# Research brief

**Ask for this when:** an email or a matter raises a legal question you
need to research, and you want the question written up properly before
you take it to Vincent.

> "This email raises a limitations issue - write me a research prompt."
> "What do I need to look up on the Delgado matter?"
> "Prepare a Vincent prompt for the coverage question in this thread."

## What it does

It reads the email and the matter, states the research question back to
you in one sentence so you can confirm it, and then writes a complete
prompt for Vincent: the jurisdiction and where the case stands, the
facts that matter stated neutrally, the precise question, and a list of
what the memo should contain - the governing rule with primary
authority, the elements, the other side's best authority, any split or
recent change, a check that every citation is still good law, and a
short practical answer. You copy the block and paste it into Vincent in
Clio Work or at vlex.com.

Then it offers to put a research task on the matter, due by the
relevant deadline, and only does so if you say yes.

## What it can't do

- It cannot reach Vincent, run the research, or read the answer. Vincent
  and this assistant don't talk to each other; you are the link.
- It does not state the law itself, and nothing it writes is legal
  research. The prompt asks Vincent to confirm each citation, but you
  check every citation before relying on it.
- If the file doesn't say which jurisdiction applies, it asks rather
  than guessing.
- Names, addresses, and details the question doesn't turn on are left
  out of the prompt on purpose, so it is safe to paste anywhere.