Legal Research

Research case law on [legal issue]:

Legal issue: [question or topic]
Jurisdiction: [relevant jurisdiction]
Context: [factual background]
Relevant time period: [recent or historical]
Purpose: [how research will be used]

Research approach:
- Key legal questions identified
- Search terms and databases
- Relevant cases (name, citation, year)
- Holdings and key findings
- Distinguishing factors
- Precedent value
- Trends in rulings
- Conflicting decisions
- Persuasive authority
- Current status of law
- Practical implications
- Citations for further research

Summarize in memo format.

Analyze precedent for [legal matter]:

Current matter: [your situation]
Jurisdiction: [applicable jurisdiction]
Key facts: [relevant facts]
Legal question: [issue to resolve]
Cases found: [list any you've identified]

Analysis:
- Binding vs persuasive precedent
- Factual similarities to your matter
- Factual distinctions
- How courts applied law
- Rationale and reasoning
- Subsequent treatment of cases
- Trends or evolution in law
- Strength of precedent
- Application to your facts
- Likely outcome prediction
- Counter-arguments
- Recommendation

Write a legal memo on [issue]:

Recipient: [who requested memo]
Issue: [legal question]
Facts: [relevant facts]
Jurisdiction: [applicable law]
Purpose: [decision to be made]

Memo structure:
- Heading (To, From, Date, Re)
- Question Presented
- Brief Answer
- Facts
- Discussion/Analysis:
  - Rule statement
  - Rule explanation (cases, statutes)
  - Application to facts
  - Counter-arguments addressed
- Conclusion
- Recommendations (if requested)

Use IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) format.
Be objective and thorough.

Interpret this regulation for [purpose]:

Regulation: [cite regulation]
[Paste relevant text or summarize]
Context: [how it applies to you]
Ambiguity: [what's unclear]
Consequence: [impact of interpretation]

Interpretation analysis:
- Plain language reading
- Statutory purpose and intent
- Legislative history (if available)
- Regulatory guidance or commentary
- Agency interpretations
- Court interpretations
- Industry practice
- Reasonable interpretations
- Aggressive vs conservative approach
- Risk of each interpretation
- Recommendation with rationale
- Path to clarity (if needed)

Compare laws across jurisdictions for [topic]:

Topic: [legal issue]
Jurisdictions: [list 2-5 jurisdictions]
Purpose: [why comparing]
Operational context: [how this affects business]

Comparative analysis:
- Summary of law in each jurisdiction
- Key differences highlighted
- Commonalities
- Strictest vs most lenient
- Compliance complexity
- Enforcement approach
- Penalties for violation
- Recent trends or changes
- Practical implications
- Recommended approach by jurisdiction
- Harmonization opportunities
- Risk matrix

Format as comparison table.

Draft an opinion letter for [matter]:

Matter: [transaction or question]
Client: [who you're advising]
Facts: [relevant facts]
Legal issue: [question]
Jurisdiction: [applicable law]
Purpose: [why opinion needed]

Opinion letter structure:
- Introduction and scope
- Factual background
- Assumptions and qualifications
- Legal analysis
- Authorities cited
- Opinion/conclusion
- Limitations and disclaimers
- Reliance provisions
- Effective date
- Signature

Note: Should be reviewed by licensed attorney.
Use appropriate hedge language.

Create a legal due diligence checklist for [transaction type]:

Transaction: [acquisition, investment, partnership, etc.]
Target: [type of entity]
Industry: [sector]
Risk areas: [specific concerns]
Timeline: [DD period]
Resources: [team size]

Checklist categories:
- Corporate organization and authority
- Material contracts
- Intellectual property
- Litigation and disputes
- Regulatory compliance
- Employment and benefits
- Real estate and assets
- Environmental
- Tax
- Insurance
- Financial statements and debt
- Data privacy and security

For each: specific documents and questions.
Prioritize by risk.

Track and brief on [proposed legislation]:

Legislation: [bill name/number]
Jurisdiction: [where proposed]
Topic: [subject matter]
Your interest: [why it matters]
Current status: [stage in process]

Brief contents:
- Bill summary and key provisions
- Current status and timeline
- Sponsors and support
- Opposition and concerns
- Likelihood of passage
- Expected amendments
- Effective date if passed
- Impact on organization
- Industry response
- Action items (comment, lobby, prepare)
- Monitoring plan
- Update frequency