MPT Prep Guide

A persuasive brief is a legal argument submitted to a court on behalf of a client. You will be asked to draft a memorandum of points and authorities, a trial brief, or an appellate brief advocating for a specific legal position. The key is taking a clear stance and marshaling the law to support your client's position.

What graders look for: Graders evaluate whether you identified the correct legal standard, applied it persuasively to the facts, addressed counterarguments, and maintained a professional advocacy tone throughout.

• Open with your strongest argument — graders form impressions quickly
• Distinguish unfavorable authority rather than ignoring it
• Use the facts from the File aggressively to support each legal point
• Follow the format specified in the task memo exactly (e.g., caption, statement of facts, argument headings)

An objective memorandum is an internal document analyzing a legal question for a supervising attorney. Unlike a persuasive brief, you must present both sides of the issue fairly. The memo should identify the relevant legal rules, apply them to the client's facts, and offer a balanced assessment of likely outcomes.

What graders look for: Graders look for balanced analysis that acknowledges strengths and weaknesses on both sides, correct identification of legal standards, thorough fact application, and a clear prediction of how a court would likely rule.

• Present the stronger side first but give genuine weight to the opposing analysis
• Use IRAC or CRAC structure for each issue to keep your analysis organized
• Cite specific facts from the File when applying the law — do not speak in generalities
• Conclude with a realistic prediction, noting any uncertainties

A client letter explains a legal situation, options, or advice in plain language that a non-lawyer can understand. You must translate complex legal concepts into accessible terms while remaining accurate. The tone should be professional but approachable, and you should address the client's specific concerns as outlined in the task memo.

What graders look for: Graders assess whether you explained the law accurately in layperson terms, addressed the client's specific questions, outlined options and consequences clearly, and maintained an appropriate professional tone.

• Avoid legal jargon — if you must use a legal term, define it immediately
• Structure the letter around the client's questions, not around legal issues
• Be direct about risks and uncertainties without being alarmist
• Include a clear recommendation or next steps at the end of the letter

A discovery plan outlines the information-gathering strategy for litigation. You will be asked to identify what facts are needed, what discovery methods to use (interrogatories, depositions, document requests, requests for admission), and why each piece of discovery is relevant to the legal issues in the case.

What graders look for: Graders evaluate whether you identified the key factual gaps, chose appropriate discovery tools for each type of information, explained why each discovery request is relevant, and organized the plan logically.

• Start by listing the elements you need to prove and the facts still missing
• Match the discovery method to the type of information sought — depositions for testimony, document requests for records
• Explain the strategic purpose of each request, not just what you want
• Prioritize the most critical discovery items first

Drafting tasks require you to create or revise a legal document such as a will, contract provision, statute, or set of jury instructions. You must translate the client's objectives into precise legal language that accomplishes their goals while complying with applicable law. Attention to detail and technical precision are paramount.

What graders look for: Graders look for precise language that accomplishes the client's stated objectives, compliance with applicable legal requirements, internal consistency, and proper document formatting as specified in the task memo.

• Read the Library materials carefully for mandatory legal requirements and formalities
• Use the existing document format or template if one is provided in the File
• Define all key terms and ensure consistent usage throughout the document
• Address contingencies — what happens if a condition is not met or a party fails to perform

An opinion letter is a formal document in which an attorney provides a legal opinion on a specific question, typically for a client making a business or transactional decision. It requires thorough legal analysis presented in a definitive, authoritative tone. The letter must clearly state the question presented, the applicable law, the analysis, and the attorney's conclusion.

What graders look for: Graders evaluate the thoroughness of your legal analysis, the clarity of your opinion, whether you identified relevant qualifications or limitations, and whether the format follows professional conventions.

• State the scope of your opinion clearly — what you were asked and what you are not addressing
• Identify the specific documents and facts you relied upon in forming the opinion
• Note any assumptions or qualifications that limit your opinion
• Be definitive in your conclusion — the client needs a clear answer, not hedging