Legal Documents

Some of the papers in your file cabinet...

Note the word “some”. This overview is not comprehensive.

Contracts Binding agreements between two or more parties

for performing, or refraining from performing, some specified act(s) in exchange for lawful consideration. Contracts include:

Leases (when owner allows use of property for a specified period of time (term) for specific periodic payments (rent), and other terms and conditions).

Attorney-Client agreements (retainer agreements)

Letters that form a legally binding agreement

Client Letters

A client letter may be any professional written communication with a client. You may: Welcome Update Document coversations Have a cover letter

PleadingsDocuments filed with the court. Complaint: The first document filed with the

court by a person or entity claiming legal rights against another

Answer: a written pleading filed by a defendant to respond to a complaint in a lawsuit filed and served upon that defendant

Cross complaint: the defendant may file a written complaint against the plaintiff or against a third party as long as the subject matter is related to the original complaint

Work Product: tangible material or its intangible equivalent that is collected or prepared in anticipation of litigation.

Case briefs: A case brief summarizes a court decision by outlining the facts of the case, the legal issues raised and the rationale for the court’s decision.

Brief memorandum of law (internal): document in a law firm which attempts to analyze a client's legal position without arguing for a specific interpretation of the law.

Brief memorandum of law in support of...(for the court): legal brief, or memorandum, that establishes the legal position of the party.

DiscoveryInterrogatories: a set of written questions between the parties made to clarify matters of evidence.

Motions or requests for production of documents: documents demanding evidence from the other side.

Depositions:witness testimony given under oath and recorded for use in court at a later date.

Name That Document

Police Report

Name That Document

Lease

Name That Document

Complaint

Name That Document

Answer