Client Advisory

---
name: client-advisory
description: 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.
---

# Client Advisory Summary

Produces a professional advisory memorandum that translates recent legal developments into tailored client guidance with impact analysis and numbered action items.

## Prerequisites

- **Legal development(s)** — case law, statutory amendments, regulatory updates, agency guidance, or pending legislation
- **Client profile** — industry, jurisdiction(s), operations, and specific legal concerns
- **Client materials** (if available) — contracts, policies, prior advisories, compliance frameworks
- **Effective dates and deadlines** — time-sensitive compliance windows

## Quick Start

1. Gather inputs (developments, client profile, deadlines)
2. Draft header and executive summary
3. Analyze each development using the body framework below
4. Build the recommendations summary table
5. Run the drafting checklist before delivery

## Output Structure

### Header

| Field | Content |
|-------|---------|
| To | Client name / matter ID |
| From | Attorney / firm |
| Date | Date of preparation |
| Re | Concise subject line identifying development(s) |

### Executive Summary (2–3 paragraphs)

- Lead with the most critical development and its immediate implication
- Write for a non-lawyer audience while preserving legal precision
- State the bottom line: what changed, who is affected, what to do

### Body Sections (one per development)

For each development, address:

| Component | Content |
|-----------|---------|
| **Development** | What changed — statute, rule, holding, agency action |
| **Citation** | Full Bluebook citation; mark unverified cites `[VERIFY]` |
| **Effective Date** | When it takes effect |
| **Context** | Brief origin/purpose (1–2 sentences) |
| **Substantive Changes** | Bullet list of new requirements, standards, or rights |
| **Client Impact** | Effect on this client's operations, obligations, or rights |
| **Impact Horizon** | Immediate / Short-term / Long-term |
| **Impact Type** | Compliance obligation / Strategic opportunity / Risk exposure |
| **Recommendations** | Numbered action items with deadlines where applicable |

### Recommendations Summary Table

| # | Action Item | Deadline | Priority | Type |
|---|------------|----------|----------|------|
| 1 | ... | ... | High/Med/Low | Compliance/Strategic/Risk |

### Closing

- Note assumptions or limitations in the analysis
- Flag areas requiring further fact-gathering
- Include specific contact information for follow-up

## Drafting Checklist

- [ ] Every factual assertion tied to a cited source
- [ ] All citations Bluebook-formatted; uncertain cites marked `[VERIFY]`
- [ ] Cross-referenced client contracts/policies against new requirements
- [ ] Jargon defined on first use or replaced with plain language
- [ ] Concrete examples illustrating impact on client's actual operations
- [ ] All deadlines and effective dates explicitly stated
- [ ] Recommendations are specific and actionable (not "consider reviewing")

## Pitfalls

- **Speculation**: Distinguish enacted law from proposed/pending changes; label each clearly
- **Jurisdiction**: Default US; flag state-specific variations where federal and state law diverge
- **Unconfirmed facts**: If analysis depends on unverified client facts, state assumptions explicitly
- **Length**: Target 2–5 pages; bias toward concision
- **Visual aids**: Use comparison tables for before/after changes and timelines for phased implementation