# Legal research memos, with an Australian template
URL: https://www.barristerai.com.au/features/legal-memos
Last updated: 2026-11-09
Publisher: Barrister AI

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.

## 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](https://www.barristerai.com.au/benchmark/HLLE-1) 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](https://www.barristerai.com.au/tools/aglc-citation).

## 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](https://www.barristerai.com.au/benchmark/HLLE-1), explains how memos are scored for issue spotting, accuracy and verifiable citations.

Note: A memo drafted with AI is your work product once you rely on it. Check every authority before it goes to a client or a court.

## 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.