50 ChatGPT Prompts for Lawyers: Research, Drafting, Contracts & Client Communication

Legal professionals juggle research, drafting, client communication, and compliance every day—and ChatGPT can help you work through all of it faster. The key is giving it the right instructions so the output is actually useful in a legal context.

Important disclaimer: AI is a productivity tool, not a substitute for licensed legal counsel. Always verify AI-generated content against primary sources, apply your professional judgment, and never rely on ChatGPT for binding legal advice. These prompts are designed to accelerate your workflow, not replace your expertise.

Copy, paste, and customize these 50 prompts for your practice. New to ChatGPT? Start with our best free ChatGPT courses for beginners to build a strong foundation first.

Legal Research Prompts

These prompts help you explore legal questions, identify relevant doctrines, and build research frameworks faster.

1. Legal Issue Spotter

"I have a client situation involving [describe facts]. Identify the key legal issues that may arise under [jurisdiction] law. For each issue, suggest the relevant area of law and what I should research further."

2. Statute Summary

"Summarize the key provisions of [statute name and section] in plain language. Include who it applies to, what it requires or prohibits, relevant exceptions, and the penalties for non-compliance."

3. Case Law Research Framework

"I need to research case law on [legal issue] in [jurisdiction]. Suggest 10 specific search terms and queries I should use in legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis. Include both broad and narrow terms."

4. Legal Doctrine Explainer

"Explain the doctrine of [legal doctrine, e.g., promissory estoppel, res judicata, piercing the corporate veil] in detail. Cover its elements, how courts typically apply it, common defenses, and any recent trends in its application."

5. Jurisdictional Comparison

"Compare how [legal issue] is handled in [jurisdiction A] versus [jurisdiction B]. Highlight key differences in statutes, case law interpretations, and practical implications for a [type of client]."

6. Regulatory Landscape Overview

"Give me an overview of the regulatory framework governing [industry or activity] in [jurisdiction]. Identify the primary agencies, key regulations, recent enforcement trends, and compliance requirements."

7. Legal Standard Analysis

"Explain the legal standard for [standard, e.g., 'reasonable person,' 'preponderance of evidence,' 'strict scrutiny']. How is it defined, how do courts apply it, and what factors do they typically consider?"

8. Legislative History Research Guide

"I need to research the legislative history of [statute]. What types of documents should I look for (committee reports, floor debates, hearing transcripts)? Suggest a research strategy for understanding the legislative intent."

Contract Drafting & Review Prompts

Use these prompts to draft, review, and improve contracts and legal agreements.

9. Contract Clause Drafter

"Draft a [type of clause, e.g., indemnification, limitation of liability, force majeure] clause for a [type of agreement] between [party A description] and [party B description]. The clause should favor [which party] and comply with [jurisdiction] law."

10. Contract Review Checklist

"I'm reviewing a [type of contract, e.g., SaaS agreement, employment contract, lease]. Create a comprehensive checklist of issues I should look for, including common pitfalls, missing protections, and clauses that could be unfavorable to my client."

11. Plain Language Contract Translation

"Translate this contract clause into plain language that a non-lawyer client can understand: [paste clause]. Then flag any risks or concerns they should be aware of."

12. Contract Risk Assessment

"Review this contract provision and identify potential risks for [my client's role, e.g., the vendor, the tenant, the employee]: [paste provision]. For each risk, suggest alternative language that would better protect my client's interests."

13. NDA Drafter

"Draft a [mutual/one-way] non-disclosure agreement between [party A] and [party B] for the purpose of [describe purpose]. Include definitions of confidential information, exclusions, term of [duration], and remedies for breach. Jurisdiction: [jurisdiction]."

14. Contract Amendment Drafter

"Draft an amendment to [type of agreement] dated [date] between [parties]. The amendment should modify: [describe changes]. Ensure it references the original agreement properly and includes standard amendment boilerplate."

15. Service Agreement Template

"Create a template for a [type of service] agreement. Include sections for scope of services, payment terms, intellectual property ownership, confidentiality, termination, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution. Jurisdiction: [jurisdiction]."

16. Contract Comparison Analysis

"I have two versions of a [type of contract]. Here are the key differences: [list differences]. For each difference, explain the practical impact and which version better protects [my client's position]. Recommend which changes to accept or negotiate."

Case Summary & Analysis Prompts

Analyze cases, build arguments, and prepare legal strategies.

17. Case Brief Generator

"Create a case brief for [case name and citation]. Include: facts, procedural history, issue(s), holding, reasoning, and the rule of law established. Note any concurring or dissenting opinions and their key arguments."

18. Opposing Argument Anticipator

"My client's position is [describe position] in a [type of case]. What are the strongest arguments the opposing side is likely to make? For each argument, suggest how I can counter it with legal authority or factual distinctions."

19. Fact Pattern Analysis

"Analyze this fact pattern and identify the strongest legal claims my client may have: [describe facts]. For each potential claim, list the elements, which facts support or weaken the claim, and what additional evidence I should gather."

20. Damages Assessment Framework

"My client suffered [describe harm] due to [describe cause of action]. What categories of damages might they be entitled to under [jurisdiction] law? For each category, explain what we need to prove and how damages are typically calculated."

21. Settlement Evaluation

"Help me evaluate a settlement offer. Case type: [type]. Our claims: [summarize]. Their offer: [describe offer]. Litigation risks: [known risks]. Help me analyze the strengths and weaknesses to advise my client on whether to accept, counter, or proceed to trial."

22. Motion Outline

"Create an outline for a [type of motion, e.g., motion to dismiss, motion for summary judgment, motion to compel] in [case type]. Include the legal standard, key arguments, supporting facts, and anticipated counterarguments."

23. Case Timeline Builder

"Help me build a chronological timeline of key events for [type of case]. Here are the facts I have: [list facts with dates]. Organize them chronologically, identify gaps in the timeline, and flag events that are legally significant."

Client Communication Prompts

Communicate clearly with clients while maintaining professionalism.

24. Client Intake Questionnaire

"Create a comprehensive intake questionnaire for a new [type of case, e.g., personal injury, divorce, business formation] client. Include questions about their situation, goals, relevant documents to gather, and timeline. Make questions clear for non-lawyers."

25. Legal Options Memo

"Draft a client memo explaining their legal options for [situation]. We've identified these possible approaches: [list approaches]. For each option, explain the process, approximate timeline, potential outcomes, risks, and estimated costs in plain language."

26. Case Status Update Email

"Write a case status update email to a client in a [type of case]. Recent developments: [describe]. Next steps: [list]. Any deadlines or action items for the client: [list]. Keep the tone reassuring and professional while being transparent about the situation."

27. Engagement Letter Drafter

"Draft an engagement letter for [type of legal matter]. Include scope of representation, fee structure ([hourly/flat/contingency] at [rate]), billing practices, client responsibilities, and termination provisions. Jurisdiction: [jurisdiction]."

28. Adverse Outcome Communication

"Help me draft a communication to my client about an unfavorable [ruling/decision/development] in their case. The outcome: [describe]. Explain what happened, what it means for their case, what our options are going forward, and a recommendation. Be honest but constructive."

29. Fee Dispute Resolution

"A client is disputing [describe billing issue]. Draft a professional response that explains the charges, references the engagement letter terms, and proposes a resolution. Maintain the relationship while protecting the firm's interests."

30. Client FAQ Document

"Create a FAQ document for clients going through [type of legal process, e.g., a divorce, an immigration application, a business lawsuit]. Include 10 common questions with clear, jargon-free answers that set realistic expectations."

Deposition & Trial Preparation Prompts

Prepare for depositions, hearings, and trial with these prompts.

31. Deposition Question Outline

"I'm deposing [role of deponent, e.g., the opposing party, an expert witness, a corporate representative] in a [type of case]. Key issues to explore: [list issues]. Draft 20 strategic questions organized by topic, starting with background and building toward key admissions."

32. Witness Preparation Guide

"Create a witness preparation guide for my client who will be deposed in a [type of case]. Include general deposition rules, common traps to avoid, how to handle difficult questions, and specific preparation for these likely topics: [list topics]."

33. Cross-Examination Outline

"Prepare a cross-examination outline for [witness name/role] who is expected to testify about [topics]. Their likely testimony: [summarize]. My theory of the case: [describe]. Focus on impeachment opportunities and admissions that support our position."

34. Opening Statement Framework

"Create a framework for an opening statement in a [type of case]. Our theory: [describe]. Key facts: [list]. Theme: [describe desired theme]. The statement should tell a compelling story while previewing the evidence we'll present."

35. Closing Argument Structure

"Help me structure a closing argument for [type of case]. Key evidence presented: [summarize]. Legal standard the jury must apply: [describe]. Organize the argument to connect the evidence to the legal elements we need to prove."

36. Expert Witness Evaluation

"I'm considering retaining an expert witness in [field] for a [type of case]. What qualifications should I look for? What questions should I ask during the vetting process? What are common challenges to expert testimony in this area?"

37. Exhibit List Organizer

"Help me organize and describe exhibits for [type of case]. Here are the documents and evidence I plan to introduce: [list items]. For each exhibit, suggest a description, the purpose it serves, and which witness should introduce it."

Compliance & Regulatory Prompts

Navigate compliance requirements and regulatory issues.

38. Compliance Audit Checklist

"Create a compliance audit checklist for a [type of business] in [jurisdiction] covering [specific regulatory area, e.g., data privacy, employment law, environmental]. Include key requirements, common violations, and documentation that should be maintained."

39. Privacy Policy Drafter

"Draft a privacy policy for a [type of business] that [describe data practices]. The policy must comply with [applicable laws, e.g., GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA]. Include sections on data collection, use, sharing, retention, security, and user rights."

40. Regulatory Response Letter

"Draft a response to a [type of regulatory inquiry/notice] from [agency]. The inquiry concerns: [describe]. Our position: [describe]. The tone should be cooperative and professional while protecting our client's rights and not making unnecessary admissions."

41. Corporate Governance Review

"Create a checklist for reviewing the corporate governance practices of a [type of entity, e.g., LLC, corporation, nonprofit] in [jurisdiction]. Cover formation documents, operating agreements, board procedures, minutes, filings, and regulatory compliance."

42. Employment Law Compliance Guide

"My client is a [size] company in [jurisdiction] hiring their [first/additional] employees. Create a compliance guide covering: classification (employee vs. contractor), required policies, mandatory notices, wage and hour requirements, and anti-discrimination obligations."

43. Intellectual Property Audit

"Create an IP audit questionnaire for a [type of business]. Cover: trademarks (registered and unregistered), copyrights, patents, trade secrets, domain names, and licensing agreements. Identify potential risks and gaps in IP protection."

Legal Writing & Document Improvement Prompts

Polish your legal writing and improve document quality.

44. Legal Memo Structure

"Help me structure a legal memorandum on [issue]. The question presented is: [state question]. Create an outline following IRAC format (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) with subsections for each major argument."

45. Brief Section Strengthener

"Strengthen this section of my brief: [paste section]. Improve the legal reasoning, tighten the writing, suggest stronger transitions, and ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that advances the argument."

46. Demand Letter Drafter

"Draft a demand letter for [type of claim]. Client: [describe]. Opposing party: [describe]. Facts: [key facts]. Demand: [what we want]. Deadline: [timeframe]. The tone should be firm and professional, clearly stating the legal basis and consequences of non-compliance."

47. Plain Language Translator

"Rewrite this legal passage in plain language that a non-lawyer can understand: [paste passage]. Preserve the legal accuracy but eliminate jargon and simplify sentence structure."

48. Contract Recital Drafter

"Draft the recitals (whereas clauses) for a [type of agreement] between [parties]. The background is: [describe the relationship and purpose of the agreement]. The recitals should set the context clearly and support the operative provisions."

49. Legal Citation Checker

"Review these legal citations for proper format: [paste citations]. Identify any formatting errors according to [Bluebook/ALWD/jurisdiction-specific] rules and provide the corrected versions."

50. Persuasive Writing Enhancer

"Make this legal argument more persuasive: [paste argument]. Strengthen the reasoning, improve word choice for maximum impact, add rhetorical techniques where appropriate, and ensure the conclusion follows logically from the premises."

Tips for Getting Better Results

Include jurisdiction and context. Legal rules vary enormously by jurisdiction. Always specify the state, country, or regulatory framework so the output is relevant to your matter.

Provide detailed facts. The more context you give ChatGPT about your specific situation, the more useful and targeted the output will be. Vague prompts produce generic answers.

Always verify against primary sources. ChatGPT can hallucinate case citations and misstate legal rules. Treat every output as a first draft that requires verification through Westlaw, LexisNexis, or other authoritative sources.

Remember confidentiality obligations. Do not paste privileged or confidential client information into ChatGPT. Anonymize facts, use hypotheticals, or use an enterprise AI solution that offers data privacy protections.

Use it as a starting point, not the final product. AI-generated legal content needs your expertise, judgment, and professional polish before it reaches a client or a courtroom.

Ready to Master AI for Legal Practice?

These prompts are just the beginning. To truly harness AI as a legal professional, check out our free Prompt Engineering course where you'll learn advanced techniques for getting even better results from ChatGPT and other AI tools.

Want to discover more ways AI can transform your practice? Our AI for Everyday Life course shows you practical applications that go beyond prompts.

Lawyers who learn to use AI effectively today will have a decisive advantage in the years ahead. Start with these prompts, and keep building your skills.