Features · Memos
Legal research memos, with an Australian template
A research memo answers a legal question for someone who has to act on it. This page sets out a template that works in Australian practice, and how Barrister AI drafts memos with pinpoint citations to the paragraph.
Last updated 9 November 2026
In short
- Lead with the answer. The reader should know the conclusion before the reasoning.
- Every proposition of law should carry a pinpoint citation the reader can check.
- Barrister AI Memos draft from Australian authority and pinpoint the paragraph. Our HLLE-1 benchmark publishes how we score them.
A legal research memo template (Australian format)
| Heading | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| To / From / Date / Matter | Who asked, who answered, when, and the file reference. |
| Question presented | The precise legal question, in one or two sentences, including the jurisdiction. |
| Short answer | The answer, with the degree of confidence and the main reason. |
| Relevant facts | The facts the answer depends on, and any assumptions made. |
| Applicable law | Legislation (with section pinpoints) and the leading authorities, binding authority first. |
| Analysis | Apply the law to the facts. Deal with the counter-arguments and the weaker points. |
| Conclusion and next steps | What the reader should do, and what further information would change the answer. |
| Authorities | A list of the cases and provisions cited, in AGLC form. |
Format citations with the AGLC4 citation generator.
What separates a good memo from a long one
- It identifies the issues that actually decide the matter, in the right jurisdiction.
- It distinguishes binding from persuasive authority.
- It pinpoints the paragraph, not just the case.
- It says what is uncertain, rather than hiding it.
Memos in Barrister AI
Ask a research question and Barrister AI drafts a memo from Australian case law and legislation, with pinpoint citations you can open at the paragraph. Our published benchmark, HLLE-1, explains how memos are scored for issue spotting, accuracy and verifiable citations.
Frequently asked questions
What is a legal memo?
A document that answers a specific legal question for a colleague or client, setting out the facts, the applicable law, the analysis and a conclusion.
How long should a legal research memo be?
As short as the question allows. Lead with a short answer that can be read on its own.
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