ChatGPT Prompts for Paralegals (Research, Drafting, Discovery)

Issue-spotting memo for [matter type + facts]. Output: legal questions raised, applicable areas of law, relevant statutes/rules to research, case law search terms, jurisdictional considerations, what to flag for attorney. Brainstorm-and-verify; not a legal opinion.

[Paste case excerpts]. Synthesize: holding, key facts, reasoning, application to our facts, distinguishing factors, jurisdiction-specific authority. Output as research memo section. Always verify direct quotes against original; AI sometimes paraphrases as quotes.

Research [statute / regulation] for our matter. Output: applicable section, current version, recent amendments, legislative history pointers, agency interpretations, related provisions cross-referenced. Verify against current official source — statutes change.

Discovery research on [topic / industry / opposing party]. Output: public records to check, financial filings if public, news + media, professional licenses, prior litigation, social media review approach. Compile what we know + what to ask for in formal discovery.

[Paste matter facts + cause of action]. Draft pleading per [jurisdiction] format requirements: caption, jurisdictional allegations, factual allegations numbered, claims for relief by count, prayer for relief, signature block. Boilerplate sections noted. Attorney reviews + signs.

Draft [interrogatories / RFPs / RFAs] for [matter type]. Output: numbered requests, scoped to matter issues, specific not generic, appropriate to civil rules, definitions section, signature line. Avoid boilerplate from prior matters; tailored requests get better answers.

[Paste discovery requests]. Organize for response: per request, what we have, what we need to gather, privilege concerns, objections to assert, proposed response. Track for production index. Attorney finalizes objections + responses.

Deposition outline for [witness in matter]. Output: opening (admonitions), background questions, foundation for substantive areas, key documents to use, areas to probe, anticipated objections, follow-up questions per topic. Attorney customizes for live deposition.

Build production index for [matter]. Output: numbered Bates-stamped documents, description per document, source/custodian, date, privilege flag, redactions noted. Format compatible with attorney review platform. Index = production traceability.

Privilege log entries for [withheld documents]. Per document: Bates range, date, author, recipients (with affiliations), privilege claimed, basis, brief description (without revealing privileged content). Court-defensible if challenged.

E-discovery search terms for [issue]. Output: targeted search terms, custodians, date range, file types, expected hit count estimate, refinement strategy if too broad/narrow. Negotiate with opposing counsel + court order if needed. Proportional discovery.

Document review coding scheme for [matter]. Output: relevance categories, privilege tags, key issues coding, hot doc flagging, confidentiality designations, QC layer. Consistent coding across reviewers = defensible production.

Cover letter for court filing: [document being filed + court]. Output: professional letter to clerk, document attached referenced, conformed copy request, filing fee enclosed, return envelope, contact for questions. Court clerk efficiency = your matter handled smoothly.

Pretrial order outline per [jurisdiction] format. Output: stipulations, contested facts, witness lists, exhibit lists with objections, motions in limine pending, jury questions if applicable. Attorney finalizes; paralegal compiles.

Trial notebook index for [matter]. Output: tabs for opening, witnesses (one per witness with subtabs for direct, cross, exhibits), motions, jury instructions, closing. Cross-reference exhibits to witnesses. Attorney works from notebook in court.