What is another word for legal brief?

Asked by: Prof. Lucious Aufderhar I  |  Last update: November 14, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (63 votes)

Memorandum of law may be another word for brief, although that term may also be used to describe an internal document in a law firm in which an attorney attempts to analyze a client's legal position without arguing for a specific interpretation of the law.

What is another name for a legal brief?

Legal memoranda are sometimes called “briefs”. The word “brief”, however, has another meaning – it refers to a short synopsis of a case. Instead of reading a 25 page case, for example, many attorneys will ask their clerks (or their associates) to summarize a case – or to “brief” the case.

What is the synonym word for brief?

concise, fleeting, momentary, quick, short-lived, swift, temporary. Strong matches. curtailed, ephemeral, fast, little, passing, transient. Weak matches. hasty, instantaneous, meteoric, short-term, transitory.

What is a legal brief in simple terms?

A brief is a written argument submitted to the court. Lawyers often prepare briefs which highlight and clarify certain information or provide legal comparisons in an attempt to persuade the courtroom to rule in favor of that lawyer's client.

What is the difference between a legal memo and a legal brief?

Additionally, while a memo is written for another attorney or for a client, a brief is written for the judge(s) deciding your case and your opposing counsel.

Transforming a legal brief with TypeLaw AI brief formatting

38 related questions found

What is a brief also known as?

Generally, it is a short summary of a position that you are taking... It includes the facts of your case, the relevant law, and how you want the court to apply the law to the facts. A brief is often called a 'Memorandum of Law. '"

What is the difference between a policy memo and a brief?

The policy brief is similar to a policy memo, but the policy brief focuses more on an argument (2). Each instructor might have specific information that would like included in the brief, so be sure to inquire with the instructor or the assignment rubric.

Is a legal brief the same as a motion?

Brief: A written statement submitted to a court that explains a party's factual and legal arguments in support of a motion.

Do lawyers write legal briefs?

In general, most lawyers write their own legal briefs, at least in a solo practice or small firm. In a law firm, particularly a large one, the lead partner will sign the brief, but more junior lawyers will typically have done the bulk of the research and writing.

What is a legal memo?

A legal memorandum, or memo, is a legal document that summarizes one side's interpretation of a particular matter, including: Relevant case law and legal principles. Key facts. Potential case outcomes.

What is another word for brief and concise?

Some common synonyms of concise are compendious, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

What is another word for short statement?

Some common synonyms of summary are compendious, concise, laconic, pithy, succinct, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

What is the other word for briefly?

synonyms: concisely, in brief, in short, shortly.

What is the title of a case brief?

Use the right caption when naming the brief. A brief should begin with the case name, the court that decided it, the year it was decided, and the page on which it appears in the casebook.

What is a word for legal documents?

synonyms: instrument, legal instrument, official document.

What do you call a brief statement?

summary (noun as in short statement of main points)

What are the two types of legal briefs?

Legal briefs are used as part of arguing a pre-trial motion in a case or proceeding. Amicus briefs are briefs filed by persons not directly party to the case. These are often groups that have a direct interest in the outcome. Appellate briefs are briefs that occur at the appeal stage.

What is the difference between a brief and a memo of law?

To summarize, the legal brief is used in the courtroom to persuade the judge to agree with your case. It is more biased toward your argument and lays out the laws and facts in a way that should compel the judge to rule in your favor. A legal memorandum is less biased than the brief.

Why is it called a legal brief?

The word "brief" has two general meanings in legal parlance. As a noun it can be the written argument a lawyer files with a court in support of his or her client's case. As a verb (as used here), "briefing the decision" means to prepare a short summary of the court's written decision in a case.

How long should a legal brief be?

(4) If a party uses a form brief approved for use by the Judicial Council, the brief, including any attachments, may not exceed 25 pages in length. Attachments must comply with the formatting requirements stated in (c)(1) through (c)(7).

What are the most common legal terms?

The following definitions will make it easier for you to understand common legal words and phrases used frequently during a trial.
  • Action, Case, Suit. A legal dispute brought into court for a hearing or trial.
  • Answer. ...
  • Acquit. ...
  • Cause of Action. ...
  • Challenge for Cause. ...
  • Closing Argument. ...
  • Complaint. ...
  • Counterclaim.

What is it called when you win a lawsuit?

A judgment is really just a piece of paper that serves as judicial recognition that this person owes you this amount of money. Unfortunately, just because the judge awarded you a money judgment does not mean that the defendant is immediately going to pay the amount owed.

What is the summary of the argument in a legal brief?

The Summary of Argument section of your brief provides an overview of what the reader should expect in the Argument and Citation of Authority. State the legal issues that must be addressed and highlight the legal analysis steps you took to reach your conclusion.

What are the two major types of memo?

Memos are used for internal communications when the subject is somewhat complicated or if confidentiality is important. Common types of memos include: Directive memos, where instructions are given. Status or progress report memos, where you report on the status or progress of some project or event.

How long is a policy brief?

A policy brief should be clear, succinct, and focus on a single topic. Tips: Do not exceed 1,500 words or two pages in length. Define the purpose of your policy brief up front.