Guides / Research memo template

Free template · 2026

Research Memo Template (Free, With Authority Table)

A memo is only as strong as its authorities. This template gives you the IRAC structure, an authority table with a confidence column, and a one-page verification checklist — so every citation is checked before the memo is sent.

The structure

• Question — state it precisely; a fuzzy question produces a fuzzy memo.
• Short answer — the conclusion in two sentences.
• Facts — the material facts and the assumptions the advice rests on.
• Analysis — IRAC: Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion.
• Risks & uncertainty — what could change the answer.
• Next steps — what the client must decide or provide.

The authority table

For every proposition, one row: the authority, the citation, the proposition it supports, the pin cite, whether it is authority or reasoning, and a confidence level. If you cannot fill the citation, the proposition is not yet ready for the memo.

Authority	Citation	Proposition	Type	Confidence
Case (real)	[2020] AC 1	Duty of care arises	Authority	High
—	—	Breach is arguable	Reasoning	Medium
Statute	s 5, Act 1980	6-year limitation	Authority	High

The one habit

Make the AI label every sentence [AUTHORITY] or [REASONING] as it writes, then scan the reasoning lines yourself. That single instruction catches most of the errors that reach a client. The free prompt pack sets this up in four prompts.