1---2name: client-advisory3description: Drafts client advisory memoranda translating legal developments into actionable guidance with impact analysis, Bluebook citations, and compliance recommendations. Use when preparing client alerts, regulatory updates, legal bulletins, or proactive advisory summaries.4---5
6# Client Advisory Summary
7
8Produces a professional advisory memorandum that translates recent legal developments into tailored client guidance with impact analysis and numbered action items.
9
10## Prerequisites
11
12- **Legal development(s)** — case law, statutory amendments, regulatory updates, agency guidance, or pending legislation
13- **Client profile** — industry, jurisdiction(s), operations, and specific legal concerns
14- **Client materials** (if available) — contracts, policies, prior advisories, compliance frameworks
15- **Effective dates and deadlines** — time-sensitive compliance windows
16
17## Quick Start
18
191. Gather inputs (developments, client profile, deadlines)
202. Draft header and executive summary
213. Analyze each development using the body framework below
224. Build the recommendations summary table
235. Run the drafting checklist before delivery
24
25## Output Structure
26
27### Header
28
29| Field | Content |
30|-------|---------|
31| To | Client name / matter ID |
32| From | Attorney / firm |
33| Date | Date of preparation |
34| Re | Concise subject line identifying development(s) |
35
36### Executive Summary (2–3 paragraphs)
37
38- Lead with the most critical development and its immediate implication
39- Write for a non-lawyer audience while preserving legal precision
40- State the bottom line: what changed, who is affected, what to do
41
42### Body Sections (one per development)
43
44For each development, address:
45
46| Component | Content |
47|-----------|---------|
48| **Development** | What changed — statute, rule, holding, agency action |
49| **Citation** | Full Bluebook citation; mark unverified cites `[VERIFY]` |
50| **Effective Date** | When it takes effect |
51| **Context** | Brief origin/purpose (1–2 sentences) |
52| **Substantive Changes** | Bullet list of new requirements, standards, or rights |
53| **Client Impact** | Effect on this client's operations, obligations, or rights |
54| **Impact Horizon** | Immediate / Short-term / Long-term |
55| **Impact Type** | Compliance obligation / Strategic opportunity / Risk exposure |
56| **Recommendations** | Numbered action items with deadlines where applicable |
57
58### Recommendations Summary Table
59
60| # | Action Item | Deadline | Priority | Type |
61|---|------------|----------|----------|------|
62| 1 | ... | ... | High/Med/Low | Compliance/Strategic/Risk |
63
64### Closing
65
66- Note assumptions or limitations in the analysis
67- Flag areas requiring further fact-gathering
68- Include specific contact information for follow-up
69
70## Drafting Checklist
71
72- [ ] Every factual assertion tied to a cited source
73- [ ] All citations Bluebook-formatted; uncertain cites marked `[VERIFY]`
74- [ ] Cross-referenced client contracts/policies against new requirements
75- [ ] Jargon defined on first use or replaced with plain language
76- [ ] Concrete examples illustrating impact on client's actual operations
77- [ ] All deadlines and effective dates explicitly stated
78- [ ] Recommendations are specific and actionable (not "consider reviewing")
79
80## Pitfalls
81
82- **Speculation**: Distinguish enacted law from proposed/pending changes; label each clearly
83- **Jurisdiction**: Default US; flag state-specific variations where federal and state law diverge
84- **Unconfirmed facts**: If analysis depends on unverified client facts, state assumptions explicitly
85- **Length**: Target 2–5 pages; bias toward concision
86- **Visual aids**: Use comparison tables for before/after changes and timelines for phased implementation