A junior lawyer is not expected to know everything on day one. What helps is asking in a way that gives the person responding a clear picture: what you understood, what you checked, where you got stuck and what direction you need.
A broad question such as “What should I do?” may force a supervisor to start from the beginning to understand where you are. When you explain your attempt and the point you could not resolve, the question is easier to answer.
Start with what you understood the task to be
Before starting, restate the ask in your own words: “Before I start, can I confirm that you want me to review the liability provision and its effect on the indemnity, rather than redraft the whole agreement? Is that right?”
If one part is unclear, identify it instead of describing the entire task as confusing. That makes it easier to correct the direction early.
Say what you reviewed and what remains open
Briefly state which document or clause you read, your provisional understanding and the exact point you could not settle. If you see two possible readings, share them. For example: “I reviewed clauses 12 and 14. I read clause 12 as an aggregate cap, but I am unsure whether the exception in clause 14 places the indemnity outside it. I see two possible readings. Which is closer?”
Mention timing when it matters
If there is a close deadline, say so at the outset. If you have several small points, group them in one organized message or ask for a suitable time to discuss them. Do not wait until the last minute if an unresolved point is blocking the entire task.
A simple structure for a focused question
You can organize it like this:
- The task: What do you understand you need to do?
- What you checked: Which document or step have you completed?
- The blocker: What could you not resolve?
- Your attempts or options: What did you try, and what possibilities do you see?
- The specific request: What direction do you need, and by when?
For example: “I reviewed the draft and flagged two points. The first is clear; the second concerns the definition of losses in clause 8. I see two possible readings and wrote the effect of each in one line. The deadline is 4 p.m.; could you confirm which approach I should use?”
Ask clearly and protect client confidentiality
Share only what is needed to explain the question, using the channel approved by your workplace. Avoid sending client data or case details through a public or unsuitable channel. If you are unsure whether a document or fact can be shared, ask how it should be handled first.
A good question does not mean you must solve the task alone before seeking help. It means showing your reasoning, identifying what is missing and asking for direction you can act on. With practice, a clear question saves time for you and the team, and reduces the chance of continuing in the wrong direction.
You may also find The Two-Minute Legal Research Memo useful for presenting the question, analysis and open points clearly.
The wording examples are hypothetical and should be adapted to your workplace’s procedures and policies.