In law school, we learned this abbreviation - IRAC - Issue, rule, application (or analysis) and conclusion. I still use IRAC for my practice. When I first get a case, I spot all the issues I can, research the applicable rules and law, analyze how the facts play into the law and draw my conclusions about the various legal and factual issues that help and hurt my case. It’s a simple, but important process, and you should apply it to all your matters.