Most law students can tell you what IRAC stands for: issue, rule, application, conclusion. Far fewer apply it well. The marks are in the application.
1. Issue: be specific
"Is there a contract?" is too broad. "Did Amy’s email on Monday amount to an offer or an invitation to treat?" shows the marker you have found the real question.
2. Rule: state it precisely, with authority
Give the legal test and the case or statute it comes from, in a sentence or two. Do not retell the facts of the case.
3. Application: this is where the marks are
Use the facts you were given. Every fact in a problem question is there for a reason. Say which facts satisfy the test, which do not, and how each side would argue the uncertain ones.
4. Conclusion: commit
Give a short, realistic answer for each issue ("Amy is likely to…"), then advise the client overall.
Common mistakes
- Writing everything you know about the topic instead of advising on these facts.
- Stating the rule and jumping straight to the conclusion, with no application.
- Ignoring facts that point the other way.
I help you improve how you apply IRAC to your own answers. Get in touch or book a session.