DEV Community

ClawGear
ClawGear

Posted on

35 ChatGPT Prompts for Lawyers and Attorneys (Client Intake, Contracts, and Legal Comms Done Fast)

#chatgpt #legal #lawyers #productivity

35 ChatGPT Prompts for Lawyers and Attorneys (Client Intake, Contracts, and Legal Comms Done Fast)

Lawyers bill by the hour, but not every hour is billable. Client intake questionnaires, follow-up emails, demand letters, billing reminders, court prep notes, and firm marketing all eat into your day — without generating revenue.

ChatGPT won't draft a final contract or give legal advice on your behalf. But it will give you a first draft in 90 seconds, turn your meeting notes into a clean memo, write your demand letter template, and help you communicate with clients in plain English. The editing is on you. The blank page isn't.

These 35 prompts are built for practicing attorneys — solo practitioners, small firms, and in-house counsel alike. No hallucinated case law. No substitutes for legal judgment. Just structured starting points that cut drafting time by 60–80%.

A Note on AI and Legal Practice

Use these prompts as drafting tools, not final work product. Always review, verify, and adapt every output before sending to clients or courts. AI can draft; only you can practice law.

Section 1: Client Intake and Onboarding

Prompt 1 — Initial Intake Email

Write a professional intake email from an attorney at [firm name] to a potential new client, [name], who inquired about [legal matter type: divorce / personal injury / business formation / estate planning]. Include: a warm acknowledgment of their inquiry, what to expect from the intake process, a request for key information (list relevant facts needed), next steps, and contact information. Tone: reassuring and professional.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 2 — Intake Questionnaire

Create a client intake questionnaire for a [practice area] matter. Include 10–12 questions covering: client background, nature of the legal issue, key dates and deadlines, prior legal proceedings (if any), relevant parties involved, documents the client already has, their desired outcome, and budget/fee arrangement preferences. Provide a brief explanation with each question.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 3 — Conflict Check Memo

Write an internal conflict check memo template for a law firm. The new client is [name/entity], the matter involves [opposing party/subject], and the requesting attorney is [name]. Include fields for: related parties, prior representations, results of the database check, conclusion (conflict found / no conflict), and sign-off.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 4 — Engagement Letter

Draft an engagement letter for a [practice area] matter between [firm name] and new client [client name]. Include: scope of representation, fee arrangement ($[hourly rate]/hr or flat fee of $[amount]), billing cycle, retainer amount ($[X]) and how it will be applied, client responsibilities, communication expectations, and termination clause. Tone: formal. Note that this is a template requiring attorney review before use.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 5 — Welcome Email After Signing

Write a welcome email to [client name] who just signed an engagement letter for [legal matter]. Include: confirmation of the representation, a brief overview of what happens next (3–4 steps), how to reach you and your team, preferred communication channels, and what documents to gather. Tone: warm and confidence-building.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Section 2: Contract Drafting Assistance

Prompt 6 — NDA First Draft

Draft a mutual NDA between [Party A] and [Party B] for the purpose of [purpose, e.g., evaluating a potential business partnership]. Include: definition of confidential information, obligations of each party, exclusions from confidentiality, term ([X] years), remedies for breach, and governing law ([state]). Note: this is a starting draft for attorney review only.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 7 — Contract Clause Explanation (Plain English)

Explain this contract clause in plain English for a client who is not a lawyer: "[paste clause]". Describe: what it means, what obligations it creates for each party, what happens if it's breached, and whether there are any red flags a client should flag for their attorney.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 8 — Contract Redline Summary

Here are the key changes between the original contract and the revised version: [paste changes or describe them]. Write a redline summary memo I can send to my client. For each change, explain: what changed, why it matters, and whether it's favorable, unfavorable, or neutral for our client. Keep the language accessible.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 9 — Contract Review Checklist

Create a contract review checklist for a [contract type: commercial lease / software license / employment agreement / vendor agreement]. Include 15–20 items to verify: key defined terms, limitation of liability, indemnification, IP ownership, termination rights, payment terms, dispute resolution, governing law, and any industry-specific provisions.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 10 — Severance Agreement Summary

Summarize this severance agreement for a client who needs to understand what they're signing: [paste key provisions]. Cover: severance amount and timeline, release of claims (what they're giving up), non-disparagement clause, non-compete or non-solicitation provisions, and any deadlines for signing. Flag anything they should discuss with their attorney before signing.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Section 3: Demand Letters and Correspondence

Prompt 11 — Demand Letter (Debt/Payment)

Write a formal demand letter from [attorney name] at [firm name] on behalf of client [client name] to [defendant name] demanding payment of $[amount] owed under [agreement/invoice dated X]. Include: factual background, legal basis for the demand, specific demand and deadline (e.g., pay within 10 business days), consequences of non-payment (litigation), and contact information. Tone: firm and professional.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 12 — Cease and Desist Letter

Draft a cease and desist letter from [firm name] on behalf of [client] to [recipient] regarding [infringing activity, e.g., unauthorized use of trademark / breach of non-compete / defamatory statements]. Include: description of the violation, legal basis, specific demands (stop activity, preserve evidence, confirm in writing), deadline, and consequences of non-compliance. Note: for attorney review before sending.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 13 — Settlement Demand Letter

Draft a settlement demand letter for a [personal injury / breach of contract / employment discrimination] matter. Our client is [plaintiff name]. Defendants: [names]. Summary of facts: [brief summary]. Damages: [economic: $X, non-economic: $X]. We are demanding $[amount] to settle. Include: factual background, liability analysis (brief), damages breakdown, demand, and deadline. Tone: professional but assertive.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 14 — Response to Opposing Counsel Letter

Write a response letter to opposing counsel's letter dated [date] regarding [subject]. Their position: [summary]. Our position: [summary]. The response should: acknowledge receipt, dispute their factual characterizations (specifically: [list], assert our client's position, reject any improper demands, and reserve all rights. Tone: professional, non-inflammatory.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 15 — Client Update Letter (Litigation Progress)

Write a litigation update letter to client [name] regarding [case name]. Current phase: [phase]. Recent developments: [list]. Upcoming deadlines: [list]. Current outstanding items from client (if any): [list]. Next steps our firm will take: [list]. Estimated timeline for [next milestone]. Keep it under 300 words and use plain English — no legal jargon.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Section 4: Legal Memos and Research Summaries

Prompt 16 — Issue Spotting Memo

Review these facts and identify the legal issues for an attorney's analysis: [paste fact pattern]. For each issue spotted, provide: the legal question presented, relevant area(s) of law, and 1–2 sentences on why it matters. Do not provide legal conclusions — flag issues only. This is a preliminary issue-spotting exercise for attorney review.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 17 — Legal Research Summary

Summarize the following legal research on [topic] in a memo format suitable for internal use: [paste research notes or case summaries]. Format: Issue Presented, Brief Answer, Discussion (key cases/rules), and Conclusion. Keep the discussion section to 3–5 paragraphs. Flag any circuits splits or unsettled areas of law.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 18 — Deposition Summary

Summarize this deposition transcript in a structured memo: [paste key excerpts or full transcript]. Format: Witness Name, Date, Key Testimony by Topic (bullet points), Key Admissions, Inconsistencies with Prior Statements, and Recommended Follow-Up Questions. Highlight anything that could be used for impeachment.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 19 — Case Timeline

Build a chronological case timeline from these facts: [paste facts/documents]. For each event, include: Date, Event Description, Source Document (if applicable), and Legal Significance (1 sentence). Format as a table. Flag any gaps in the timeline that may need further investigation.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 20 — Expert Witness Summary

Summarize this expert witness report for internal use: [paste report]. Include: Expert's Background and Qualifications, Summary of Opinions, Methodology Used, Key Conclusions, and Potential Vulnerabilities for Cross-Examination. Keep to one page.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Section 5: Court Preparation

Prompt 21 — Deposition Outline

Create a deposition outline for witness [name], [role in case]. The witness is expected to testify about: [topics]. Key facts we want to establish: [list]. Key facts we want to challenge: [list]. Structure the outline with: Background/Qualifications, Chronological Fact Examination, Document Authentication, and Closing. Include follow-up question prompts under each section.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 22 — Cross-Examination Questions

Draft cross-examination questions for [witness name] who testified on direct that: [summary of direct testimony]. Our theory of the case: [brief description]. We want to challenge: [specific points]. Draft 15–20 leading questions organized by topic. Keep each question short and capable of a yes/no answer.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 23 — Closing Argument Outline

Create a closing argument outline for the [plaintiff/defense] in a [case type] trial. Our key facts: [list]. The opposing side's strongest arguments: [list]. Structure: opening statement of our position, systematic rebuttal of opposing arguments (2–3 key points), reinforcement of our narrative, appeal to the jury's sense of [justice/fairness/common sense], and call to verdict. Note: outline only — attorney to develop full argument.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 24 — Voir Dire Questions

Draft voir dire questions for a [case type] case. We represent the [plaintiff/defendant]. Key issues we need to explore: [list — e.g., bias toward corporations, prior experience with lawsuits, views on damages]. Generate 15 open-ended questions that will help us identify jurors with potential bias against our client's position.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Section 6: Billing and Client Financial Communication

Prompt 25 — Invoice Cover Letter

Write a brief, professional invoice cover letter to accompany a bill to [client name] for legal services rendered from [date] to [date], totaling $[amount]. Reference the matter: [matter name]. Keep it under 100 words. Remind them of payment terms ([X] days) and how to pay. Avoid sounding demanding.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 26 — Past Due Balance Email

Write an email to [client name] regarding a past due balance of $[amount] on matter [name]. The invoice was due [X] days ago. Keep the tone professional and assume positive intent — do not threaten immediately. Ask if there's an issue with the invoice or if a payment plan would be helpful. Include payment options.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 27 — Fee Arrangement Explanation (Plain English)

Explain our fee arrangement to a client in plain English: [describe arrangement — hourly / contingency / flat fee / hybrid]. Include: how fees are calculated, when invoices are sent, what the retainer covers, how expenses are billed separately, and what happens when the retainer runs low. Write it as a client-friendly FAQ (3–4 Q&As).
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Section 7: Estate Planning Client Communications

Prompt 28 — Estate Plan Summary Letter

Write a letter to [client name] summarizing the estate plan documents we prepared: [list documents — will, trust, POA, healthcare directive]. For each document, provide a 2–3 sentence plain-English explanation of its purpose and when it takes effect. Close with instructions for executing the documents and where to store them.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 29 — Beneficiary Designation Review Email

Write an email to [client name] reminding them to review beneficiary designations on their [life insurance / retirement accounts / bank accounts] following our estate planning engagement. Explain why beneficiary designations supersede a will, what could go wrong if they're outdated, and what information to gather before making changes.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Section 8: Law Firm Marketing and Business Development

Prompt 30 — Attorney Bio

Write a professional attorney bio for [attorney name], [practice areas], at [firm name]. Background: [law school, graduation year, bar admissions, notable cases or clients (if shareable), professional associations]. Tone: authoritative but approachable. Audience: prospective clients, not other lawyers. Length: 150–200 words. Include a subtle CTA to schedule a consultation.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 31 — LinkedIn Post (Thought Leadership)

Write a LinkedIn post for [attorney name] in the [practice area] space. Topic: [topic — e.g., a recent court decision, a common client mistake, a legal tip]. The post should: open with a hook that stops the scroll, share a genuine insight (not generic advice), be written in first person, and close with a low-pressure CTA. No legal disclaimers in the post itself — they'll go in comments. 150–250 words.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 32 — Client Referral Thank You

Write a thank-you note from [attorney name] to [referral source name] for referring [new client] to the firm. Keep it genuine and personal — 3–4 sentences. Mention that you'll take good care of the referral and that you look forward to reciprocating when the opportunity arises.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 33 — Practice Area FAQ Page

Write a 5-question FAQ section for a law firm website's [practice area] page. Audience: prospective clients with no legal background. Questions should address: what the practice area covers, when someone needs an attorney (vs. handling it themselves), how long typical matters take, what the process looks like, and how fees work. Keep answers under 100 words each. No legal advice — encourage consultation.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Section 9: Settlement and ADR

Prompt 34 — Settlement Agreement Summary for Client

Summarize the key terms of this settlement agreement in plain English for my client: [paste key terms]. Cover: what my client receives, what they give up (including release of claims), any ongoing obligations (non-disparagement, confidentiality), payment terms and timeline, and any conditions that must be met before payment is made. Flag anything requiring immediate client action.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Prompt 35 — Mediation Statement Outline

Create an outline for a mediation statement in a [case type] matter. Representing: [plaintiff/defendant]. Key facts in our favor: [list]. Damages/relief sought: [list]. Weaknesses to acknowledge (mediator needs candor): [list]. Settlement range we can work with: [range]. Structure: Case Overview, Liability Analysis, Damages, Strengths of Our Position, Acknowledgment of Risk, and Opening Settlement Position.
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Build Your Legal Prompt Library

These 35 prompts cover the full range of what attorneys write outside billable legal work. The highest-leverage use: save your top 10–15 as Notion or Google Docs templates with your firm name, jurisdiction, and common client types pre-filled. First draft in 90 seconds, review and send in 10 minutes.

Want a complete professional AI toolkit? The Lawyer & Attorney AI Toolkit includes 50 additional prompts covering discovery, appellate briefs, client portal templates, and law firm operations — all formatted for immediate use. ($14.99, instant download.)

More professional ChatGPT prompt guides: virtual assistants | accountants & CPAs | customer success managers

Top comments (0)