1

The structure of an email of advice

Subject:

Dear Mr. / Ms. …..,

(p.1. Opening paragraph) Thank you for coming to see me on… when we discussed …. I am writing to summarize
our discussion and to confirm your instructions.

(p.2. Summary of facts) You told me that… Under the clause…of the contract ….. were to give you …so that you
could… X failed to …. by the agreed date. Now you wish to terminate the contract.

(p.3. The legal issue(s)) The legal issue is whether or not…is enough to allow …to terminate the contract without
being liable for damages. If the contract term in question can be shown to be a condition… you will be able to
terminate the contract without fear of damages being awarded against you. If the term is simply a warranty, you will
be able to claim damages to cover any costs you have incurred as a result of this breach but may not actually terminate
the contract.

(p.4. The lawyer’s advice) Recent case law suggest that if… the courts will rule for/ against you. Your contract
involves… in such cases, the need for certainty is very important. You were unbale to...as a direct consequence of…
and this term would be interpreted as a condition.

(p.5. The lawyer’s proposed action) I will write a letter to …outlining the above and notifying them of your intention
to … I will request that…I will be in touch again shortly. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further
questions.

Yours sincerely,

…………………..

Email of advice
Subject: Burnett TV Supplies incident

Dear Ms. Staines,

Thank you for coming to see me on the 7th of November when we discussed the incident that took place with Burnett
TV Supplies I am writing to summarize our discussion and to confirm your instructions.
You informed us that after buying a new satellite system from Burnett TV Supplies for educational purposes you
realized that the timer function was broken. You asked for a replacement but they refused. Instead, they offered to fix
it at a cost of £130.
The legal issue is that the defect wasn’t pointed out at the time of the purchase. Burnett TV Supplies had the legal
responsibility as the seller to inform its clients that the price reduction was due to imperfections.
Recent case law suggest that if you were to take this to court, the courts will rule for you. You are entitled to a full
refund or a replacement.
I will write a letter to Burnett TV Supplies outlining the above and notifying them of your intention. I will be in touch
again shortly. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Yours sincerely,
Bălan Melisa-Andreea
…………………..