Basic Formats and Components of a Letter

·         letterhead / heading

·         date

·         method of delivery

·         recipients address block

·         reference (re) line

·         salutation

·         body

·         closing

·         signature and title

·         reference initials

·         enclosure notations

·         others receiving copies

Types of letters that communicate the results of legal research and analysis

Information Letters

·         provide general legal information or background on a legal issue

Opinion Letters

·         provide information concerning the law

·         an analysis of that information, and a legal opinion or legal opinion or legal advice

Demand Letters - designed to persuade someone to take action favorable to the interest of the client or cease acting in a manner that is detrimental to the client. These letters include a summary of the applicable law in support of the requested action.

Body of Information Letter - recommended format and components

Introduction / Opening - The introduction states the purpose of the letter.

Answer / Explanation - this section presents the results of the legal research and analysis.

Closing - the final results

Body of Opinion Letter

Introduction / Opening - A sentence or paragraph identifying the question or questions that will be answered.

Facts - a brief presentation to the background and key facts relative to the questions being addressed.

Answer / Conclusion - A brief answer to the question; similar to the brief answer section of a legal research memorandum.

Body of Demand Letter

Introduction / Opening - an identification of the writer or client followed by the statement of purpose of the letter

Facts - a brief presentation of the background and key facts relative to the subject being addressed

Explanation - a presentation of the legal authority in support of the relief requested; crafted in a manner that the recipient will understand

Closing / Conclusion - the last paragraph of the explanation section; contains a standard closing statement or; if the explanation is lengthy; a summary of the explanation, also includes a statement of explanation, if any, the client should take or what will occur next.