Define: Memorandum

A memorandum, often abbreviated as “memo,” is a brief written document used for internal communication within an organisation. Memos typically convey information, provide updates, request action, or share directives among employees or members of an organisation. They are concise and formatted with headings, bullet points, or numbered lists to facilitate readability and comprehension. Memos are commonly used to communicate policy changes, announce meetings or events, share progress reports, or document decisions made within the organization. They are generally addressed to specific recipients and may include a salutation, body text, and closing remarks. Memos serve as an efficient means of disseminating information and facilitating communication within an organisation’s hierarchy.

1. An informal written document. A memorandum may be used in any number of circumstances, but most lawyers are best acquainted with the interoffice memorandum–a document prepared by a junior associate in a law office or a judge’s law clerk outlining the facts, procedural elements and legal arguments involved in a particular legal matter. These memos are reviewed by senior lawyers and judges who use them to decide how to proceed with the case.
2. Any written record, including a letter or note, that proves that a contract exists between two parties. This type of memo may be enough to validate an oral (spoken) contract that would otherwise be unenforceable because of the statute of frauds. (Under the statute of frauds, an oral contract is invalid if it can’t be completed within one year from the date the contract is made.)

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.