Jul 22, 2026 · 10 min read · ⚖️ Lawyers How-To Guides

ChatGPT Prompts for Law Firm Workflows: 20 Practical Examples That Save Hours (2026)

Most lawyers who try ChatGPT get generic output because they write generic prompts. “Write a motion to dismiss” produces something a first-year law student would write. “Draft a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction under FRCP 12(b)(2) in a breach of contract case where the defendant is a Delaware LLC with its principal place of business in Texas, the contract was signed in New York, and the only alleged contact with this jurisdiction is a single email sent by the defendant’s employee” produces something usable.

The difference is specificity. Legal work requires precise inputs to produce precise outputs. These 20 prompts are designed for real law firm workflows with the specificity needed to get usable results.

Important Caveat

Before using any of these prompts: verify all output. ChatGPT hallucinates citations, invents case names, and can produce confident-sounding but wrong legal analysis. Use these prompts for drafting and structure, not for legal authority. Never file anything generated by AI without verifying every citation and legal statement.

Client Intake and Communication

1. Client Intake Summary

Summarize this client intake call transcript into a structured intake memo. 
Include: (1) Client name and contact info, (2) Matter type, (3) Key facts 
in chronological order, (4) Potential claims or defenses, (5) Damages 
estimate, (6) Statute of limitations concerns, (7) Conflicts check 
information, (8) Recommended follow-up actions.

Format as a memo I can give to the handling attorney.

[paste transcript]

2. Engagement Letter

Draft an engagement letter for a [type of matter: e.g., commercial litigation 
defense] matter. Client is [name/entity]. Matter involves [brief description].

Include: scope of representation, fee structure [hourly/contingency/flat], 
estimated total cost range, billing procedures, client responsibilities, 
termination provisions, and conflict waiver if applicable.

Use professional but clear language. The client is a [small business owner / 
individual / corporate general counsel] so adjust complexity accordingly.

3. Client Status Update

Draft a professional but warm status update email to a client about their 
[case type] matter. Key updates: (1) [update 1], (2) [update 2], (3) [update 3].

Next steps: [list next steps with timeline].

The client is [anxious / impatient / uninformed] about the process, so 
[reassure them about timeline / explain why this is normal / educate them 
on the next phase]. Keep it under 300 words.

4. Client Email Response (Difficult Situation)

Draft a professional email responding to a client who is upset about 
[high legal bill / case delay / unfavorable development]. 

Context: [explain the situation]. The client's concern is legitimate because 
[reason]. Our position is [explanation].

Tone: empathetic but firm. Acknowledge their concern, explain the situation 
honestly, and provide a path forward. Do not make promises we can't keep 
or blame the client.

Contract Review and Drafting

5. Contract Review Checklist

Review this [contract type: e.g., commercial lease, SaaS agreement, 
employment contract] and create a checklist of all provisions that need 
attention. For each provision, note: (1) What the current clause says, 
(2) Whether it's standard, favorable, or unfavorable to my client 
([buyer/seller/landlord/tenant/employer/employee]), (3) Specific risks, 
(4) Suggested revisions.

Organize by priority: must-change, should-negotiate, acceptable.

[paste contract]

6. Contract Clause Drafting

Draft a [clause type: e.g., indemnification, limitation of liability, 
termination for convenience, non-compete] clause for a [contract type] 
between [party A description] and [party B description].

Requirements:
- Jurisdiction: [state]
- Must protect [my client: buyer/seller/licensor/licensee]
- Include [specific requirements]
- Avoid [specific provisions to exclude]
- Length: [one paragraph / one page / detailed]

Also provide 2 alternative versions: one more favorable to my client 
and one balanced compromise position for negotiation.

7. Contract Comparison

Compare these two versions of [contract type] and identify all differences. 
For each difference, note: (1) The specific language that changed, 
(2) The legal significance of the change, (3) Whether the change benefits 
my client ([party]) or the other party, (4) Whether I should push back 
on the change.

Version A (our draft):
[paste version A]

Version B (their redline):
[paste version B]

Legal Research and Analysis

8. Issue Spotting

I'm evaluating a potential [case type: e.g., breach of contract, employment 
discrimination, personal injury] case. Here are the facts:

[paste factual summary]

Identify all potential claims and defenses for both sides. For each, note:
(1) The legal elements required, (2) How the facts support or undermine 
each element, (3) The strength of the claim (strong, moderate, weak), 
(4) Key factual gaps I need to investigate.

Also identify potential counterclaims the other side might bring.

9. Legal Memo Structure

Create an outline for a legal memorandum on [legal issue]. The memo is 
for [partner review / client / court filing].

Structure:
1. Question Presented
2. Short Answer
3. Statement of Facts
4. Discussion
   a. [First major argument]
   b. [Second major argument]
   c. [Counterarguments and responses]
5. Conclusion

For each section, suggest the key points to cover and the type of authority 
(statutory, case law, secondary) that would be most persuasive. Do not 
generate case citations (I will research those separately).

10. Deposition Preparation

Help me prepare for the deposition of [witness name/type: e.g., plaintiff, 
defendant's corporate representative, expert witness] in a [case type] case.

Key issues in the case: [list issues].
What I need to establish: [list goals].
Witness's likely position: [summary].

Create a deposition outline organized by topic with:
1. Background questions to establish foundation
2. Questions on each key issue (open-ended, then pin-down)
3. Questions to impeach potential testimony
4. Questions to preserve testimony for trial

For each topic, suggest 3-5 questions progressing from general to specific.

Motion and Brief Drafting

11. Motion to Dismiss

Draft a motion to dismiss under [FRCP 12(b)(6) / FRCP 12(b)(2) / state 
equivalent] in a [case type] case.

Facts: [summarize key facts].
Opposing party's claims: [list claims].
Grounds for dismissal: [explain].

Structure the motion with:
1. Introduction (1 paragraph stating what the motion seeks)
2. Statement of Facts (favorable to our position)
3. Legal Standard (for the applicable rule)
4. Argument (organized by ground for dismissal)
5. Conclusion

Do not generate case citations. I will research and add real citations. 
Focus on argument structure and persuasive framing.

12. Motion for Summary Judgment

Create an outline for a motion for summary judgment in a [case type] case.

Claims at issue: [list claims].
Undisputed material facts: [list facts the other side can't reasonably dispute].
Elements we can prove as a matter of law: [list].
Elements the other side cannot prove: [list].

For each element, suggest:
1. The undisputed facts that establish it
2. The type of evidence needed (declaration, document, admission)
3. The argument for why no genuine dispute exists

Also identify the other side's likely opposition arguments and suggest 
responses.

13. Demand Letter

Draft a demand letter on behalf of my client [plaintiff/claimant] in a 
[case type] matter.

Facts: [summarize the dispute].
Damages: [itemize damages with amounts].
Liability basis: [explain why the recipient is liable].

Tone: professional and firm but not inflammatory. The goal is to resolve 
this without litigation if possible, but make clear we're prepared to file suit.

Include: (1) Factual summary, (2) Legal basis for claims, (3) Itemized 
damages, (4) Settlement demand with deadline, (5) Consequence of 
non-response.

Do not include case citations.

Administrative and Practice Management

14. Time Entry Descriptions

Rewrite these time entries to be more detailed and defensible for billing 
purposes. Each entry should clearly describe what was done, why it was 
necessary, and the result (if any). Avoid block billing. Keep entries 
in 6-minute increments.

Original entries:
[paste your rough time entries]

Format each as:
[Date] [Hours] [Description: Specific task performed + purpose + result]

15. Billing Narrative

Draft a billing narrative for this [type of matter] covering the period 
from [start date] to [end date]. The client is [sophisticated/unsophisticated] 
about legal work.

Work performed:
[paste list of tasks completed]

Make each line item clear enough that the client understands what they're 
paying for. Group related tasks. Flag any items that might need explanation 
(e.g., research on a novel issue, work that was duplicative due to 
opposing counsel's tactics).

16. Internal Case Assessment

Write an internal case assessment memo for [case name]. This is for 
[partner review / client reporting / settlement evaluation].

Case posture: [current procedural status]
Claims: [list claims and counterclaims]
Key facts (favorable): [list]
Key facts (unfavorable): [list]
Damages exposure: [range]
Cost to litigate through trial: [estimate]

Provide: (1) Strengths and weaknesses analysis, (2) Probability assessment 
for each claim/defense, (3) Settlement range recommendation, (4) Litigation 
risk factors, (5) Recommended strategy for next 90 days.

17. Discovery Plan

Create a discovery plan for a [case type] case. 

Key issues: [list disputed issues].
Documents likely to exist: [list categories].
Key custodians: [list people/departments].
Timeline: trial in [X months].

Structure:
1. Document requests (organized by issue)
2. Interrogatories (focused on information gaps)
3. Deposition targets (in priority order with reasons)
4. Expert discovery needs
5. Discovery schedule with deadlines

For each document request, draft the request text and explain what we 
expect to find and why it's relevant.

Settlement and Negotiation

18. Settlement Demand Analysis

Analyze this settlement demand from opposing counsel and help me prepare 
a response.

Their demand: [paste or summarize]
Our position: [summarize strengths and weaknesses]
Our bottom line: [your client's walk-away number]
Relationship factors: [ongoing business relationship? repeat litigation?]

Provide:
1. Assessment of their demand (realistic? opening position? final offer?)
2. Counteroffer recommendation with justification
3. Key points to make in response
4. Concessions we could offer that cost us little
5. Red lines we should hold

19. Mediation Statement

Draft a mediation statement for a [case type] matter. The mediator is 
[name] and the mediation is scheduled for [date].

Facts: [summary favorable to our position]
Liability: [our strongest arguments]
Damages: [itemized with support]
Settlement history: [prior offers/demands]
Our position: [what we want to achieve]

Tone: persuasive but respectful of the mediator's role. This is a 
settlement document, not a brief. Focus on business realities and 
practical outcomes, not just legal arguments.

20. Settlement Agreement Terms

Draft key terms for a settlement agreement in a [case type] matter.

Settlement terms agreed:
- Payment: [amount and schedule]
- [Other terms: non-disparagement, confidentiality, non-compete, etc.]

Include:
1. Payment terms with default provisions
2. Mutual release (scope it appropriately)
3. Confidentiality provisions
4. Non-disparagement
5. Representations and warranties
6. Default and enforcement provisions
7. Governing law and jurisdiction

Flag any provisions that are likely to be contested and suggest 
compromise language.

Tips for Better Legal Prompts

Be specific about jurisdiction: “Under New York law” is better than nothing. “Under New York CPLR 302(a)(1) long-arm jurisdiction” is even better.
Provide the facts: AI can’t analyze a case without facts. The more facts you provide, the better the output.
Specify the audience: A motion for the court reads differently than an internal memo or a client email.
Don’t trust citations: Every case citation from ChatGPT must be verified. Use it for structure and argument framing, not for legal authority.
Iterate: The first output is rarely the best. Refine your prompt based on what you get back.

Not a lawyer? See AI tools for teachers or best AI tools by profession.

FAQ

Can I use ChatGPT for legal research?

You can use it to brainstorm research directions and identify issues, but never for finding case citations. ChatGPT consistently hallucinates case names and citations. Use it to structure your research plan, then find real authority on Westlaw or LexisNexis.

Is it ethical to use ChatGPT for client work?

Most state bar associations allow it with supervision requirements. You must review and verify all output, maintain client confidentiality (don’t paste privileged information into public ChatGPT), and disclose AI use where required by local rules. Check your jurisdiction’s ethics opinions.

Should I tell clients I’m using AI?

Depends on your jurisdiction and the client. Some jurisdictions require disclosure. Some clients expect it. As a practical matter, most clients care about results and cost, not whether you used AI to draft more efficiently. When in doubt, disclose.

What’s the biggest mistake lawyers make with ChatGPT?

Treating its output as finished work. ChatGPT is a drafting tool, not a legal authority. The lawyers who get in trouble are the ones who file AI-generated motions without checking the citations or who trust AI analysis on novel legal issues without verification.

Can I use these prompts with other AI tools like Claude or Gemini?

Yes, these prompts work with any large language model. Claude tends to produce more nuanced analysis, Gemini is good at research synthesis, and ChatGPT is widely available and consistent. Try the same prompt across multiple tools and use the best output.