ChatGPT Prompts for Lawyers: Research, Drafting, and Client Work

Lawyers spend a significant portion of their time on writing tasks: research memos, contract drafting, client correspondence, case summaries, and internal communications. ChatGPT does not replace legal judgment or expertise, but it dramatically speeds up the writing and research scaffolding that surrounds that expertise.

These prompts are built for legal professionals. They cover research, drafting, client communication, and the administrative writing that fills a legal workday. Always review and verify any AI-generated legal content before use.

Table of Contents

Legal Research Prompts

Research memo outline

Create a structured outline for a legal research memo on the following issue: [describe legal issue] in [jurisdiction]. Include sections for: Issue, Brief Answer, Statement of Facts, Analysis (with sub-issues), Conclusion, and Recommendations. List the key questions each section should answer and the types of sources I should consult for each.

Legal issue identifier

Here is a client situation: [describe facts]. Identify the potential legal issues this raises under [area of law / jurisdiction]. For each issue, briefly describe the legal framework that would apply and flag any areas of uncertainty or where additional facts are needed. This is for initial issue-spotting only.

Case law summary

Summarise the following case for inclusion in a legal memo: [paste case citation or case facts]. Include: the facts, the legal issue, the court's holding, the reasoning, and the significance of the decision for [area of law]. Keep it under 200 words in plain professional language.

Statutory interpretation summary

Summarise how [specific statute or section] has been interpreted by courts in [jurisdiction] with respect to [specific issue]. Identify the dominant interpretive approach, any circuit splits or jurisdictional differences, and the current state of the law as of your training data. Flag any areas where I should verify with current sources.

Contract Drafting and Review Prompts

Contract clause drafting

Draft a [clause type: limitation of liability / indemnification / force majeure / confidentiality / non-compete] clause for a [contract type] between [party A type] and [party B type] in [jurisdiction]. The clause should favour [party A / party B / be balanced]. Flag any key negotiation points a lawyer should consider when reviewing this clause.

Contract review checklist

Generate a review checklist for a [contract type] being reviewed on behalf of [client type]. List 15 key issues to check, including: risk allocation, termination rights, payment terms, IP ownership, liability caps, governing law, dispute resolution, and any industry-specific issues relevant to [sector]. Format as a checklist I can use during review.

Plain English contract summary

Summarise the following contract in plain English for a client who is not a lawyer: [paste contract or key sections]. Cover: what each party is agreeing to do, key obligations and deadlines, what happens if either party defaults, any unusual or high-risk clauses, and the 3 most important things the client should understand before signing. Under 300 words.

Red flag identifier

Review the following contract sections and identify any red flags, one-sided provisions, or unusual terms that my client should be aware of: [paste contract sections]. For each issue identified, explain why it is a concern and suggest what an alternative or revised provision might look like. My client is the [buyer / seller / service provider / licensee].

Client Communication Prompts

Client matter update email

Write a client update email for [client name] on the status of their matter: [describe matter]. Update to communicate: [what has happened, what is pending, what we need from the client, and next steps]. Write in plain English, avoid legal jargon, and keep it under 200 words. Professional but approachable tone.

Explaining legal strategy to a client

Write an email explaining our recommended legal strategy for [client]'s matter to a client with no legal background. The strategy is: [describe strategy]. Explain: why we are recommending this approach, what the alternatives are, what the risks of each option are, and what we need from the client to proceed. Clear, non-patronising tone. Under 300 words.

Adverse outcome communication

Write an email to a client communicating an unfavourable outcome in their matter: [describe outcome]. The email should: state the outcome clearly without burying it, explain what it means practically, outline the options available going forward (appeal / settlement / alternative approach), and maintain the client's confidence in our representation. Empathetic and honest. Under 250 words.

Engagement letter introduction

Write the introductory section of a client engagement letter for [matter type]. Include: a brief description of the scope of work, our fee arrangement ([hourly / fixed fee / retainer]), billing and payment terms, how we will communicate, and what we need from the client to proceed effectively. Professional but clear. Under 300 words.

Case and Document Management Prompts

Case summary for file

Write an internal case summary for [matter name] to include in the file. Cover: parties involved, nature of the dispute or transaction, current status, key dates and deadlines, outstanding tasks, and any strategic considerations. Format for easy reference by any fee earner picking up the file. Under 300 words.

Deposition or witness prep questions

Generate a list of 20 questions to use when preparing [witness type: fact witness / expert witness / client] for deposition in a [type of case] matter. Include: background and credibility questions, questions about key facts in dispute, potential cross-examination areas opposing counsel is likely to explore, and questions to rehabilitate the witness if attacked on [specific area].

Demand letter draft

Draft a demand letter on behalf of [client type] to [recipient type] regarding [dispute: breach of contract / unpaid invoice / property damage / employment issue]. Include: a factual summary of the situation, the legal basis for the demand, the specific remedy sought (payment of [X] / specific performance / cease and desist), and a response deadline. Professional and firm without being inflammatory.

Legal Writing and Argument Prompts

Legal argument outline

Outline the strongest legal argument for [position] in a [type of dispute] matter. Facts: [summarise key facts]. Applicable law: [describe legal framework]. Structure the argument with: a clear thesis, supporting legal authorities (types of cases / statutes to look for), responses to the likely counterarguments, and a conclusion. This is an outline for me to develop, not a final submission.

Brief section rewrite

Rewrite the following section of a legal brief to make it clearer, more persuasive, and better structured: [paste section]. Keep all the legal arguments and citations but improve: the opening hook, the logical flow between points, the clarity of the sentences, and the strength of the conclusion. Do not add new legal arguments.

Executive summary for a legal opinion

Write a one-page executive summary of the following legal opinion for a non-lawyer board member or senior executive: [paste or summarise legal opinion]. Cover: the question asked, the bottom-line answer, the key reasons, the main risks, and what action the reader should take or approve. Plain English only.

Important note: ChatGPT is a writing and research scaffolding tool, not a substitute for qualified legal judgment. Always verify any legal content it produces against authoritative sources and apply your professional expertise before use with clients or in court.

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