summary – The most likely outcome here is… see below, for my detailed advice on this matter. Or go
straight into subheadings if relevant.
Subheading – put the topic you’re discussing in as simple words as possible
- Set out the issue/ or just the law on the issue , then apply to the facts.
I hope the above clarifies the position for you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything
you would like to discuss.
Yours sincerely,
Partner
EMAIL:
[OPENING]
Subject: [client name/matter] (Draft)
Dear Partner,
A draft email for you to send to [client] is below. Please do let me know if there is anything further that I
can assist you with.
Kind regards,
Candidate
[DRAFT EMAIL]
Dear X
Thank you for your call/email earlier today. As requested, I am writing to provide/address… /I have
outlined my advice on your [number] key concerns in detail below.
Executive summary (if relevant) e.g. In summary,
Heading
Outline legal position
Apply it to the facts
Heading
Outline legal position
Apply it to the facts
In conclusion, …
I hope this helps explain the position. Please do contact me by phone or email if you have any further
questions
/ Please let me know if I can provide further clarity on the above, or if you have any further questions.
Yours sincerely,
Partner
, LETTER:
[Address of the FIRM]
[Address of the CLIENT]
[Date]
Subject line in bold/underlined
Dear X,
Further to our telephone conversation, I am writing to advise you in relation to… / I will address the
matter with reference to…
Empathy line – something recognising their position e.g. I hope to put you at ease following this advice.
Exec summary – The most likely outcome here is… see below, for my detailed advice on this matter. Or go
straight into subheadings if relevant.
Subheading – put the topic you’re discussing in as simple words as possible
- Set out the issue/ or just the law on the issue , then apply to the facts.
I hope the above clarifies the position for you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything
you would like to discuss.
Yours sincerely,
Partner
