"Many lawyers have eagerly adopted the buzzword "BLUF"-bottom line up front-as if invoking the acronym were synonymous with careful thinking. The catch is that almost no one stops to ask the important question: What exactly is meant by "bottom line"? The answer isn't obvious, and it shifts with context. In military writing, the "bottom line" is a concrete decision or action a commander must take-stated at the very start because the commander already knows the mission, the terrain and the stakes."
"BLUF began life as a U.S. military convention in the late 20th century, when leaders wanted written communications that busy commanders could understand in a single rapid reading. Manuals on "effective writing for Army leaders" and "writing in the Army style" hammer the point: State your purpose and main recommendation-your bottom line-immediately, then supply background and justification. The doctrine isn't subtle."
Many lawyers have adopted BLUF—bottom line up front—as a buzzword without defining what 'bottom line' means. The meaning varies by context: military writing uses it to state a concrete decision or action for commanders who already understand mission, terrain and stakes. In legal practice, the bottom line should answer a legal and factual problem; without a clearly framed problem, a purported bottom line becomes a slogan. Abstract formulations like 'We're entitled to summary judgment' or 'There are no genuine issues of material fact' are unhelpful. BLUF originated as a military convention aimed at delivering rapid, precise recommendations, and it assumes a knowledgeable, decision-ready reader.
Read at ABA Journal
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