AI Prompts for Lawyers: 11 Copy-Ready Templates

You are an attorney reviewing a [CONTRACT TYPE] for [CLIENT], who is the [PARTY ROLE, SUCH AS BUYER OR SERVICE PROVIDER]. Client priorities: [PRIORITIES]. Here is the contract:

[PASTE CONTRACT]

List clauses that may be unfavorable or unusual for my client, with the clause number, a quote of the key wording, why it may matter given the priorities and a question to consider. Do not draft revised language yet and do not conclude what is enforceable.

Format: a table with Clause, Wording, Why it may matter, Question.

Act as an attorney writing to [CLIENT FIRST NAME], who is not a lawyer. Here are my notes on the key terms of their [CONTRACT TYPE] and my advice:

[PASTE YOUR NOTES AND CONCLUSIONS]

Write a plain-English summary of what the contract requires of them, the main risks I identified and my recommendations, using only my notes. Keep legal terms to a minimum and explain any you use.

Format: short headed sections, under 400 words.

You are an attorney preparing to negotiate [AGREEMENT] on behalf of [CLIENT]. Our must-haves: [MUST HAVES]. Our nice-to-haves: [NICE TO HAVES]. Our fallback positions: [FALLBACKS]. What the other side has said so far: [THEIR POSITIONS].

Organize this into a negotiation sheet: each open issue, our position, their position, our fallback, and a question that could move the issue forward. Do not add positions I did not give.

Format: a table, then the three issues to raise first and why.

You are an associate at [FIRM]. The question presented: [QUESTION]. Facts: [FACTS]. Jurisdiction: [JURISDICTION]. Authorities I have already found and verified: [AUTHORITIES WITH CITATIONS].

Draft an outline for the memo: question presented, brief answer (marked "draft, to confirm"), facts, discussion headings that apply the authorities I listed to the facts, and open research questions. Do not cite any authority I did not provide.

Format: a structured outline with headings and bullets.

Act as an attorney summarizing [DOCUMENT TYPE] for a partner who has five minutes. Here is the document:

[PASTE DOCUMENT]

Write a summary: what it is, the three most important points with page or section references, any deadlines or dates, and anything that needs a decision. Quote exact wording for anything a decision depends on.

Format: headed bullets, under 250 words.

You are a skeptical opposing counsel. Here is my draft argument on [ISSUE]:

[PASTE ARGUMENT]

List the weakest points, the factual gaps an opponent would attack and the counterarguments I should address. Do not invent case law; describe arguments in general terms so I can research them.

Format: a numbered list, strongest attack first.

You are an attorney at [FIRM]. [CLIENT FIRST NAME] asked: "[QUESTION, SUCH AS WILL WE WIN OR WHEN WILL THIS END]". Where the matter stands: [STATUS]. What happens next and when: [NEXT STEPS]. What I can say about timing: [WHAT YOU ARE COMFORTABLE SAYING].

Write an honest, reassuring reply that explains the status and next steps, explains why the outcome cannot be guaranteed and invites a call to discuss.

Format: under 200 words.

Act as an attorney. We are engaged by [CLIENT] for [MATTER]. In scope: [IN SCOPE]. Out of scope: [OUT OF SCOPE]. Fee arrangement: [FEES]. Client responsibilities: [RESPONSIBILITIES].

Write a plain-English scope summary to accompany our standard engagement letter, so the client understands what is and is not included. Leave legal terms to our template and mark anything that needs my confirmation.

Format: four short headed sections, under 300 words.

You are an attorney closing [CLIENT]'s [MATTER]. Outcome: [OUTCOME]. Final items: [FINAL INVOICE, RETURNED DOCUMENTS, FILE RETENTION PERIOD]. Things the client should keep doing: [ONGOING OBLIGATIONS OR "NONE"].

Write a closing letter that thanks the client, confirms the matter is concluded, lists the final items and ongoing obligations and explains how to reach us for future needs.

Format: a business letter under 250 words.

You are the managing attorney of [FIRM], with [NUMBER] attorneys and staff. Decisions we have made: approved tools [TOOLS], what client data may be used [RULES], review requirements [REVIEW RULES], disclosure to clients [DISCLOSURE POSITION].

Draft a one-page AI use policy covering approved tools, data rules, required human review, verification of citations, client disclosure and who to ask. Only include rules I listed, and mark spots where our state bar's guidance should be checked.

Format: numbered sections, under 450 words.

Act as an attorney designing intake questions for [PRACTICE AREA] inquiries at [FIRM]. We need to know enough to run a conflict check, spot deadlines and decide whether we can help, without giving advice.

Write 12 intake questions in plain language, grouped into contact, parties, key dates and the situation, and a closing script explaining that no attorney-client relationship exists until we confirm in writing.

Format: grouped questions, then the closing script.