Constructing a formal legal position requires syncing case facts with authoritative research. The Build an Argument workflow compiles your matter-specific documents and legal research from the Clio Library into a structured output you can use as the foundation for motions, briefs, and internal strategy memos.
When to use Build Arguments
This workflow is optimised for the transition from discovery to advocacy. You can use it during the following phases of your practice:
- Draft motions and briefs: You can use Vincent to generate the initial structure and supporting points for complex filings.
- Test legal theories: Input a potential argument and evaluate how well your current evidence and the Clio Library support it.
- Internal strategy memos: Summarise the strength of your case for partners or clients based on synced facts and law.
Build an Argument with Vincent
The Build arguments workflow is designed to combine your matter-specific documents and legal research into a coherent legal position.
- Click the Vincent tab in the left navigation panel of Clio Work.
- Select a matter using the Select Matter dropdown to give Vincent access to your case facts and previous research.
- Select the Research dropdown and choose Build an Argument.
- Enter the facts of the argument and the specific legal proposition or conclusion you wish to support.
- Example: "Argue that the plaintiff failed to mitigate damages in this breach of contract matter."
- Update the jurisdiction under the text box if applicable to your argument.
- Optional: Select the + icon in the text box to add specific files from your computer, Clio Manage, or a connected document management system that contains the facts supporting your position.
- Select the blue arrow submit icon to start the analysis, or hit enter.
Understand the argument structure
Select the blue arrow submit icon to start the analysis, or hit enter.
A high-level summary of the core legal conflict, identifying the primary objective of the argument, such as dismissal, suppression, or a specific statutory interpretation.
A categorised list of claims supported by the documents uploaded to the matter. This section also identifies missing facts that, if obtained, would materially strengthen the position.
The foundational statutes, constitutional protections, and case law that govern the matter. Vincent cites specific provisions and explains their relevance to your facts.
The core of the response. Vincent applies the legal principles to the specific facts of your matter, constructing a narrative that connects your evidence to the legal standard.
Secondary theories or interpretations that may apply if the primary argument is challenged. This section addresses potential judicial pushback and provides fallback positions.
A concise list of the strongest points, designed to be transitioned directly into a formal motion, brief, or letter.
An objective assessment of weaknesses in the position, including where opposing counsel is likely to challenge and how to mitigate those vulnerabilities.
Tip: The Areas of risk section is unique to the Build an Argument workflow. Use it to pressure-test your position before filing and to prepare for opposing counsel's likely challenges.
A final synthesis of the legal position with a clear recommendation for next steps.
Direct citations to your matter files, allowing you to verify which document Vincent used for each factual claim.
Verified cited sources with extracts, relevance scores, and citations, filterable by case, statute, regulation, administrative decision, and secondary source from Clio Library. See Verify Case Law With Citators to confirm cited authorities remain good law before filing
Refine your position
- Ask follow-up questions: Type instructions to emphasise a specific fact, explore a counterargument, or strengthen the position against anticipated opposition.
- Edit the Legal Authorities: Use the Modify List in the Legal Authorities panel to exclude specific sources and trigger Vincent to regenerate the response.
Export results
- Download results: Click the download icon to save your argument as a Word document or PDF for final review and drafting.
- Save to Clio Manage: Select the save icon to attach the argument results directly to your matter for firm-wide access.
Up Next
- Litigation path: see Analyse Legal Documents in Clio Work to move from argument strategy to document evidence by uploading and analysing complaints, depositions, and discovery materials.
- Transactional path: see Compare Jurisdictions in Clio Work to compare laws across states before finalising your position.