--- title: How to Write the Perfect Memo Part 3 - The Survey description: Today, we examine the shortest and simplest primary memoranda an assigning lawyer will ask you to write, the Survey. image: https://www.wordrake.com/hubfs/rawpixel-411169-unsplash-1.jpg --- #### WordRake is joining BriefCatch. Discover how BriefCatch Next builds on WordRake’s trusted editing technology — and what this means for WordRake customers. [Learn about the transition →](https://www.briefcatch.com/wordrake) [![logo](https://www.wordrake.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20images/logo.png?width=285&height=18&name=logo.png)](https://www.wordrake.com/) Edit for brevity & simplicity in Microsoft Word & Outlook - [Buy](https://www.wordrake.com/writing-improvement-software-buy) - [Software](https://www.wordrake.com/software) - [About](https://www.wordrake.com/editing-software-for-writing-professionals) - [Reviews](https://www.wordrake.com/reviews) - [Writing Tips](https://www.wordrake.com/writing-tips/writing-tips-listing-page) - [Resources](https://www.wordrake.com/resources) - [Support](https://www.wordrake.com/editing-software-help) # How to Write the Perfect Memo Part 3 - The Survey ![rawpixel-411169-unsplash-1](https://www.wordrake.com/hubfs/rawpixel-411169-unsplash-1.jpg) We've now discussed [how to accept a writing assignment from an assigning lawyer;](https://www.wordrake.com/blog/six-questions-every-associate-should-ask) and [we've compared the three primary memoranda an assigning lawyer will ask you to write](https://www.wordrake.com/blog/understanding-the-primary-memoranda): the Survey, the Advisory Memorandum, and the Issue Memorandum. Today, we examine the shortest and simplest of the three, the Survey. ## The Survey The Survey requires little if any analysis. You merely decipher a document: Here is what the covenants say; or, these are the important clauses in the Proposed Recapitalization. Organizing a Survey is straightforward and simple. You open by stating the assignment, then you deliver the information. ## Assignment What has the assigning lawyer asked you to do? You have asked me to describe the assets that Triton, Mayflower, and certain of their subsidiaries have pledged to secure obligations under the Credit Agreement, dated June 30, 2017. ## Transform your legal briefs from good to great with a sophisticated style editor. Your writing is essential to your legal practice. Let WordRake help you create clear, concise writing. [![Take My Writing from Good to Great](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3365575/db9a14b8-aabb-4be8-bfb7-9e3dfa3ebf55.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3365575/db9a14b8-aabb-4be8-bfb7-9e3dfa3ebf55) ![businesswoman-on-pc-desktop-mockup-template](https://www.wordrake.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Version%205.0%20Realistic%20Mockups/businesswoman-on-pc-desktop-mockup-template.png?width=1920&height=1440&name=businesswoman-on-pc-desktop-mockup-template.png) ## Information Requested You have no questions to answer, and you won’t be analyzing or even discussing the information; so the Survey is complete in two parts. Triton, Mayflower, and the subsidiaries secured their obligations under the Credit Agreement with: - all of the personal property of Henry Iverson and Amanda Iverson, pledged under the Security Agreement, dated July 8, 2017 . . . . Unless the assigning lawyer requests a conclusion or final tally, you need not include one in a Survey. Next week, in Part IV of the WordRake series *How to Write the Perfect Memorandum*, we will explore the Advisory Memorandum and how to structure it to please assigning lawyers. ## About the Author Gary Kinder has taught over 1,000 writing programs for the American Bar Association, the Social Security Administration, PG&E, Kraft, Microsoft, and law firms like Jones Day, Sidley, and WilmerHale. His critically-acclaimed Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea hit #7 on the *New York Times* Bestsellers List. ## Transform your legal briefs from good to great with a sophisticated style editor. Your writing is essential to your legal practice. Let WordRake help you create clear, concise writing. [![Take My Writing from Good to Great](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3365575/db9a14b8-aabb-4be8-bfb7-9e3dfa3ebf55.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3365575/db9a14b8-aabb-4be8-bfb7-9e3dfa3ebf55) [Writing Secret #7: Look for As](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/secret-7-to-writing-clearly-and-concisely) [How to Write the Perfect Memo Part 4 - The Advisory Memo](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/how-to-write-the-perfect-memorandum-part4-the-advisory) - - - ### [Improve Your Writing with WordRake Try this revolutionary editing software free for 7 days. 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Taylor, Ph.D.: A Law Enforcement Expert Witness Interview](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/roy-g-taylor-law-enforcement-expert-witness-interview) [Douglas Seemann, BCE: An Interview with an Entomology Expert Witness](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/douglas-seemann-interview-entomology-expert-witness) [Thomas J. Zaydon, MD, FACS: A Plastic Surgery Expert Witness Interview](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/dr-thomas-j-zaydon-plastic-surgery-expert-witness-interview) **[See All Posts](https://www.wordrake.com/article-listings)** Search this site on Google Search Google ### Our Story ![demo_poster_play](https://www.wordrake.com/hs-fs/hubfs/demo_poster_play.png?width=260&height=120&name=demo_poster_play.png) WordRake founder Gary Kinder has taught over 1,000 writing programs for AMLAW 100 firms, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies. He’s also a *New York Times* bestselling author. As a writing expert and coach, Gary was inspired to create WordRake when he noticed a pattern in writing errors that he thought he could address with technology. In 2012, Gary and his team of engineers created WordRake editing software to help writers produce clear, concise, and effective prose. It runs in Microsoft Word and Outlook, and its suggested changes appear in the familiar track-changes style. It saves time and gives confidence. Writing and editing has never been easier. ×   © 2026 WordRake, LLC. 8415 154th Avenue NE,  Suite 200, Redmond, WA 98052. All rights reserved. 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