100 ChatGPT Prompts for Lawyers [Free Templates]

You stare at the ChatGPT box. You type "draft a contract." You get generic garbage. The problem isn't ChatGPT — it's your prompts. Great legal prompts are jurisdiction-specific, precise, and risk-aware. I've curated 100 battle-tested prompts across 10 categories. Copy, paste, practice smarter.

Legal Research Prompts (12)

1. Case Law Research

Research case law on [legal issue] in [jurisdiction].
Include: key cases, holdings, reasoning, current status, practical implications.
Tone: analytical, precise, citation-ready.

2. Statute Analysis

Analyze this statute: [statute text/citation].
Include: plain meaning, legislative intent, exceptions, case interpretation, practical application.

3. Legal Issue Spotting

Identify legal issues in this fact pattern: [describe facts].
Include: issue, applicable law, relevant cases, analysis, conclusion.

4. Regulatory Research

Research regulations on [topic] from [agency].
Include: current rules, recent changes, compliance requirements, enforcement trends.

5. Legal Memorandum Draft

Draft a legal memorandum on [issue] for [supervising attorney/client].
Include: question presented, brief answer, statement of facts, discussion, conclusion.
Tone: formal, objective, well-cited.

6. Jurisdiction Comparison

Compare [legal issue] across these jurisdictions: [list].
Include: similarities, differences, strategic considerations, trends.

7. Legal History Research

Research the history of [legal doctrine/issue].
Include: origins, evolution, key cases, current state, future trends.

8. Policy Analysis

Analyze the policy implications of [legal issue/proposed legislation].
Include: stakeholders, arguments for/against, economic impact, practical effects.

9. Precedent Mapping

Map the precedent landscape for [legal issue].
Include: supporting cases, distinguishing cases, trends, gaps, strengths of position.

10. Legal Research Strategy

Create a research strategy for [legal issue].
Include: primary sources, secondary sources, search terms, databases, timeline.

11. Rule Synthesis

Synthesize the legal rule from these cases: [list cases].
Include: majority rule, exceptions, dissenting views, practical application.

12. Legislative Tracking

Track the status of [bill/proposed legislation] in [jurisdiction].
Include: current status, key provisions, supporters/opponents, predicted outcome.
## Contract Drafting Prompts (12)

### 13. Service Agreement

Draft a service agreement between [client] and [provider] for [services]. Include: scope, payment terms, timeline, IP rights, termination, liability limitations. Jurisdiction: [state/country].


### 14. NDA Drafting

Draft a mutual/NDA between [Party A] and [Party B] regarding [confidential information]. Include: definition of confidential info, obligations, exceptions, duration, remedies.


### 15. Employment Agreement

Draft an employment agreement for [position] at [company]. Include: compensation, benefits, duties, non-compete, IP assignment, termination. Jurisdiction: [state/country].


### 16. Lease Agreement Review

Review this lease agreement: [paste key terms]. Include: red flags, missing protections, market comparison, negotiation suggestions.


### 17. Terms of Service

Draft Terms of Service for [website/service]. Include: user obligations, IP rights, liability limitations, dispute resolution, privacy. Jurisdiction: [state/country].


### 18. Partnership Agreement

Draft a partnership agreement between [Partners] for [business purpose]. Include: capital contributions, profit sharing, decision-making, exit, dissolution.


### 19. Contract Review Checklist

Create a contract review checklist for [contract type]. Include: key terms, red flags, missing provisions, negotiation priorities, approval thresholds.


### 20. Indemnification Clause

Draft an indemnification clause for [agreement type] protecting [party]. Include: scope, procedures, limitations, insurance requirements, survival.


### 21. Termination Clause

Draft a termination clause for [agreement type]. Include: for cause, for convenience, notice periods, wind-down obligations, surviving provisions.


### 22. Intellectual Property Assignment

Draft an IP assignment agreement between [assignor] and [assignee] for [IP type]. Include: description of IP, representations, warranties, consideration, recording.


### 23. Amendment Drafting

Draft an amendment to this agreement: [paste key terms of original]. Include: changes, effective date, ratification, everything else unchanged.


### 24. Contract Comparison

Compare these two contract drafts: [Draft A terms] vs [Draft B terms]. Include: key differences, risk analysis, recommendation for [party].

Client Communication Prompts (12)

25. Client Intake Summary

Create a client intake summary from these notes: [paste notes].
Include: client info, legal issue, facts, immediate needs, conflict check status.

26. Status Update Email

Write a client status update email for [case/matter].
Include: what's been done, what's next, timeline, action items, billing note.
Tone: professional, reassuring, clear.

27. Fee Estimate Letter

Write a fee estimate letter for [legal matter].
Include: scope of work, estimated hours, rate, total estimate, payment terms, disclaimers.

28. Case Assessment Letter

Write a case assessment letter to [client] about [legal issue].
Include: facts, legal analysis, strengths, risks, options, recommendation.
Tone: clear, honest, actionable.

29. Demand Letter

Write a demand letter on behalf of [client] against [opposing party].
Include: facts, legal basis, damages, demand, deadline, consequences of non-compliance.
Tone: firm, professional, legally precise.

30. Settlement Proposal

Draft a settlement proposal for [case].
Include: terms, rationale, benefits of settling, deadline, confidentiality terms.

31. Client Education Letter

Write a letter explaining [legal concept/process] to a non-lawyer client.
Include: plain language explanation, what to expect, timeline, their role.

32. Closing Letter

Write a closing letter for [completed matter].
Include: summary of work done, outcomes, final billing, document retention, future needs.

33. Refusal to Represent

Write a refusal to represent letter for [prospective client] about [matter].
Include: reason for decline, alternative referrals, conflict if any, file closure.
Tone: professional, empathetic, clear.

34. Expert Witness Communication

Write a communication to [expert witness] about [case].
Include: case summary, what you need, timeline, compensation, logistics.

35. Opposing Counsel Communication

Write a communication to opposing counsel about [matter].
Include: purpose, proposal/request, professional tone, deadline, next steps.

36. Client Update Call Script

Create a phone call script for a client update on [matter].
Include: opening, status, good news, challenges, next steps, questions, closing.
## Case Analysis Prompts (12)

### 37. Case Brief

Brief this case: [case name/citation]. Include: facts, procedural history, issue, holding, reasoning, concurrence/dissent, significance.


### 38. Strength/Weakness Assessment

Assess the strengths and weaknesses of [party]'s position in [case]. Include: strong arguments, weak arguments, evidence gaps, risk assessment.


### 39. Liability Analysis

Analyze liability for [situation] under [legal framework]. Include: elements, evidence for each element, defenses, likely outcome.


### 40. Damages Calculation

Calculate potential damages in [case type] involving [facts]. Include: compensatory, consequential, punitive (if applicable), mitigation, set-off.


### 41. Defense Strategy

Develop a defense strategy for [client] against [claim]. Include: affirmative defenses, procedural defenses, settlement considerations, cost-benefit.


### 42. Plaintiff's Case Strategy

Develop a plaintiff's case strategy for [client] in [case type]. Include: cause of action, evidence needed, witness list, timeline, settlement posture.


### 43. Motion Analysis

Analyze the likelihood of success for this motion: [motion type] in [case]. Include: legal standard, arguments for/against, case law, recommendation.


### 44. E-Discovery Assessment

Assess e-discovery needs for [case]. Include: data sources, preservation obligations, cost estimate, vendor selection, timeline.


### 45. Witness Preparation

Prepare a witness for [deposition/trial] about [topic]. Include: likely questions, suggested answers, demeanor tips, topics to avoid.


### 46. Jury Selection Profile

Create an ideal juror profile for [case type] in [jurisdiction]. Include: demographics, attitudes, experiences, voir dire questions, strike priorities.


### 47. Trial Theme Development

Develop trial themes for [case type] involving [facts]. Include: 2-3 themes, supporting evidence, witness alignment, opening/closing integration.


### 48. Post-Mortem Analysis

Analyze the outcome of [case] — [won/lost/settled]. Include: what worked, what didn't, key moments, lessons, future improvements.

Compliance Prompts (12)

49. Compliance Audit Checklist

Create a compliance audit checklist for [company/industry] under [regulation].
Include: requirements, evidence needed, risk level, responsible party, deadline.

50. Regulatory Impact Assessment

Assess the impact of [new regulation] on [company/industry].
Include: affected operations, compliance costs, timeline, action items, risks.

51. Privacy Policy Review

Review this privacy policy against [regulation — GDPR/CCPA/etc].
Include: gaps, missing disclosures, language issues, recommended changes.

52. Anti-Bribery Compliance

Create an anti-bribery compliance framework for [company] operating in [regions].
Include: policies, training, due diligence, reporting, monitoring.

53. Data Breach Response Plan

Create a data breach response plan for [company] under [regulation].
Include: detection, containment, notification, investigation, remediation, reporting.

54. Employment Compliance Review

Review [company]'s employment practices for compliance with [laws].
Include: classification, wages, discrimination, safety, documentation.

55. Environmental Compliance

Assess environmental compliance for [company] in [industry/operations].
Include: permits, emissions, waste, reporting, penalties, improvements.

56. Financial Regulation Compliance

Create a compliance framework for [financial institution] under [regulation].
Include: requirements, controls, reporting, training, penalties.

57. Industry-Specific Compliance Guide

Create a compliance guide for [industry] in [jurisdiction].
Include: applicable regulations, key requirements, common violations, penalties, best practices.

58. Third-Party Risk Assessment

Assess third-party compliance risk for [vendor/partner] in [area].
Include: due diligence, contract terms, monitoring, reporting, termination rights.

59. Training Program Design

Design a compliance training program for [company] on [topic].
Include: curriculum, delivery method, frequency, assessment, record-keeping.

60. Compliance Report Template

Create a compliance report template for [regulation/area].
Include: status, findings, metrics, incidents, corrective actions, next steps.
## Litigation Prompts (12)

### 61. Complaint Drafting

Draft a complaint for [plaintiff] against [defendant] for [claims]. Include: jurisdiction, parties, factual allegations, causes of action, relief sought.


### 62. Answer Drafting

Draft an answer to this complaint: [paste complaint or describe]. Include: admissions, denials, affirmative defenses, counterclaims.


### 63. Discovery Plan

Create a discovery plan for [case type] in [jurisdiction]. Include: interrogatories, document requests, depositions, expert discovery, timeline.


### 64. Interrogatory Drafting

Draft [number] interrogatories for [case type]. Include: factual background, identification, causation, damages, insurance.


### 65. Deposition Outline

Create a deposition outline for [witness] in [case type]. Include: background, key events, documents, impeachment areas, cleanup.


### 66. Pre-Trial Motion

Draft a [motion type — MSJ/Daubert/etc] for [party] in [case]. Include: statement of facts, legal standard, argument, relief sought.


### 67. Mediation Statement

Draft a mediation statement for [party] in [case]. Include: facts, legal claims, damages, settlement position, proposal. Tone: persuasive, concise, forward-looking.


### 68. Trial Outline

Create a trial outline for [party] in [case type]. Include: theory of case, theme, witness order, exhibits, jury instructions.


### 69. Jury Instructions

Draft jury instructions on [issue] for [case type]. Include: legal standard, elements, burden of proof, applicable law.


### 70. Closing Argument Outline

Create a closing argument outline for [party] in [case]. Include: theme, key evidence, witness credibility, damages, call to action.


### 71. Post-Trial Motion

Draft a post-trial motion: [motion type] for [party]. Include: grounds, legal standard, arguments, relief sought, timeline.


### 72. Appellate Brief Outline

Create an appellate brief outline for [party] appealing [issue]. Include: standards of review, issues presented, argument, relief sought.

Legal Writing Prompts (12)

73. Brief Writing

Write a persuasive legal brief on [issue] for [court/forum].
Include: statement of facts, standard of review, argument, conclusion.
Tone: authoritative, cite-heavy, persuasive.

74. Legal Blog Post

Write a legal blog post about [topic] for [audience].
Include: hook, legal analysis, practical implications, CTA.
Length: 800-1200 words.
Tone: accessible, authoritative, practical.

75. Client Newsletter

Write a legal newsletter for [firm] about [topic].
Include: legal update, practical tips, firm news, CTA.
Length: 300-500 words.
Tone: professional, helpful, engaging.

76. White Paper

Write a white paper on [legal topic] for [audience].
Include: executive summary, problem, analysis, solutions, recommendations.
Length: 2000-3000 words.
Tone: authoritative, thorough, actionable.

77. Opinion Letter

Draft an opinion letter on [legal issue] for [client].
Include: question, applicable law, analysis, conclusion, qualifications.
Tone: formal, precise, protective.

78. Policy Memo

Draft a policy memo on [legal issue] for [decision-maker].
Include: issue, background, options, analysis, recommendation.
Tone: objective, concise, actionable.

79. Legal Brief Editing

Edit this legal brief for clarity and persuasiveness: [paste section].
Include: strengthening arguments, improving flow, fixing weaknesses, tightening language.

80. Plain Language Rewrite

Rewrite this legal text in plain language: [paste text].
Include: simplify terms, maintain accuracy, improve readability, preserve legal effect.

81. Legal Research Memo

Draft a research memo on [legal issue] for [supervising attorney].
Include: question, short answer, discussion, conclusion, confidence level.

82. Court Filing Checklist

Create a filing checklist for [document type] in [court].
Include: required documents, formatting, service, filing fees, deadlines, local rules.

83. Legal Article Outline

Create an outline for a legal article on [topic] for [publication].
Include: sections, key points, citations needed, target word count.

84. Motion for Summary Judgment

Draft a statement of undisputed material facts for MSJ in [case].
Include: fact, citation to record, undisputed nature, significance to claim/defense.
## Business Law Prompts (16)

### 85. Corporate Governance Framework

Create a corporate governance framework for [company type] in [jurisdiction]. Include: board structure, officer roles, committees, policies, reporting.


### 86. M&A Due Diligence Checklist

Create a due diligence checklist for acquiring [target company]. Include: financial, legal, operational, IP, HR, environmental, regulatory.


### 87. Startup Legal Checklist

Create a legal checklist for a [stage] startup in [industry]. Include: entity formation, IP protection, contracts, compliance, fundraising.


### 88. Fundraising Document Checklist

Create a fundraising document checklist for [round — seed/A/etc]. Include: term sheet, investor agreements, board consents, disclosures, compliance.


### 89. Regulatory Filing Guide

Create a regulatory filing guide for [company] in [industry/jurisdiction]. Include: required filings, deadlines, penalties, process, contacts.


### 90. Trade Secret Protection

Create a trade secret protection plan for [company] regarding [information]. Include: identification, access controls, agreements, employee training, enforcement.


### 91. Licensing Agreement Review

Review this licensing agreement: [key terms]. Include: scope, royalties, exclusivity, termination, IP protection, red flags.


### 92. Non-Compete Analysis

Analyze this non-compete clause: [paste clause] under [jurisdiction] law. Include: enforceability, scope, duration, geographic limits, alternatives.


### 93. Franchise Disclosure Review

Review this FDD/franchise disclosure: [key terms]. Include: financial performance, fees, obligations, litigation, termination, renewal.


### 94. Insurance Coverage Analysis

Analyze insurance coverage for [claim/situation] under [policy type]. Include: coverage, exclusions, limits, duty to defend, indemnification, bad faith risks.


### 95. Corporate Restructuring Plan

Create a restructuring plan for [company] facing [situation]. Include: options (merger, spin-off, asset sale), tax implications, governance, timeline.


### 96. Intellectual Property Portfolio Review

Review [company]'s IP portfolio for [industry]. Include: patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, gaps, recommendations.


### 97. Anti-Trust Risk Assessment

Assess anti-trust risk for [proposed transaction/conduct] in [industry]. Include: market definition, concentration analysis, conduct risk, regulatory approval.


### 98. Employment Litigation Prevention

Create an employment litigation prevention plan for [company]. Include: policies, training, documentation, complaint procedures, regular audits.


### 99. Legal Department Operations

Create a legal department operations manual for [company size] in [industry]. Include: intake process, matter management, billing, reporting, technology.


### 100. Annual Legal Health Check

Create an annual legal health check template for [company]. Include: contracts, compliance, IP, employment, litigation, governance, insurance.

How to Use These Prompts

Copy the prompt — Don't modify the structure
Fill in the brackets — Replace [placeholders] with your specifics
Add jurisdiction — Legal prompts are jurisdiction-specific
Verify authority — Always confirm case law and statute citations
Professional judgment — Use as starting point, apply your legal expertise

Pro Tips

Always specify jurisdiction — Legal rules vary dramatically by location
Include relevant facts — The more specific the fact pattern, the better the analysis
Ask for citations — Request case law and statutory references for verification
Use for first drafts — Great for getting started, but always review and customize
Check current law — Legal landscape changes; verify all citations are current

Get more prompts with our 100 ChatGPT Prompts for Accountants & Finance or explore 179 Best Free Online Tools for legal tech tools.