Unlock the Power of AI: Your Essential ChatGPT Prompt Guide for Lawyers

You’ve likely heard about ChatGPT, and if you’re a lawyer, you’re probably asking: how can this AI actually help with my daily workload? Beyond the initial curiosity, can it truly assist with the intricate tasks of drafting, research, and client communication without just adding another layer of complexity?

The good news is, it absolutely can. But here’s the key: ChatGPT, for all its power, isn’t a mind reader. Think of it less like a seasoned senior partner and more like a highly intelligent, very eager junior associate who needs precise, clear instructions to deliver their best work. Vague queries lead to vague (or even misleading) answers.

That’s where the art of the prompt comes in. A well-crafted prompt can transform ChatGPT from an interesting novelty into a genuine asset, helping you to:

• Speed through Legal Research: Get quick summaries of complex cases, explanations of legal doctrines, or identify relevant statutes.
• Kickstart Your Drafting: Generate initial versions of contract clauses, client letters, or even outlines for motions.
• Refine Your Case Strategy: Brainstorm potential arguments, anticipate counter-points, and map out discovery plans.
• Communicate More Effectively: Simplify legal jargon for clients or draft clear, concise updates.

To use the prompts in this guide, simply copy the template, replace the [placeholder text] with your specific details, and submit it to ChatGPT.

Crucially, before you dive in, please read the “Important Considerations for Users” section below. Using AI responsibly and ethically is vital, especially in the legal field.

Important Considerations for Users:

• Confidentiality & Privilege: NEVER input confidential client information, privileged communications, or any personally identifiable information (PII) into public versions of ChatGPT. Use anonymized facts or hypotheticals. Consider enterprise-level AI solutions with data privacy agreements for sensitive work.
• Verification is Crucial: ChatGPT can generate plausible-sounding but incorrect information (“hallucinations”). ALWAYS independently verify legal research, case law, statutes, and any factual assertions. It is a tool to assist, not replace, your professional judgment and due diligence.
• Jurisdictional Specificity: Law varies significantly by jurisdiction. Always specify the relevant jurisdiction in your prompts.
• Iterative Process: Your first prompt might not yield the perfect result. Be prepared to refine your prompt, ask follow-up questions, or provide more context.
• Not Legal Advice: ChatGPT’s outputs are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship.

Ready to make ChatGPT work smarter for you? Let’s explore the prompts that can help.

 

I. Legal Research & Case Analysis

1. Explain Legal Concept/Doctrine:
   Explain the legal concept/doctrine of [e.g., 'promissory estoppel'] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'California'] as it applies to [Specific Context, e.g., 'verbal employment offers']. Provide key elements, relevant landmark cases, and a simple example.
2. Summarize Case Law Thoroughly:
   Summarize the facts, legal issues, ruling, and reasoning of the case: [Case Name], [Citation if available]. Also, identify any significant concurring or dissenting opinions and their main arguments.
3. Identify & Explain Statutes/Regulations/Ordinances:
   Identify key statutes, regulations, and ordinances in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'New York State'] concerning [Specific Legal Issue, e.g., 'residential tenant eviction for non-payment of rent']. Provide a brief explanation of each.
4. Find Recent Landmark Decisions:
   What are the landmark court decisions in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Delaware'] within the last [Number, e.g., 5] years related to [Specific Area of Law, e.g., 'use of AI in trade secret misappropriation']?
5. Elements of a Prima Facie Case:
   Explain the elements required to establish a prima facie case for [Legal Claim, e.g., 'negligent misrepresentation'] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Texas']. Please provide relevant case law examples.
6. Compare Legal Treatment Across Jurisdictions:
   Compare and contrast the legal treatment of [Legal Concept, e.g., 'the corporate veil piercing doctrine'] in [Jurisdiction A, e.g., 'Delaware'] versus [Jurisdiction B, e.g., 'Nevada'].
7. Find Case Law for Specific Proposition:
   Find case law in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Illinois'] that supports (or refutes) the argument that [Specific Legal Proposition, e.g., 'a clickwrap agreement is enforceable even if the terms are lengthy'].
8. Statute of Limitations & Tolling Provisions:
   What is the statute of limitations for [Type of Claim, e.g., 'medical malpractice'] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Florida'], and are there any tolling provisions applicable to [Specific Circumstance, e.g., 'the discovery rule for minors']?
9. Analyze Historical Development of Legal Doctrine:
   Analyze the historical development and current interpretation of the legal doctrine of [Legal Doctrine, e.g., 'res ipsa loquitur'] in [Jurisdiction or Legal System, e.g., 'English common law influencing Canadian tort law'].
10. Trace Legislative History (Conceptual):
    Provide a conceptual overview of the legislative intent and history behind [Statute Name/Number, e.g., 'the Digital Millennium Copyright Act'], highlighting major amendments and the problems it sought to address. (Note: Verify externally).

 

II. Legal Drafting (Contracts, Documents, Forms)

Critical Note: These are for initial drafts or idea generation. All drafted content requires careful review, editing, and tailoring by a qualified lawyer.

1. Draft Basic Legal Document:
   Draft a basic [Type of Legal Document, e.g., 'Cease and Desist Letter for Trademark Infringement'] addressing [Specific Situation, e.g., 'unauthorized use of our client's logo on a competitor's marketing material']. Include placeholders for: Client Name, Infringer Name, Description of Mark, URL/Location of Infringement, Date. The governing law should be [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'federal US law and California state law'].
2. Outline Comprehensive Contract:
   Outline the essential clauses and considerations for drafting a comprehensive [Type of Contract, e.g., 'Software Development Agreement'] for a [Type of Service/Product, e.g., 'custom mobile application']. Ensure it covers: Scope of Work, Payment Terms & Milestones, Intellectual Property Rights (pre-existing and developed), Confidentiality, Warranties & Disclaimers, Limitation of Liability, Term and Termination, and Dispute Resolution in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'New York'].
3. Generate Legal Form Template:
   Generate a template for a [Type of Legal Form, e.g., 'Non-Disclosure Agreement (Mutual)'] compliant with the laws of [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Massachusetts'], authorizing disclosure for the purpose of [Purpose, e.g., 'evaluating a potential business partnership'].
4. Draft Specific Contract Clause:
   Draft a [Specific Clause Type, e.g., 'Indemnification Clause'] for a [Type of Contract, e.g., 'Master Services Agreement'] that is favorable to [My Client, e.g., 'the Service Provider'], considering potential risks like [Risk 1, e.g., 'third-party IP infringement claims'] and [Risk 2, e.g., 'data breaches caused by client negligence'], under [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Texas'] law.
5. Identify Drafting Pitfalls:
   What are common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid when drafting a [Type of Legal Document, e.g., 'Operating Agreement for an LLC'], particularly concerning [Specific Aspect, e.g., 'management structure and deadlock provisions' or 'distribution waterfalls'] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Delaware']?
6. List Information for Document Preparation:
   List the necessary elements and information required to prepare a [Type of Legal Document, e.g., 'complaint for patent infringement'] to be filed in [Court/Jurisdiction, e.g., 'the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California'].
7. Outline General Legal Document Structure:
   Create an outline for a [Type of Legal Document, e.g., 'Motion for Summary Judgment'] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'the Superior Court of New Jersey'] based on [Grounds for Motion, e.g., 'no genuine issue of material fact regarding contract interpretation']. The underlying case involves [Brief Case Context, e.g., 'a commercial lease dispute'].

 

III. Contract Review & Analysis

1. Comprehensive Contract Review:
   Review the following contract text: [Paste Anonymized Contract Text Here]. Identify: (a) the primary purpose and scope of the agreement; (b) key obligations, rights, and responsibilities of each party: [Party A Name Placeholder] and [Party B Name Placeholder]; (c) contract term, renewal, and termination provisions; (d) payment and delivery terms; (e) dispute resolution mechanisms; and (f) any clauses that appear ambiguous, unusual, or potentially unfavorable to [Party A Name Placeholder/My Client] under [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'England and Wales'] law.
2. Analyze Specific Clause & Suggest Revisions:
   Analyze the [Specific Clause, e.g., 'Limitation of Liability'] clause in the following contract: [Paste Anonymized Clause or Entire Contract Text Here]. Explain its scope, potential risks, and legal implications for [Party Name Placeholder], and suggest revisions to [Achieve a Specific Goal, e.g., 'make it mutual' or 'exclude gross negligence and willful misconduct from the cap'].
3. Identify Missing Standard Clauses:
   Based on this draft [Type of Contract, e.g., 'Consulting Agreement']: [Paste Anonymized Contract Text Here], identify any missing standard clauses or provisions that are critical for the protection of [The Service Provider/The Client] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Ontario, Canada'], especially concerning [Specific Risk, e.g., 'confidentiality of pre-existing materials' or 'scope creep'].
4. Summarize Contract for Business Executive:
   Summarize the key commercial and legal terms of this agreement: [Paste Anonymized Contract Text Here] in clear, concise, plain language suitable for a business executive with no legal background. Highlight any immediate action items or decision points for [Client/Party Name Placeholder].

 

IV. Case Strategy & Legal Argumentation

1. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses of Case/Position:
   Given the following anonymized facts: [Provide a concise, anonymized summary of key facts], analyze the potential strengths and weaknesses of [Party's, e.g., 'the defendant's'] position in a [Type of Claim, e.g., 'breach of fiduciary duty claim'] under [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'New York'] law. Focus on [Elements to consider, e.g., 'elements of the claim, available evidence, potential defenses, and damages'].
2. Develop Structured Legal Arguments:
   Develop three distinct legal arguments for [Your Client's Name/Role Placeholder, e.g., 'the Plaintiff Homeowner'] in a dispute concerning [Subject Matter, e.g., 'a construction defect case against a contractor'], under the laws of [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Arizona']. For each argument, identify the key supporting facts (use placeholders like [Fact supporting argument 1]) and relevant legal principles.
3. Identify Counter-Arguments & Rebuttals:
   Our client, [Client Role Placeholder, e.g., 'the employer'], is arguing [Client's Argument, e.g., 'that the termination was for legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons']. What are potential counter-arguments [Opposing Party Role Placeholder, e.g., 'the former employee'] might raise alleging [Counter-Claim, e.g., 'age discrimination'] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'California']? For each counter-argument, suggest a possible rebuttal.
4. Assess Viability of a Motion:
   Given the following scenario: [Summary of Anonymized Case Facts and Procedural Posture], assess the strengths and weaknesses of filing a [Type of Motion, e.g., 'motion to compel discovery of electronic communications'] on the issue of [Specific Issue, e.g., 'relevance and proportionality']. What critical evidence or legal standards support/undermine this motion in [Court/Jurisdiction]?
5. Brainstorm Deposition Questions (Opposing Witness):
   Brainstorm a list of critical questions for the deposition of [Witness Type/Name Placeholder, e.g., 'the opposing party's damages expert'] to challenge their report/testimony on [Subject of Report/Testimony, e.g., 'calculation of lost profits'], specifically aiming to expose [Potential Weakness, e.g., 'reliance on speculative assumptions' or 'failure to consider market comparables'].
6. Outline Negotiation Strategy:
   Outline a negotiation strategy for [Client's Objective, e.g., 'settling a commercial dispute pre-litigation for a range of $X-$Y']. Key known anonymized facts: [Summarize Key Anonymized Facts, e.g., 'strong evidence of breach by other party, but client wants to maintain business relationship if possible']. Identify leverage points and potential concessions for [Client's Role Placeholder].
7. Outline Discovery Plan Points:
   Outline key areas and types of documents/information to seek in discovery for a [Case Type, e.g., 'trade secret misappropriation lawsuit'] where our client is [Client's Role, e.g., 'the plaintiff company']. The alleged misappropriated information is [Description of Trade Secret] and the defendant is [Defendant Type, e.g., 'a former employee now at a competitor'].

 

V. Client Communication & Explanation

1. Explain Legal Process to Client:
   Explain the typical stages of [Legal Process, e.g., 'a small claims court proceeding'] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'England and Wales'] to a client with no legal background. Use plain language and provide a simplified timeline, including key decision points for the client.
2. Explain Complex Legal Term to Client:
   Explain the legal concept of [Complex Legal Term/Doctrine, e.g., 'subrogation'] in simple, understandable terms for a client who is [Client's Role/Situation, e.g., 'an insured individual whose insurance company has paid a claim and is now seeking recovery from a third party'].
3. Summarize Legal Options for Client (with Pros/Cons/Costs):
   Based on the anonymized scenario where [Brief Anonymized Scenario for Client], outline 2-3 potential legal options for [Client's Objective, e.g., 'challenging a zoning decision'] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Illinois']. For each option, briefly outline pros, cons, estimated general costs/effort (e.g., low, medium, high), and probable timelines in simple terms.
4. Draft Client Update Email:
   Draft an email template to a client, [Client Name Placeholder], summarizing the current status of their [Type of Case/Matter, e.g., 'estate administration'], explaining the next steps (e.g., [Action Item 1: 'filing the inventory with the court'], [Action Item 2: 'contacting beneficiaries']) and outlining what information or action, if any, is required from them by [Date Placeholder].
5. Explain Implications of Received Legal Document:
   My client has received the following legal document: [Briefly Describe Anonymized Document, e.g., 'a cease and desist letter regarding online reviews']. Explain its potential implications in plain language and advise on the immediate recommended actions and general deadlines, if any.
6. Develop Questions for Client Interview:
   Generate a list of key questions to ask [Person, e.g., 'our client who was involved in a car accident'] to gather essential facts regarding [Incident/Matter, e.g., 'the circumstances of the accident and resulting injuries']. Focus on [Areas of Inquiry, e.g., 'sequence of events, location, witnesses, police involvement, medical treatment, and insurance details'].

 

VI. Legal Writing & Editing

1. Draft Legal Memorandum:
   Draft a legal memorandum analyzing [Specific Legal Question, e.g., 'whether a non-compete clause with a 3-year duration and 100-mile radius is enforceable against a software engineer'], based on the law of [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Massachusetts']. Structure with: Issue Presented, Brief Answer, Statement of Facts (placeholder: [Insert Relevant Anonymized Facts Here]), Discussion (analyzing relevant statutes and case law), and Conclusion.
2. Improve Clarity/Conciseness/Plain English:
   Review the following paragraph from a [Document Type, e.g., 'lease agreement'] and suggest ways to improve its clarity, conciseness, remove jargon, and use active voice, while retaining its core legal meaning. The target audience is [Audience, e.g., 'a small business owner']: [Paste Anonymized Text Here].
3. Proofread Legal Text:
   Proofread the following legal document excerpt for grammatical errors, punctuation, spelling, typos, awkward phrasing, and clarity. Also, check for consistent use of defined terms if applicable: [Paste Anonymized Text Here].
4. Write Persuasive Introduction:
   Write a persuasive introduction for a [Type of Legal Document, e.g., 'Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss']. The key issue is [Summarize Key Issue, e.g., 'the defendant's misinterpretation of the contractual arbitration clause'] and our primary argument is [Summarize Primary Argument].
5. Improve Argument Section:
   Improve the clarity, flow, and persuasive impact of the following argument section from a [Type of Document, e.g., 'trial brief']: [Paste Anonymized Argument Text Here]. Suggest structural changes, stronger topic sentences, or better use of transitions.

 

VII. Procedural Guidance

1. Outline Key Procedural Steps & Timelines:
   Outline the key procedural steps, including typical timelines and major deadlines, for a [Type of Legal Action, e.g., 'Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing for an individual'] in [Specific Court or Jurisdiction, e.g., 'the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia'].
2. Identify Filing Requirements (with Caveat):
   What are the general filing requirements (e.g., common forms, typical filing fees, e-filing considerations) for initiating a [Specific Legal Action, e.g., 'divorce proceeding'] or filing a [Specific Motion, e.g., 'motion for a temporary restraining order'] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Los Angeles County Superior Court']? (Note: Always verify current rules and fees with official court resources).
3. Explain Rules of Evidence (Specific):
   Explain the rules of evidence in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'Federal Rules of Evidence'] concerning the admissibility of [Specific Type of Evidence, e.g., 'character evidence under FRE 404'] or [Specific Hearsay Exception, e.g., 'the business records exception'].
4. Describe Discovery Process & Tools:
   Describe the typical discovery process in [Jurisdiction/Court System, e.g., 'civil litigation in Texas state courts'], including key tools like [Tool 1, e.g., 'requests for disclosure'], [Tool 2, e.g., 'interrogatories'], [Tool 3, e.g., 'requests for production'], and [Tool 4, e.g., 'depositions'], and their common scope or limitations.

 

VIII. Legal Terminology & Definitions

1. Define Legal Term with Example:
   Define the legal term [Legal Term, e.g., 'novation'] as it is applied in [Area of Law, e.g., 'contract law'] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'New York'], and provide a clear example of its application.
2. Explain Difference Between Legal Terms:
   Explain the difference between [Legal Term A, e.g., 'a motion to dismiss'] and [Legal Term B, e.g., 'a motion for summary judgment'] under [Procedural Rules, e.g., 'the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure'], and discuss when each is typically used.
3. Explain Latin Legal Maxim:
   What does the Latin legal maxim [Latin Maxim, e.g., 'caveat emptor'] mean, and what are its essential elements and effect in legal proceedings or transactions in [Jurisdiction/Context, e.g., 'real estate transactions in common law jurisdictions']?
4. Explain Purpose/Components of Legal Instrument:
   Explain the purpose, key components, and typical use of a [Type of Legal Document or Instrument, e.g., 'affidavit'] or [e.g., 'deed of trust'].

 

IX. Legal Citation (Use with Extreme Caution & Verification)

Critical Note: ChatGPT’s accuracy with precise legal citation formats (Bluebook, OSCOLA, APA, etc.) can be unreliable. Use for guidance or component identification ONLY. Always verify with official style guides.

1. Attempt Citation in Specific Style:
   Provide an attempted citation in [Citation Style, e.g., 'Bluebook'] format for the following legal source: [Provide details: e.g., Case: Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966); Statute: Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.; Article: John Doe, The Future of AI, Harvard Law Review, Vol. 130, p. 123 (2020)]. (I will verify this for accuracy).
2. Guidance on Citing Electronic Sources:
   How would one generally approach citing an [Type of Electronic Source, e.g., 'article on a law firm's blog'] or [e.g., 'a specific regulation on a government website'], including potential elements like URL and access date, for [Citation Style, e.g., 'OSCOLA']? (I will verify this for accuracy).
3. Identify Common Citation Errors (Conceptual):
   What are conceptual common errors to watch out for when citing [Type of Source, e.g., 'unpublished opinions' or 'international treaties'] using a style like [Citation Style, e.g., 'Bluebook']? (I will verify specific rules).

 

X. Professional Development & Knowledge Management

1. Summarize Legal Article/Update:
   Summarize the key takeaways and practical implications from the following legal article/update for a busy attorney specializing in [Practice Area, e.g., 'intellectual property law']: [Paste Anonymized Text of Article/Update].
2. Generate Checklist for Legal Task:
   Create a general checklist of steps, considerations, and potential documents needed for [Legal Task, e.g., 'preparing for a commercial real estate closing as buyer's counsel'] in [Jurisdiction, e.g., 'any common law jurisdiction'].
3. Brainstorm CLE/Presentation Topics:
   Brainstorm 5 potential topics for a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) presentation aimed at [Target Audience, e.g., 'in-house counsel managing data privacy'] on the subject of [General Topic, e.g., 'emerging AI regulations and compliance'].

 

Also, Check These Prompts:

• For other business-related tasks, you may find our Prompts for Business incredibly helpful.
• Crafting a compelling argument is key. Sharpen your skills with these Prompts for Opinion Writing.