Legal Research, Writing, and Analysis — An Audio Workshop in Legal ReasoningCitations Episode One

Drafting a Law Office Memorandum | CUNY School of Law

https://www.law.cuny.edu/academics/academic-resources-support/legal-writing-center/student-resources/drafting-a-law-office-memorandum/

Drafting a Law Office Memorandum | CUNY School of Law

https://www.law.cuny.edu/academics/academic-resources-support/legal-writing-center/student-resources/drafting-a-law-office-memorandum/

Drafting Briefs to a Court | CUNY School of Law

https://www.law.cuny.edu/academics/academic-resources-support/legal-writing-center/student-resources/drafting-briefs-to-a-court/

From Memo to Appellate Brief

https://www.law.georgetown.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2025/01/From-Memo-to-Appellate-Brief.pdf

MPT Preparation | NCBE

https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpt/preparing-mpt

MPT Preparation | NCBE

https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpt/preparing-mpt

Legal Writing Resources | Columbia Law School

https://www.law.columbia.edu/academics/experiential/legal-writing/writing-center/legal-writing-resources

Legal Writing Resources | Columbia Law School

https://www.law.columbia.edu/academics/experiential/legal-writing/writing-center/legal-writing-resources

Legal Writing Resources | Columbia Law School

https://www.law.columbia.edu/academics/experiential/legal-writing/writing-center/legal-writing-resources

Guides and Handouts | Georgetown Law

https://www.law.georgetown.edu/academics/academic-resources/the-writing-center/guides-and-handouts/

Guides and Handouts | Georgetown Law

https://www.law.georgetown.edu/academics/academic-resources/the-writing-center/guides-and-handouts/

Introduction to Basic Legal Citation (Online) - Cornell University

https://www.law.cornell.edu/citation/basic_legal_citation.pdf

Basic Legal Citation

https://www.law.cornell.edu/citation/

Everything You Wanted to Know that the Bluebook Does Not Tell You Clearly

https://www.law.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Basic-Bluebook-Combined-10.4.21JEL-editsFCD.pdf

Everything You Wanted to Know that the Bluebook Does Not Tell You Clearly

https://www.law.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Basic-Bluebook-Combined-10.4.21JEL-editsFCD.pdf

Everything You Wanted to Know that the Bluebook Does Not Tell You Clearly

https://www.law.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Basic-Bluebook-Combined-10.4.21JEL-editsFCD.pdf

This conversation delves into the essential skills of legal analysis, focusing on the IRAC method as a foundational tool for law students and aspiring lawyers. It emphasizes the importance of structuring legal arguments, effectively spotting issues, and applying legal principles to facts. The discussion also covers the differences between predictive and persuasive writing, time management strategies for exams, and the overall goal of thinking like a lawyer. The conversation concludes with a reminder that mastering these skills is crucial for success in law school and beyond.

In the world of law, the ability to think like a lawyer is not just a skill—it's a necessity. This structured way of thinking is the foundation for everything from acing law school exams to crafting persuasive arguments in court. But what does it truly mean to think like a lawyer? Let's delve into the core of legal analysis and uncover the secrets behind this essential skill.

Understanding the IRAC Framework: At the heart of legal reasoning lies the IRAC framework—Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion. This method is the gold standard for organizing legal arguments. It begins with identifying the specific legal issue at hand, followed by stating the governing rule or law. The analysis is where the real magic happens, as you apply the rule to the facts of the case. Finally, you conclude with a reasoned judgment.

legal analysis, law school, IRAC, issue spotting, legal writing, exam strategies, persuasive writing, time management, legal reasoning, advocacy