Legal Letter Drafting
Drafts litigation correspondence that advances settlement positioning, preserves rights, and builds a clean evidentiary record for personal injury cases.
Quick Start
Gather before drafting:
- Case identifiers — case name, docket number, matter number, claim number
- Recipient — name, title, firm/organization, delivery method
- Strategy — purpose, desired outcome, deadlines
- Supporting docs — prior correspondence, medical records, incident reports
- Damages (demand letters) — medical bills, lost wages, future costs
Header Template
[DATE]
Via [Delivery Method]: [address]
[RECIPIENT NAME]
[TITLE]
[FIRM/ORGANIZATION]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
Re: [Case Name]
[Court Name] Case No. [Number] (if filed)
Our Client: [Client Name]
Matter No.: [Internal number]
Claim No.: [If applicable]
[Brief subject description]
Dear [RECIPIENT NAME],
Body Structure
Draft in this order:
- Opening — Identify client, state purpose, reference prior correspondence or deadlines
- Factual foundation — Chronological key facts with dates, amounts, parties; cite supporting docs
- Legal basis — Cite statutes, regulations, case law; connect to client's position
- Damages (if applicable) — Itemized monetary damages with calculations, non-economic damages, ongoing costs
- Demand & deadline — Specific demand or action requested, response deadline with consequences, payment instructions
- Closing — Invite communication, list enclosures, provide contact info
When litigation is anticipated, include preservation language:
Please preserve all documents, electronically stored information, and physical evidence related to this matter as litigation may be reasonably anticipated.
Tone by Recipient
| Recipient | Tone | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Opposing counsel | Professional, firm, respectful | Position client favorably; negotiate or preserve rights |
| Insurance company | Business-like, documentation-focused | Present clear liability and damages for coverage decision |
Letter-Type Variations
| Type | Key Requirements |
|---|---|
| Settlement demand | Lead with strongest liability facts; itemize damages; set firm deadline; leave negotiation room |
| Cease and desist | Specify prohibited conduct; cite legal basis; state consequences; document prior violations |
| Statutory notice | Meet statutory notice requirements exactly; use required delivery method; preserve proof of delivery |
| Response letter | Address opposing points selectively; correct facts diplomatically; preserve position for future proceedings |
Signature Block
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Typed Name]
cc: [Client name]
Enclosures: [List attachments]
Checks
- Extract all available information from provided files before requesting user input; use placeholders for missing details
- Verify all names, dates, case numbers, and amounts against the file
- Base demands on documented losses; include interest and costs where appropriate
- Set realistic deadlines — allow reasonable response time while creating urgency
- Never disclose privileged or confidential information
- Include all referenced attachments in enclosures list
- Maintain firm but professional tone — no overtly aggressive language
- Flag in output that client must review and approve before sending
- FRE 408 considerations apply to all settlement communications
- For Illinois product liability: 735 ILCS 5/2-621 governs strict liability for defective products [VERIFY current statute]