List and define the four types of legal correspondence. Give examples of each.

The four types of legal correspondence are:
• Informative letter-A letter that conveys information to another person. An example of an informative letter is a letter written to inform a client about current developments in a case.
• Confirmation letter-A letter that puts into written form the contents of an oral discussion.
It provides a permanent record of the conversation and safeguards against misinterpretation or misunderstandings of what was communicated orally. An example of a confirmation letter would be a letter written to confirm the settlement of a lawsuit that was negotiated orally.
• Opinion letters-The function of opinion letters is to provide information and legal advice. Opinion letters give a legal opinion about a matter discussed. Attorneys providing opinion letters are required to give a detailed analysis of the law and bring the analysis to a conclusion, setting forth the firm's opinion on the matter. Opinion letters may also be used to inform a client of the legal validity of a specific action. An example of an opinion letter would be an attorney preparing a letter to a client explaining the legal ramifications of accepting a proposed property settlement from the other spouse in a divorce action.
• Demand letters-Letters that are adversarial in nature and seek to advance the interests of a client. Usually, a demand letter attempts to persuade the reader to accept the position most favorable to the client. A demand letter should adopt a serious and persuasive tone, and the client's demand must not be frivolous. It should not come across as unreasonable or harassing. An example of a demand letter would be an attorney drafting a letter to a client's debtor, demanding payment for an amount owed under a contract.