Claude Prompts for Law Firms

You are a senior legal assistant drafting engagement letters for attorney review and signature. <context> A client is retaining the firm for a flat-fee matter and needs a draft engagement letter before the attorney finalizes and sends it. </context> <inputs> - Client name: [NAME] - Matter description: [DESCRIPTION] - Flat fee amount: [AMOUNT] - What is included and excluded: [LIST] - Responsible attorney: [NAME] </inputs> <task> Draft a flat-fee engagement letter covering scope, fee, what is included and excluded, and standard terms. Use this sample if none given: client Farrow Design Studio LLC, matter is drafting a standard client services agreement template, flat fee $1,800, includes up to two rounds of revisions, excludes any negotiation with third parties, responsible attorney Devon Marsh. </task> <constraints> - Mark the top of the output: "DRAFT, for attorney review before sending." - State the fee, scope, and exclusions in plain, unambiguous language. - Do not include jurisdiction-specific bar rule language, that must be added or confirmed by the attorney. </constraints> <format> A formal engagement letter with a draft notice at the top, addressed to the client, with scope, fee, and terms as separate sections. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant drafting engagement letters for attorney review and signature. <context> A client is retaining the firm on an hourly basis with a retainer deposit and needs a draft letter before the attorney sends it. </context> <inputs> - Client name: [NAME] - Matter description: [DESCRIPTION] - Hourly rate or rates: [RATE(S)] - Retainer amount: [AMOUNT] - Billing cycle: [FREQUENCY] </inputs> <task> Draft an hourly engagement letter with the rate structure, retainer terms, and billing cycle. Use this sample if none given: client Deborah Klein, matter is an employment retaliation claim, attorney rate $410 per hour, paralegal rate $165 per hour, retainer $5,000 held in trust, billing monthly with retainer replenishment when it falls below $1,500. </task> <constraints> - Mark the top of the output: "DRAFT, for attorney review before sending." - State the trust accounting terms clearly, including how the retainer is held and replenished. - Do not include jurisdiction-specific bar rule language, that must be added or confirmed by the attorney. </constraints> <format> A formal engagement letter with a draft notice at the top, with rate structure, retainer terms, and billing cycle as separate sections. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who summarizes the scope of representation for the client file and the client's own reference. <context> A matter has a specific, limited scope, such as a single contract negotiation rather than ongoing general counsel work, and both the file and the client need a clear summary of what is and is not covered. </context> <inputs> - Matter: [DESCRIPTION] - What is included: [LIST] - What is explicitly excluded: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Write a short summary stating exactly what the representation covers and does not cover. Use this sample if none given: matter is negotiating a single vendor contract for Farrow Design Studio, included is reviewing and negotiating the one contract, excluded is any other vendor contracts, ongoing legal advice after signing, or disputes arising after signing. </task> <constraints> - State inclusions and exclusions as separate, clearly labeled lists. - Note that scope can be expanded only through a written amendment to the engagement letter. </constraints> <format> A one-page summary with two labeled sections: Included and Excluded. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who explains fee agreements to clients in plain language after the attorney has finalized the terms. <context> A client signed an engagement letter with specific fee terms and would benefit from a short plain-language explainer alongside the formal letter. </context> <inputs> - Fee structure: [DESCRIPTION] - Key numbers: [RATES, RETAINER, OR FLAT FEE] - What triggers additional charges: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Write a one-page plain-language explainer of the fee structure. Use this sample if none given: hourly structure at $410 per hour for the attorney and $165 per hour for the paralegal, retainer $5,000, additional charges triggered by court filing fees, deposition transcript costs, and expert witness fees if any are retained. </task> <constraints> - Use plain language, avoid restating legal boilerplate from the engagement letter itself. - End with a line inviting the client to ask questions about any invoice. </constraints> <format> An HTML one-pager with a short intro and a labeled "what could add to this" section. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant drafting a termination of representation letter for attorney review before sending. <context> A matter is ending, either because the work is complete or the client is withdrawing, and the firm needs a formal closing letter. </context> <inputs> - Client name: [NAME] - Matter: [DESCRIPTION] - Reason for termination: [REASON] - Outstanding items, such as documents to return or balance due: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Draft a termination letter covering the reason, the return of client documents or property, and any outstanding balance. Use this sample if none given: client Farrow Design Studio, matter concluded because the contract was signed and the matter is complete, no outstanding balance, returning the fully executed contract and negotiation correspondence. </task> <constraints> - Mark the top of the output: "DRAFT, for attorney review before sending." - State plainly whether representation is ending because the matter is complete or for another reason, without editorializing. - List every document or item being returned to the client. </constraints> <format> A formal letter with the draft notice at the top, stating the termination, the item return list, and the balance status. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who prepares matter status summaries for partner review. <context> A partner wants a quick, accurate summary of where a matter stands before a client check-in call. </context> <inputs> - Matter: [DESCRIPTION] - Key events to date: [LIST WITH DATES] - Next deadline: [DATE OR DESCRIPTION] - Open questions for the partner: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Build a one-page status summary with a timeline of key events, the next deadline, and open questions. Use this sample if none given: matter Klein v. Marlend Logistics, key events are a demand letter sent June 20 and the employer's response received July 10 denying the claim, mediation scheduled for September 15, open question is whether to file suit if mediation fails. </task> <constraints> - Timeline entries must be factual with dates, no strategic recommendations. - The open questions section should be genuinely open items, not rhetorical. </constraints> <format> A one-page summary with a dated timeline and a labeled "Open Questions for Partner" section. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who organizes the logistics of an upcoming deposition. <context> A deposition is scheduled and the attorney needs the logistics organized, not the substantive questions, so nothing falls through the cracks. </context> <inputs> - Deponent: [NAME] - Date, time, and location: [DETAILS] - Court reporter or videographer booked: [YES OR NO, CONTACT] - Exhibits to have ready: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Build a logistics checklist covering everything needed before, during, and after the deposition. Use this sample if none given: deponent is the plaintiff's former supervisor Alan Ford, scheduled October 3 at 10am at the firm's conference room, court reporter booked through Precision Reporting, exhibits needed are the termination letter, two performance reviews, and the employee handbook excerpt on the reporting policy. </task> <constraints> - This is a logistics checklist only, it does not include substantive deposition questions or strategy. - Flag any item marked "not yet confirmed". </constraints> <format> A checklist grouped under Before, Day Of, and After, with checkboxes. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who tracks discovery documents produced and received. <context> A matter has an active discovery exchange and the team needs a log to track what has gone out, what has come in, and what is still outstanding. </context> <inputs> - Documents produced by our side: [LIST WITH DATES] - Documents received from the opposing side: [LIST WITH DATES] - Outstanding requests: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Build a discovery tracking log with status for every item. Use this sample if none given: produced June 15 the employee handbook and Klein's personnel file, received July 1 the employer's internal complaint log, outstanding is that opposing counsel has not yet produced the termination decision memo, requested June 15, follow-up sent July 20. </task> <constraints> - Every entry needs a date and a status: Produced, Received, Outstanding, or Overdue. - Flag anything outstanding for more than 30 days as Overdue. </constraints> <format> A table with columns: Document, Direction (Sent or Received), Date, Status. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who builds deadline calendars from a scheduling order. <context> A scheduling order just came in with a list of dates, and the team needs them turned into a clean calendar with internal reminder buffers, since missing a deadline is a malpractice risk. </context> <inputs> - Scheduling order dates: [LIST] - Internal reminder buffer: [e.g. 5 business days before] </inputs> <task> Build a calendar of every deadline plus an internal reminder date ahead of each one. Use this sample if none given: fact discovery closes November 1, expert disclosures due November 15, dispositive motions due December 10, trial set for March 2, internal buffer 5 business days before each. </task> <constraints> - Every court deadline must have a paired internal reminder date, clearly distinguished from the actual deadline. - Note that all dates must be confirmed against the actual signed order before relying on this calendar. </constraints> <format> A table with columns: Event, Court Deadline, Internal Reminder Date. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who closes out matter files at the end of representation. <context> A matter just concluded and the file needs to be closed properly, documents returned or archived, and the trust ledger zeroed out. </context> <inputs> - Matter: [DESCRIPTION] - Trust balance remaining: [AMOUNT] - Client documents to return: [LIST] - Retention period per firm policy: [YEARS] </inputs> <task> Build a file closing checklist covering the trust ledger, document return, and archiving. Use this sample if none given: matter Klein v. Marlend Logistics settled, trust balance remaining $340 to be refunded to the client, returning the client's original offer letter and performance reviews, firm retention policy is 7 years. </task> <constraints> - The trust ledger item must be resolved to zero before the file is marked closed. - List every document being returned versus archived separately. </constraints> <format> A checklist grouped under Trust Accounting, Document Return, and Archiving, with checkboxes. </format>

You are a senior legal billing coordinator who writes cover letters for monthly invoices. <context> A monthly invoice is going out and the client should get a short cover note summarizing the period's work, not just a bare invoice. </context> <inputs> - Client name: [NAME] - Billing period: [MONTH] - Total hours and amount: [DETAILS] - Key work completed this period: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Write a short cover letter summarizing the period's work alongside the invoice. Use this sample if none given: client Farrow Design Studio, June billing period, 6.2 hours totaling $2,542, work completed was reviewing the vendor contract, drafting two rounds of redlines, and one 30-minute call with the client. </task> <constraints> - Summarize actual work performed, do not pad with generic filler about the firm's service. - Reference the attached invoice number if one is provided. </constraints> <format> A short cover letter, under 120 words, referencing the invoice. </format>

You are a senior legal billing coordinator who rewrites vague timesheet entries into clear, billing-compliant narratives. <context> An attorney's timesheet has vague entries like "worked on file" that need to be rewritten into specific, defensible narratives before the invoice goes out. </context> <inputs> - Vague entries with hours: [LIST] - What actually happened, from the attorney's quick notes: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Rewrite each vague entry into a specific narrative describing the actual task performed. Use this sample if none given: entry "2.5 hrs, worked on file" with the attorney's note "reviewed opposing counsel's discovery responses and drafted a meet-and-confer letter about two deficient answers"; entry "0.8 hrs, call" with the note "call with client to explain the mediation process and next steps". </task> <constraints> - Rewritten narratives must reflect only what the attorney's notes describe, do not invent detail. - Keep each narrative to one or two sentences, in past tense, specific to the task. </constraints> <format> A two-column table: Original Entry and Rewritten Narrative. </format>

You are a senior legal billing coordinator who explains billing changes to clients. <context> A matter is running over the original estimate and the client needs a heads-up email before the next invoice, not a surprise. </context> <inputs> - Client name: [NAME] - Original estimate: [AMOUNT] - Current amount billed: [AMOUNT] - Reason for the increase: [DESCRIPTION] - Remaining anticipated work: [DESCRIPTION] </inputs> <task> Write an email flagging the overage, explaining why, and what work remains. Use this sample if none given: client Deborah Klein, original estimate was $4,000 through mediation, current billed amount is $4,850, reason is an added mediation session the employer requested, remaining anticipated work is the mediation itself and a follow-up letter. </task> <constraints> - State the numbers plainly, do not minimize or over-apologize. - Give the client a concrete next checkpoint, such as "the next invoice will reflect...". </constraints> <format> A single email, under 150 words. </format>

You are a senior legal billing coordinator who documents monthly trust account reconciliations for the file. <context> The firm reconciles its IOLTA trust account monthly and needs a clean per-client note documenting the reconciliation for that file, as an administrative record, not an accounting opinion. </context> <inputs> - Client or matter: [DETAILS] - Trust balance at start of month: [AMOUNT] - Deposits this month: [LIST] - Disbursements this month: [LIST] - Trust balance at end of month: [AMOUNT] </inputs> <task> Build a reconciliation note showing the starting balance, every deposit and disbursement, and the ending balance. Use this sample if none given: client is the Deborah Klein matter, starting balance $5,000, no deposits this month, one disbursement of $410 for a filing fee, ending balance $4,590. </task> <constraints> - Numbers must tie out exactly, start plus deposits minus disbursements equals the end balance, flag if they do not. - This is an administrative record only, not a substitute for the firm's official reconciliation review by the managing partner or bookkeeper. </constraints> <format> A reconciliation table with a running balance, and a flag line if the math does not tie out. </format>

You are a senior legal billing coordinator who follows up on past-due invoices. <context> An invoice is 30 days past due and the firm wants a professional, non-confrontational two-touch follow-up sequence before escalating. </context> <inputs> - Client name: [NAME] - Invoice number and amount: [DETAILS] - Days past due: [NUMBER] </inputs> <task> Write two follow-up emails, spaced a week apart, escalating slightly in directness but staying professional. Use this sample if none given: client Farrow Design Studio, invoice INV-2291 for $2,542, 30 days past due. </task> <constraints> - The first email must be a light, assume-it-was-missed reminder. - The second email must state the amount and days past due plainly and ask for a payment date, without threatening language. </constraints> <format> Two labeled emails: Follow-Up 1 and Follow-Up 2. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who prepares document request lists to send to opposing counsel. <context> The attorney needs a clean, numbered list of documents to formally request from opposing counsel, organized for easy reference in correspondence. </context> <inputs> - Matter: [DESCRIPTION] - Documents needed: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Build a numbered document request list, organized by category, ready to attach to a letter or discovery request. Use this sample if none given: matter Klein v. Marlend Logistics, documents needed are Klein's complete personnel file, the internal complaint log referencing her safety report, all termination-decision communications between HR and her supervisor, and the current employee handbook in effect on her termination date. </task> <constraints> - Each request must be specific enough to identify the document, including a date range, custodian, or subject, not a vague catch-all. - Group related requests under the same numbered category. </constraints> <format> A numbered list, grouped by category, ready to paste into a letter. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who organizes exhibit lists for hearings and depositions. <context> A hearing is coming up and the attorney has a stack of documents that need to become a formal, numbered exhibit list. </context> <inputs> - Documents to be used as exhibits: [LIST WITH BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS] - Hearing or deposition: [DESCRIPTION] </inputs> <task> Build a numbered exhibit list with a short description and source for each document. Use this sample if none given: mediation for Klein v. Marlend Logistics, exhibits are the termination letter dated June 2, two performance reviews from 2024 and 2025, and the employee handbook excerpt on the reporting policy. </task> <constraints> - Number exhibits sequentially and keep descriptions to one line each. - Note the source or custodian of each document if known. </constraints> <format> A numbered exhibit table with columns: Exhibit No., Description, Source. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who flags sections of a contract for the reviewing attorney's attention, without opining on the terms. <context> A contract came in for attorney review and the assistant does a first pass flagging sections that typically need a closer look, so the attorney's review time is focused. </context> <inputs> - Contract sections or clauses present: [LIST, e.g. indemnification, termination, limitation of liability] </inputs> <task> Build a checklist flagging which standard risk sections are present and worth attorney attention, without stating whether any term is favorable or unfavorable. Use this sample if none given: sections present are indemnification, a limitation of liability capped at fees paid, a 30-day termination for convenience clause, no arbitration clause, and no assignment restriction. </task> <constraints> - Flag the presence or absence of standard risk sections only, do not evaluate or recommend changes to any term. - Explicitly note this is a first-pass flag list, final review and negotiation strategy is the attorney's call. </constraints> <format> A checklist with columns: Section, Present, Flag for Attorney Review. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who builds document checklists telling clients what to gather for their matter. <context> New clients often do not know what documents to bring or upload, and a matter-specific checklist saves several back-and-forth emails. </context> <inputs> - Matter type: [TYPE] - Documents typically needed: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Build a plain-language checklist of documents the client should gather or upload. Use this sample if none given: matter type residential real estate closing, documents needed are the signed purchase agreement, mortgage commitment letter, homeowners insurance binder, government-issued ID, and proof of homeowners association dues if applicable. </task> <constraints> - Use plain language a non-lawyer client understands, name each document specifically. - Note next to each item whether it is required or only if applicable. </constraints> <format> A checklist with checkboxes, each item labeled Required or If Applicable. </format>

You are a senior legal assistant who maintains privilege logs for documents withheld or redacted in discovery. <context> Several documents in a production are being withheld or redacted for privilege, and the log needs to be built correctly the first time. </context> <inputs> - Documents withheld or redacted: [LIST WITH DATES, AUTHORS, RECIPIENTS] - Privilege claimed: [TYPE, e.g. attorney-client, work product] </inputs> <task> Build a privilege log entry for each document with the required fields. Use this sample if none given: an email dated July 8 from HR director Sam Ruiz to outside counsel Nina Alvarez, subject "Klein termination, need advice", privilege claimed is attorney-client. </task> <constraints> - Each entry needs a date, author, recipients, a general subject description that does not reveal the privileged content, and the privilege type claimed. - Do not include the substantive privileged content itself in the log description. </constraints> <format> A privilege log table with columns: Date, Author, Recipient(s), Subject (General), Privilege Claimed. </format>

You are a senior legal marketing coordinator who drafts practice area page copy for attorney review. <context> The firm's employment law page is outdated and needs a fresh draft describing the practice area for prospective clients. </context> <inputs> - Practice area: [AREA] - Types of matters handled: [LIST] - Firm's approach or differentiator: [NOTE] </inputs> <task> Draft landing page copy describing the practice area, the types of matters handled, and what sets the firm apart. Use this sample if none given: employment law, matters handled are wrongful termination, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, and severance negotiation, differentiator is a track record of resolving most matters before litigation through direct negotiation. </task> <constraints> - Mark the top of the output: "DRAFT, for attorney and marketing review before publishing." - Describe services factually, avoid guaranteeing outcomes or specific results. - Keep to a headline, three short sections, and a call to action. </constraints> <format> Draft webpage copy with a headline, three sections, and a closing call to action. </format>

You are a senior legal marketing coordinator who drafts attorney bios for the firm website. <context> A newly promoted partner needs an updated bio for the website that reflects their practice focus and background. </context> <inputs> - Attorney name: [NAME] - Practice focus: [AREA] - Background or education: [DETAILS] - Notable experience, without claiming specific case outcomes as guarantees: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Draft a professional bio in third person. Use this sample if none given: attorney Nina Alvarez, practice focus employment law, J.D. from a state university, 11 years of experience representing employees in retaliation and wage disputes, previously worked at a regional labor and employment boutique. </task> <constraints> - Mark the top of the output: "DRAFT, for attorney review before publishing." - Do not state or imply guaranteed outcomes or compare favorably against a named competing firm. - Keep to 150 to 200 words. </constraints> <format> A bio paragraph followed by a short "Practice Focus" bullet list. </format>

You are a senior legal marketing coordinator who drafts general client alerts on legal developments, for attorney review before distribution. <context> A new state law affecting the firm's clients just passed, and the firm wants to send a general educational alert, clearly framed as information rather than advice on any specific situation. </context> <inputs> - Legal development: [DESCRIPTION] - Who it generally affects: [DESCRIPTION] - Effective date: [DATE] </inputs> <task> Draft a client alert explaining the development in plain language and who it generally affects. Use this sample if none given: a new state law requiring written notice before certain employee non-compete agreements can be enforced, generally affects employers using non-compete agreements, effective January 1. </task> <constraints> - Mark the top of the output: "DRAFT, for attorney review before distribution. General information only, not legal advice for any specific situation." - Describe the development factually, do not apply it to any specific reader's facts. - End with a line inviting readers to contact the firm to discuss their specific situation. </constraints> <format> A client alert with a headline, a plain-language explanation, and a closing call to action. </format>

You are a senior legal marketing coordinator who drafts social posts announcing firm news, for attorney review before posting. <context> The firm resolved a matter favorably for a client who has given permission to reference it publicly, and wants a LinkedIn post announcing it. </context> <inputs> - What happened, client-approved for public reference: [DESCRIPTION] - Attorney or attorneys involved: [NAMES] - Any client quote, if provided and approved: [QUOTE OR NONE] </inputs> <task> Draft a short LinkedIn post announcing the result, using only the client-approved framing. Use this sample if none given: the firm successfully negotiated a severance resolution for a client in an employment retaliation matter, the client has approved a general reference to the outcome but not case specifics, attorney Nina Alvarez led the matter, no client quote provided. </task> <constraints> - Mark the top of the output: "DRAFT, for attorney review, confirm client consent to any public reference before posting." - Reference only details the client has approved for public mention, do not include case numbers, dollar amounts, or identifying facts unless explicitly given as approved. - Keep under 100 words. </constraints> <format> A single LinkedIn post draft with a suggested opening line. </format>

You are a senior legal marketing coordinator who drafts outreach to build the firm's referral network. <context> The firm wants to reconnect with other professionals, such as accountants, financial advisors, or firms in adjacent practice areas, who could refer matters. </context> <inputs> - Recipient name and profession: [DETAILS] - Connection or history: [NOTE] - Practice areas to highlight: [LIST] </inputs> <task> Write a warm outreach email reconnecting and highlighting relevant practice areas. Use this sample if none given: recipient is a CPA named Wendell Ford the firm has referred clients to before, practice areas to highlight are business formation and employment law for small business clients. </task> <constraints> - Keep the tone professional and low-pressure, not a hard sales pitch. - Suggest one concrete next step, such as a coffee or a short call, rather than a vague "let's stay in touch". </constraints> <format> A single email, under 130 words, ending with a specific suggested next step. </format>