Draft in Minutes What Used to Take Hours
35 field-tested ChatGPT prompts that help lawyers research faster, draft tighter documents, and spend more time on high-value strategy.
Contract Review
Identify Risky Clauses
Review the following contract and identify all clauses that present potential risk to [party name], including indemnification traps, uncapped liability, automatic renewal terms, and one-sided termination rights. For each risky clause, quote the exact language, explain the risk in plain English, and suggest alternative language that better protects [party name]. [Paste contract text here]
Surfaces hidden risks in contracts so you can flag issues before your client signs.
Pro tip: Specify your client's role (buyer, seller, licensee) so ChatGPT can calibrate which risks matter most to your side.
Compare Two Contract Versions
I have two versions of a [contract type] between [Party A] and [Party B]. Compare them clause by clause. For each material difference, show the old language, the new language, and explain whether the change favors Party A, Party B, or is neutral. Flag any new obligations, deleted protections, or shifted risk allocations. Version 1: [Paste version 1] Version 2: [Paste version 2]
Quickly redlines two contract drafts and explains who benefits from each change.
Pro tip: For long contracts, break them into sections and run each comparison separately to get more precise results.
Plain-Language Contract Summary
Summarize the following contract in plain English that a non-lawyer client can understand. Cover: (1) what each party is agreeing to do, (2) payment terms and amounts, (3) key deadlines or milestones, (4) how either party can terminate, (5) any non-compete or exclusivity restrictions, and (6) the top 3 things the client should be aware of before signing. [Paste contract text here]
Translates dense legal language into a clear summary you can send directly to your client.
Pro tip: Ask ChatGPT to also generate 3-5 questions the client should ask before signing.
Check for Missing Standard Clauses
Review this [contract type] and identify any standard protective clauses that are missing. Check for: force majeure, dispute resolution mechanism, governing law, confidentiality, limitation of liability, assignment restrictions, severability, entire agreement, notice provisions, and data protection obligations. For each missing clause, explain why it matters and provide sample language appropriate for [jurisdiction]. [Paste contract text here]
Catches gaps in contracts by checking for commonly expected provisions.
Pro tip: Specify the jurisdiction and industry so the recommended clauses match local standards and sector norms.
Analyze Termination and Exit Rights
Analyze all termination, expiration, and exit provisions in the following agreement. For each termination scenario, explain: (1) who can trigger it, (2) what conditions or notice periods apply, (3) what happens to ongoing obligations after termination, (4) any survival clauses, and (5) financial consequences such as early termination fees or refund obligations. Highlight any provisions that make it difficult for [my client's role] to exit. [Paste contract text here]
Maps out every way a contract can end and flags lock-in risks.
Pro tip: This is especially valuable for SaaS agreements, long-term vendor contracts, and franchise agreements where exit terms are often buried.
Evaluate IP Assignment and Ownership Clauses
Review the intellectual property provisions in this [contract type] and analyze: (1) who owns pre-existing IP and how it is licensed, (2) who owns IP created during the engagement, (3) whether there are any work-for-hire or assignment provisions, (4) scope of any IP licenses granted, (5) whether the IP provisions survive termination, and (6) any risks to [my client] regarding loss of IP rights or overly broad assignments. Suggest protective language where needed. [Paste contract text here]
Ensures your client does not accidentally give away valuable intellectual property.
Pro tip: Pair this with a review of confidentiality clauses since IP and trade secret protections often overlap.
Legal Research
Map the Legal Framework for an Issue
Provide a structured overview of the legal framework governing [legal issue] in [jurisdiction]. Include: (1) the primary statutes and regulations that apply, (2) the key regulatory bodies involved, (3) the leading cases that established current precedent, (4) any recent legislative or regulatory changes in the past 2 years, and (5) any circuit splits or unsettled areas of law. Organize the overview from foundational principles to specific applications.
Builds a research roadmap so you know exactly which statutes, cases, and regulations to verify in primary sources.
Pro tip: Always verify the cases and statutes ChatGPT cites against Westlaw or Lexis. Use this as a research starting point, not a final authority.
Find Arguments For and Against a Position
I am researching whether [specific legal question] under [jurisdiction] law. Generate the strongest legal arguments both for and against this position. For each argument, identify the legal theory, the type of authority that would support it (statutory, case law, regulatory), and any factual scenarios where the argument would be strongest or weakest. Conclude with an assessment of which side has the stronger position and why.
Stress-tests your legal position by forcing consideration of both sides before committing to a strategy.
Pro tip: Use the counterarguments to prepare for opposing counsel's likely responses in briefing or negotiation.
Summarize a Complex Ruling
Summarize the following court opinion in a structured format: (1) Case name and citation, (2) Procedural posture - how the case reached this court, (3) Key facts the court relied on, (4) The legal question(s) presented, (5) The holding and reasoning, (6) Any concurring or dissenting opinions and their key points, (7) The practical impact of this ruling for [area of practice]. Keep the summary under 500 words. [Paste opinion text here]
Distills lengthy opinions into structured case briefs you can reference quickly.
Pro tip: If the opinion is very long, paste it in sections and ask ChatGPT to summarize each section before requesting a unified summary.
Compare Laws Across Jurisdictions
Compare how [legal issue] is treated in [jurisdiction 1], [jurisdiction 2], and [jurisdiction 3]. For each jurisdiction, cover: (1) the governing statute or regulation, (2) key definitions and thresholds, (3) enforcement mechanisms and penalties, (4) any notable exceptions or safe harbors, and (5) recent trends in enforcement or legislative amendments. Present the comparison in a table format where possible.
Creates a multi-jurisdiction comparison chart for matters that cross state or national borders.
Pro tip: This is particularly useful for employment law, data privacy, and corporate compliance where rules vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Identify Potential Causes of Action
Based on the following fact pattern, identify all potential causes of action available to [client role] under [jurisdiction] law. For each cause of action, list: (1) the elements that must be proven, (2) which facts from the scenario support each element, (3) which elements may be difficult to establish and why, (4) the applicable statute of limitations, and (5) available remedies. Rank the causes of action from strongest to weakest. Fact pattern: [Describe the situation in detail]
Ensures you do not overlook viable claims when evaluating a new matter.
Pro tip: Include as many facts as possible. The more context ChatGPT has, the more tailored and complete the analysis.
Research Regulatory Requirements for a Business Activity
My client wants to [describe business activity] in [jurisdiction]. Identify all regulatory requirements they need to comply with, including: (1) licenses or permits required, (2) registration or filing obligations, (3) ongoing compliance obligations such as reporting or recordkeeping, (4) industry-specific regulations that apply, (5) consumer protection requirements, and (6) any restrictions or prohibited practices. For each requirement, identify the regulating body and the consequences of non-compliance.
Creates a compliance checklist for clients entering a new business activity or market.
Pro tip: Use this as a starting point and then verify each requirement directly with the relevant regulatory agency's website.
Client Communications
Explain Legal Options to a Client
Draft a client-facing email explaining the legal options available for [describe the legal situation]. For each option, explain: what it involves in plain English, the likely timeline, estimated cost range, the best-case and worst-case outcomes, and my recommendation with reasoning. The tone should be professional but accessible - avoid legal jargon where possible, and define any legal terms that must be used. End with clear next steps and a request for the client's decision by [date].
Produces a polished client email that explains complex options without overwhelming the reader.
Pro tip: Specify your client's sophistication level (e.g., "a small business owner with no legal background") to calibrate the language.
Draft a Case Status Update
Write a case status update email to [client name] regarding [case name/matter]. Cover: (1) what has happened since the last update on [date], (2) any filings, hearings, or communications with opposing counsel, (3) upcoming deadlines or events and what the client needs to do to prepare, (4) any changes in strategy or risk assessment, and (5) the current estimated timeline to resolution. Keep the tone reassuring but honest, and avoid overpromising outcomes.
Keeps clients informed and reduces "what is happening with my case" follow-up calls.
Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder to send status updates at regular intervals. Proactive communication builds trust even when there is no major news.
Respond to a Difficult Client Question
My client has asked: "[paste client's question]" in the context of [describe the matter]. Draft a response that: (1) directly answers their question, (2) explains the legal basis for the answer, (3) addresses the likely concern behind the question, (4) manages expectations if the answer is not what they want to hear, and (5) offers a constructive path forward. The tone should be empathetic, honest, and professional.
Helps you handle sensitive questions with the right balance of directness and empathy.
Pro tip: If the client is frustrated or anxious, ask ChatGPT to include a sentence that explicitly acknowledges their concern before diving into the legal analysis.
Draft an Engagement Letter
Draft an engagement letter for [law firm name] to represent [client name] in [describe the matter]. Include: (1) scope of representation and what is expressly excluded, (2) fee structure - [hourly/flat fee/contingency] with rates for each attorney and staff, (3) retainer amount and billing frequency, (4) expense policy, (5) communication expectations, (6) file retention policy, (7) conflict of interest disclosure if applicable, and (8) termination provisions. The letter should comply with [jurisdiction] professional responsibility rules.
Produces a thorough engagement letter that sets clear expectations and protects both attorney and client.
Pro tip: Always have your engagement letter reviewed against your state bar's ethics rules, especially regarding fee disclosures and scope limitations.
Translate Legal Risk into Business Terms
I need to explain the following legal risk to a business audience (C-suite executives or board members) who care about financial impact, operational disruption, and reputation: [describe the legal risk]. Reframe the risk in business terms, covering: (1) the financial exposure in dollar ranges, (2) the probability of the risk materializing (low/medium/high with reasoning), (3) the operational impact if it does, (4) reputational consequences, and (5) a recommended action plan with cost-benefit analysis. Use bullet points and keep it under one page.
Bridges the gap between legal analysis and business decision-making.
Pro tip: Executives respond to numbers and timelines. Ask ChatGPT to include specific dollar ranges and deadline-driven recommendations.
Draft a Client Intake Questionnaire
Create a client intake questionnaire for a [practice area] matter. The questionnaire should gather: (1) all information needed to assess whether we can take the case, (2) key facts for initial case evaluation, (3) conflict check information, (4) relevant deadlines or statutes of limitations at risk, (5) prior attorney involvement, and (6) the client's goals and expectations. Group the questions logically, use plain English, and include instructions for any documents the client should bring or upload.
Standardizes your intake process and ensures you capture critical information at first contact.
Pro tip: Customize the questionnaire for your most common matter types and integrate it into your practice management system.
Document Drafting
Draft a Legal Memorandum
Draft a legal memorandum analyzing [legal question] under [jurisdiction] law. Follow the IRAC structure: (1) Issue - state the precise legal question, (2) Rule - outline the applicable statutes, regulations, and case law, (3) Application - apply the legal rules to these facts: [describe relevant facts], (4) Conclusion - provide a clear answer with caveats. The memo should be written for a [senior partner / supervising attorney] audience and be approximately [length] pages.
Produces a structured first draft of a legal memo that follows standard IRAC format.
Pro tip: Provide a detailed fact pattern and specify which side you represent. The more facts you include, the more useful the application section will be.
Draft Interrogatories
Draft [number] interrogatories for [plaintiff/defendant] in a [type of case] case. The key factual issues in dispute are: [list disputed facts]. Each interrogatory should be designed to: pin down the opposing party's version of events, identify their witnesses and documents, expose weaknesses in their claims or defenses, and establish facts needed for summary judgment. Include the standard definitions and instructions preamble required in [jurisdiction].
Generates targeted discovery questions designed to build your case and expose weaknesses in the opposition.
Pro tip: Check your jurisdiction's limit on the number of interrogatories and prioritize the most critical areas of inquiry.
Draft a Demand Letter
Draft a demand letter on behalf of [client name] to [recipient name/company] regarding [describe the dispute]. The letter should: (1) state the facts giving rise to the claim, (2) identify the legal basis for the demand, including specific statutes or contract provisions violated, (3) specify the exact relief demanded - [monetary amount / specific performance / cease and desist], (4) set a response deadline of [number] days, (5) state the consequences of non-compliance, and (6) preserve all legal rights without making threats that could be construed as improper. Tone should be firm but professional.
Creates a professionally aggressive demand letter that clearly states your client's position.
Pro tip: Always review demand letters for any language that could be considered extortion or improper threats under your jurisdiction's ethics rules.
Draft Corporate Board Resolutions
Draft board resolutions for [company name] authorizing the following corporate actions: [describe the actions, e.g., "approval of a merger with Company X," "appointment of a new CFO," "declaration of a quarterly dividend"]. Include: (1) recitals establishing the board's authority and the basis for the action, (2) the resolving clauses, (3) authorization for officers to execute related documents, (4) any required shareholder approval references, and (5) standard omnibus resolution language. The resolutions should comply with [state of incorporation] corporate law.
Produces properly structured board resolutions for common corporate governance actions.
Pro tip: Cross-reference the company's bylaws and certificate of incorporation to ensure the resolutions are consistent with any specific procedural requirements.
Draft a Settlement Agreement
Draft a settlement agreement between [Party A] and [Party B] to resolve [describe the dispute]. Include: (1) recitals describing the dispute without admissions, (2) settlement payment terms - amount, schedule, and method, (3) mutual releases with carve-outs for obligations under this agreement, (4) confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions, (5) representations and warranties, (6) stipulated dismissal language if litigation is pending, (7) default and enforcement provisions, and (8) governing law and dispute resolution for disputes about the settlement itself.
Creates a comprehensive settlement agreement that closes the dispute cleanly.
Pro tip: Always include a provision specifying what happens if settlement payments are not made on time, including acceleration and attorneys' fees.
Draft a Motion for Summary Judgment Outline
Create a detailed outline for a motion for summary judgment in [case name] filed in [court]. The key argument is that [state the primary basis for summary judgment]. The outline should include: (1) the statement of undisputed material facts with references to [depositions/documents/admissions] that establish each fact, (2) the legal standard for summary judgment in this jurisdiction, (3) each argument organized by element of the claim/defense, (4) preemptive responses to the opponent's likely counterarguments, and (5) the relief requested. Identify any facts where a genuine dispute might exist and suggest how to address them.
Builds a strategic outline for a dispositive motion before you start writing prose.
Pro tip: The undisputed facts section makes or breaks a summary judgment motion. Spend extra time ensuring each fact is genuinely supported by record evidence.
Compliance
Audit a Privacy Policy for Regulatory Compliance
Review the following privacy policy and assess its compliance with [GDPR / CCPA / PIPEDA / other regulation]. For each required disclosure, indicate whether the policy: (1) fully addresses it, (2) partially addresses it, or (3) is missing it entirely. Pay particular attention to: lawful basis for processing, data subject rights, data retention periods, third-party sharing disclosures, cookie consent mechanisms, international data transfer provisions, and children's data protections. Provide specific remediation language for any gaps. [Paste privacy policy here]
Systematically checks a privacy policy against regulatory requirements and flags gaps.
Pro tip: Run this analysis separately for each regulation that applies to the client's operations, since GDPR and CCPA have different specific requirements.
Create an Employment Law Compliance Checklist
Create a comprehensive employment law compliance checklist for a [company size] company operating in [state(s)/jurisdiction(s)]. Cover: (1) hiring and onboarding requirements - I-9s, background checks, ban-the-box laws, (2) wage and hour compliance - minimum wage, overtime, meal/rest breaks, pay stub requirements, (3) leave requirements - FMLA, state-specific paid leave, sick leave, (4) workplace safety obligations, (5) anti-discrimination and harassment prevention requirements, (6) termination and separation procedures, and (7) recordkeeping and posting requirements. Note which requirements are federal versus state-specific.
Provides a structured compliance framework for HR departments and in-house counsel.
Pro tip: For multi-state employers, create a separate checklist for each state since employment law requirements vary dramatically.
Draft a Compliance Training Outline
Design a [duration]-minute compliance training program on [topic, e.g., "anti-bribery and FCPA compliance"] for [audience, e.g., "sales team members who interact with foreign government officials"]. The training should include: (1) an overview of the law and why it matters, (2) real-world examples of violations and their consequences, (3) red flags employees should recognize, (4) specific dos and don'ts with scenarios relevant to their role, (5) the company's reporting procedure, and (6) a quiz or knowledge check with at least 5 questions. Use plain language and avoid legalistic tone.
Builds an engaging compliance training program tailored to the audience's actual job duties.
Pro tip: Include scenarios based on situations that have actually occurred (or could occur) at the specific company for maximum impact.
Assess Regulatory Risk for a New Product or Service
My client is planning to launch [describe the product or service] in [jurisdiction(s)]. Conduct a regulatory risk assessment covering: (1) all regulatory frameworks that may apply, (2) required licenses, permits, or registrations, (3) consumer protection and advertising restrictions, (4) data privacy and security obligations, (5) industry-specific regulations, (6) potential enforcement risks ranked by likelihood and severity, and (7) a recommended compliance roadmap with timeline and prioritization. Flag any areas where the product may be prohibited or heavily restricted.
Identifies regulatory risks before your client invests heavily in a new product launch.
Pro tip: Ask the client for their full product description, target market, and data collection practices before running this analysis.
Review and Update Corporate Policies
Review the following [policy type, e.g., "anti-harassment policy," "data breach response plan," "insider trading policy"] and update it to reflect current legal requirements in [jurisdiction] as of 2026. Identify: (1) any provisions that are outdated or no longer legally compliant, (2) new legal requirements that should be added, (3) best practice recommendations from enforcement guidance or industry standards, (4) any ambiguous language that could create liability, and (5) formatting or structural improvements for readability. Provide a redlined version showing all recommended changes. [Paste current policy here]
Modernizes corporate policies to match current legal requirements and enforcement trends.
Pro tip: Schedule annual policy reviews and keep a log of when each policy was last updated and by whom.
Case Preparation
Build a Case Timeline
Based on the following facts and documents, create a detailed chronological timeline for [case name]. For each entry, include: (1) the date, (2) what happened, (3) the source document or testimony that establishes this fact, (4) which party's narrative the fact supports, and (5) whether the fact is undisputed or contested. Highlight any gaps in the timeline where we need additional discovery. Flag any inconsistencies between different sources. Facts and documents: [Paste or describe your case materials]
Organizes complex case facts into a structured timeline that reveals gaps and inconsistencies.
Pro tip: Update the timeline as new documents and testimony come in. A living timeline is one of the most powerful trial preparation tools.
Prepare Deposition Questions
Draft deposition questions for [witness name], who is [describe the witness's role and relationship to the case]. The key areas to cover are: [list the topics]. For each topic area, draft questions that: (1) establish foundational facts before asking about disputed issues, (2) use the funnel technique - start broad, then narrow, (3) include follow-up questions for likely evasive answers, (4) reference specific documents to confront the witness with, and (5) set up admissions that can be used at summary judgment or trial. Also include opening questions to establish the witness's background and closing questions to lock down key admissions.
Creates a strategic deposition outline organized by topic with built-in follow-up sequences.
Pro tip: Prepare a separate list of "must-get" admissions and make sure your question outline covers every one of them before the deposition ends.
Analyze Opposing Counsel's Arguments
Analyze the following brief or motion filed by opposing counsel. Identify: (1) their core legal theories and the strongest version of each argument, (2) factual assertions that are unsupported, misstated, or cherry-picked, (3) cases they cite - are they on point, distinguishable, or from non-binding jurisdictions, (4) logical weaknesses or gaps in their reasoning, (5) arguments they conspicuously avoided making and why that matters, and (6) the most effective points to make in our response. Prioritize the weaknesses from most to least exploitable. [Paste opposing brief here]
Systematically dissects the opposition's brief to find the best angles for your response.
Pro tip: Pay special attention to cases opposing counsel cites. Frequently, a closer reading of the cited case actually supports your position more than theirs.
Draft Witness Examination Outlines
Create a direct examination outline for [witness name] in [case name]. The witness will testify about [describe what the witness knows]. For each topic: (1) list the key facts to elicit, (2) draft non-leading questions that bring out those facts naturally, (3) identify exhibits to introduce through this witness with foundation questions, (4) note any objections opposing counsel is likely to raise and how to respond, and (5) include transition phrases between topics. The examination should tell a compelling story and build toward [the key point you want the jury/judge to take away].
Structures witness testimony as a narrative that builds toward your case theory.
Pro tip: For cross-examination outlines, switch to short, leading questions with only one fact per question, and never ask a question you do not already know the answer to.
Identify and Organize Key Exhibits
I have the following documents and evidence for [case name]: [list or describe your documents]. Help me: (1) identify which documents are most critical to proving each element of [the claim/defense], (2) organize them into a logical exhibit list grouped by topic or chronology, (3) note the foundation requirements for admitting each exhibit, (4) identify which witness should authenticate each document, (5) flag any potential admissibility challenges and how to overcome them, and (6) identify gaps - elements of our case that lack documentary support and where we should focus remaining discovery.
Transforms a pile of documents into a strategic exhibit plan tied to the elements you need to prove.
Pro tip: Create your exhibit list early and update it throughout discovery. The earlier you identify documentary gaps, the more time you have to fill them.
Draft a Case Theory and Theme
Based on the following facts, develop a case theory and trial theme for [plaintiff/defendant] in [case name]. The facts are: [describe key facts]. The legal claims/defenses are: [list them]. Develop: (1) a one-sentence case theory that explains why my client should win, (2) a compelling trial theme - a phrase or concept that ties everything together and resonates emotionally, (3) how the key facts support the narrative, (4) how to handle the bad facts - acknowledge and reframe them, (5) the story arc for opening statement, and (6) the three most important points for closing argument. The theory should be simple enough that a juror can repeat it during deliberations.
Distills a complex case into a clear, persuasive narrative that drives every aspect of trial preparation.
Pro tip: Test your case theme by explaining it to someone outside the legal profession. If they do not immediately understand and find it compelling, it needs refinement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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