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35 ChatGPT Prompts for Paralegals: Documents, Discovery, and Client Comms Done Faster

#chatgpt #ai #legal #productivity

Paralegals keep law firms running. You research cases, draft documents, manage discovery, coordinate witnesses, track deadlines, and handle a hundred other things that attorneys depend on—all while juggling multiple cases at once.

But here's the challenge: most of that work is documentation-heavy and time-consuming. A motion for summary judgment takes hours to draft. A deposition summary takes half a day. A client intake memo pulls you away from three other urgent tasks.

ChatGPT doesn't replace your legal judgment—it handles the scaffolding so you can focus on the work that actually requires your expertise.

These 35 prompts are organized around the core tasks paralegals handle every day: document drafting, case management, client communication, research support, and billing. Copy them, adapt them to your matter, and reclaim hours every week.

Document Drafting and Legal Writing Support

Prompt 1 — Draft a demand letter

I'm a paralegal at a [type of firm]. Draft a demand letter for our client [client role] to [opposing party]. The dispute involves [brief description]. Our client is seeking [relief sought]. Keep the tone firm but professional. Include a response deadline of [X days].
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Prompt 2 — Summarize a contract clause

I need to explain this contract clause to a client in plain English. Here is the clause: [paste clause]. Summarize it in 2-3 sentences, avoiding legal jargon. Flag any potential risks or obligations the client should know about.
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Prompt 3 — Draft a motion outline

I'm drafting a [motion type] for a [case type] matter. The key arguments we're making are: [list arguments]. Create a structured outline with sections, sub-points, and suggested legal standards to address. I'll write the actual legal content—just give me the framework.
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Prompt 4 — Write a settlement agreement summary

I need to summarize a settlement agreement for our client's file. Here are the key terms: [paste or list terms]. Write a clear 1-page summary covering: what each party agreed to do, payment terms and timeline, confidentiality provisions, and what happens if either party defaults.
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Prompt 5 — Draft a cover letter for filings

Write a professional cover letter to accompany a [document type] being filed with [court/agency]. The matter is [case name/number]. Include: what's being filed, filing deadline reference, contact information placeholder, and a request for file-stamped copies to be returned.
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Prompt 6 — Create a document checklist

I'm preparing a [transaction type / case type] file. Create a comprehensive document checklist covering everything we'll need to gather, draft, and file. Organize it by phase: pre-filing, during, and closing/resolution. Include signature requirements and deadline notes.
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Case File Organization and Management

Prompt 7 — Build a case chronology

I need to build a chronology for a [case type] matter. Here are the key events I have so far: [list events with dates]. Format this as a clean timeline table with columns for: Date, Event Description, Source Document, and Key Party Involved. Fill in what you can and flag gaps.
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Prompt 8 — Create a witness contact sheet template

Create a witness contact sheet template for our case files. Include fields for: witness name, role in the case (plaintiff/defendant/third party/expert), contact information, expected testimony summary, availability notes, and whether a subpoena is needed.
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Prompt 9 — Draft a case status memo

Write a case status memo for attorney review on the following matter: [case name]. Current status: [brief description]. Upcoming deadlines: [list]. Outstanding items: [list]. Open questions for attorney: [list]. Format it cleanly for internal file use.
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Prompt 10 — Organize discovery materials

I've received [X] documents in discovery for a [case type] matter. Help me create an index template with columns for: Bates number range, document type, date, author/recipient, subject matter, and privilege flag. Also suggest categories for a folder structure to organize the production.
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Prompt 11 — Track deadlines across multiple cases

I'm tracking deadlines for [X] active cases. Here's what I have: [list cases and deadlines]. Create a priority-sorted master deadline list for the next 30 days. Flag anything within 7 days as urgent. Include the case name, deadline type, deadline date, and assigned attorney.
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Prompt 12 — Draft a file closing checklist

Create a file closing checklist for a [case type] matter that resolved via [settlement/verdict/dismissal]. Include steps for: final billing review, document archiving, client notification, returning original documents, destroying drafts, and closing the matter in our system.
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Client Communication

Prompt 13 — Draft a client status update

Draft a client update email for [case name]. The client is [brief background]. Update them on: [current status]. Next steps are: [list]. We expect [timeline]. Keep the tone reassuring and professional. Avoid legal jargon. End with an invitation to call with questions.
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Prompt 14 — Explain a legal process to a client

A client needs to understand [legal process—e.g., "what happens during a deposition"]. Write a plain-English explanation of: what it is, what they should expect, how to prepare, and what their role is. Keep it under 300 words and avoid jargon.
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Prompt 15 — Draft a document request to a client

Write a professional email to our client requesting the following documents for their [case type] matter: [list documents]. Explain why each document is needed. Include a deadline of [date] and instructions for how to deliver the documents to our office or via [portal/email/mail].
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Prompt 16 — Respond to a client inquiry about timeline

A client is asking: "How long will my case take?" The case is a [case type] at [current stage]. Draft a measured, honest response that: explains typical timelines for this type of matter, describes what could speed it up or slow it down, and sets realistic expectations without making promises.
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Prompt 17 — Write an intake summary memo

I just completed an initial client intake for a new matter. Here are my notes: [paste notes]. Convert these into a structured intake memo with sections for: client information, matter description, key facts, potential issues flagged, documents needed, and recommended next steps for the attorney.
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Legal Research Support

Prompt 18 — Summarize a case

Summarize the following case for attorney use: [paste case name, citation, or key facts]. Cover: facts, issue, holding, and reasoning. Keep it under 200 words. Note any dissenting opinions. Flag if this case has been overturned or limited by subsequent decisions.
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Prompt 19 — Draft a research memo outline

I need to research [legal issue] in [jurisdiction]. Create an outline for a legal research memo covering: the legal standard, key statutes or regulations to check, the main cases I should look for, and the structure for presenting the analysis. I'll fill in the actual research.
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Prompt 20 — Explain a statute in plain English

Here is a statute I need to understand: [paste statute text]. Explain it in plain English. What does it require? Who does it apply to? What are the penalties or consequences? Are there common exceptions? Keep it under 250 words.
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Prompt 21 — Create a regulatory filing checklist

I need to file [document type] with [agency/court] in [jurisdiction]. Create a checklist of all requirements: filing deadline, required attachments, formatting requirements, fee schedule, service requirements, and any local rules I should check. Note where requirements may vary.
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Prompt 22 — Draft deposition preparation questions

I'm preparing for a deposition of [witness role] in a [case type] matter. The key issues in the case are: [list issues]. Draft a list of 20-25 deposition questions organized by topic. Include background questions, questions targeting key disputed facts, and questions to pin down the witness on [specific issue].
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Discovery Management

Prompt 23 — Draft a document production cover letter

Draft a document production cover letter accompanying our response to [opposing party]'s discovery requests in [case name]. We are producing [X] documents (Bates [range]). Note: [any documents withheld on privilege grounds]. Include the standard language required in [jurisdiction].
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Prompt 24 — Write interrogatory responses outline

Our client needs to respond to the following interrogatories: [paste interrogatories]. Create a response outline showing: the interrogatory number, a suggested objection if applicable, and the key information we need to gather from the client to answer each one. I'll draft the final responses.
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Prompt 25 — Create a privilege log template

Create a privilege log template for a [case type] matter. Include columns for: document number, date, author, recipient, document type, privilege asserted, and description. Write 3 example entries showing how to properly describe a document without waiving privilege.
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Prompt 26 — Draft a deposition summary

I need to summarize a deposition transcript. The witness was [name/role]. Key issues in the case are: [list issues]. Here are excerpts from the transcript: [paste key excerpts]. Write a structured summary covering: witness background, testimony on each key issue, notable admissions, and credibility observations.
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Prompt 27 — Organize electronic discovery

We received a production of [X] electronic documents in [case name]. Help me create a review protocol document covering: how to categorize documents (responsive, non-responsive, privileged), a coding sheet with defined categories, instructions for flagging hot documents, and a process for tracking review progress.
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Billing and Time Tracking

Prompt 28 — Draft billing narratives

I need to write billing narratives for the following time entries: [paste your notes, e.g., "2.5 hours reviewing deposition transcripts"]. Convert each entry into a professional billing narrative that is descriptive, client-friendly, and consistent with legal billing standards. Avoid block billing.
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Prompt 29 — Review a bill for clarity

Review the following billing entries for a client invoice: [paste entries]. Flag any entries that: are vague or could confuse the client, appear block-billed, use jargon the client won't understand, or could invite a billing dispute. Suggest rewrites for any flagged entries.
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Prompt 30 — Draft a billing dispute response

A client is disputing the following charges: [describe disputed charges]. Draft a professional response that: acknowledges their concern, explains what the work involved and why it was necessary, and proposes a resolution of [resolution]. Keep the tone conciliatory but firm.
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Professional Development and Administrative

Prompt 31 — Prep for a performance review

I'm preparing for my paralegal performance review. Here are my accomplishments from the past year: [list]. Help me articulate these achievements clearly, quantify impact where possible, and frame them in terms of value to the firm. Also suggest 2-3 professional development goals I could propose.
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Prompt 32 — Create an onboarding checklist for a new paralegal

I'm helping onboard a new paralegal at our [firm type] firm. Create a 30-day onboarding checklist covering: firm systems and software, key contacts and processes, practice area orientation, file management protocols, billing procedures, and resources for their continued learning.
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Prompt 33 — Draft a procedure memo

Write a procedure memo documenting how to [specific process, e.g., "open a new client file"]. The audience is new paralegals and legal assistants. Include: step-by-step instructions, the systems or forms involved, who to contact with questions, and common mistakes to avoid.
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Prompt 34 — Summarize a continuing education course

I just completed a CLE/paralegal CE course on [topic]. Here are my notes: [paste notes]. Summarize the key takeaways in a 1-page format I can share with the team. Include: what changed or was clarified, how it applies to our practice, and any action items for our current procedures.
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Prompt 35 — Draft a referral request

I need to refer a prospective client whose matter is outside our firm's practice areas. Write a professional referral email explaining: that we're unable to assist with their specific matter, the general type of attorney they should look for, 2-3 practical steps they can take (bar referral service, AVVO, etc.), and a warm closing that protects our firm's reputation.
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How to Get the Most From These Prompts

Customize every prompt. These are starting frameworks. The more specific you are about the matter type, jurisdiction, and facts, the better the output.

Treat output as a first draft. ChatGPT doesn't know your jurisdiction's local rules, your judge's preferences, or the specific procedural posture of your case. Always review and edit.

Use for scaffolding, not final product. The real value is eliminating blank-page syndrome on routine tasks—letters, summaries, checklists, timelines—so you can focus your expertise on the substance.

Never paste confidential information. Use placeholders like [client name], [opposing party], and [case facts]. Fill in specifics only in your firm's approved systems.

Build a prompt library. When a prompt works well for your practice area, save it. Within a few weeks you'll have a personal toolkit tuned to your exact needs.

Scale Your Paralegal Work With AI

These 35 prompts are a starting point. If you want the complete system—advanced prompts for complex litigation tasks, templates pre-formatted for common filings, and workflow guides for integrating AI into your daily practice—the Paralegal AI Toolkit has everything you need.

It's built specifically for paralegals who want to handle more work with less stress.

Get the Paralegal AI Toolkit →

Save this page. Share it with a colleague. And start with one prompt today—you'll be surprised how much time you get back.

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