Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT are revolutionizing the legal field, assisting paralegals in legal research, drafting, summarizing, and organizing information more efficiently. However, to fully leverage these tools, crafting clear and precise prompts is essential. This guide will walk you through best practices for writing AI prompts tailored to paralegal work.

Understanding AI Prompting

AI tools operate based on the instructions given to them. A “prompt” is essentially a query or request that tells the AI what kind of response you need. Well-structured prompts result in more accurate, relevant, and useful outputs.

Best Practices for Writing AI Prompts

1. Be Clear and Specific

The more precise your prompt, the better the response. Vague requests lead to generic answers, while specific prompts yield more tailored results.

• Example (Vague): “Summarize this case.”
• Example (Specific): “Summarize the key legal arguments and ruling in Smith v. Jones (2023) in under 200 words.”

2. Define the Context

Providing background details ensures the AI understands the scope of your request.

• Example: “I am a paralegal drafting a motion to dismiss based on lack of jurisdiction. Provide a concise legal argument with references to relevant case law.”

3. Specify the Format

If you need an answer in a particular structure, state it explicitly.

• Example: “Draft a three-paragraph summary of this contract dispute, including the parties involved, key terms, and the court’s decision.”
• Example: “Create a bullet-point list of the most relevant case laws for a negligence defense.”

4. Use Role-Based Instructions

Telling the AI to assume a particular role can refine responses.

• Example: “Act as a legal assistant and draft a client email explaining the discovery process in simple terms.”
• Example: “You are a litigation paralegal preparing deposition questions for a contract breach case. Provide 10 well-structured questions.”

5. Set Word Limits When Needed

Controlling the response length prevents overly long or overly brief answers.

• Example: “Provide a 100-word explanation of the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida.”
• Example: “Summarize this deposition transcript in no more than five bullet points.”

6. Ask for Alternative Versions

If an AI response isn’t quite right, you can refine your prompt or request a different version.

• Example: “Rephrase this legal memo in more formal language.”
• Example: “Provide three variations of this contract clause emphasizing liability limitations.”

7. Use Iterative Refinement

Don’t be afraid to refine your prompt based on initial responses.

• Example:
  • First Prompt: “Explain attorney-client privilege.”
  • AI Response: [General explanation]
  • Follow-up Prompt: “Explain how attorney-client privilege applies in corporate settings with an example.”

AI and Legal Research: Proceed with Caution

AI tools like ChatGPT should not replace dedicated legal research platforms such as FastCase, LexisNexis, or Westlaw, which continually refine their AI capabilities and provide authoritative sources. 

One major risk of using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Co-Pilot is citing nonexistent cases. Instances of attorneys presenting AI-generated cases in court have been widely publicized, reinforcing the importance of using AI responsibly. While ChatGPT or Microsoft Co-Pilot can help with initial research, always verify case law, statutory references, and citations for accuracy to avoid fabricated information.

Practical Applications for Paralegals

By implementing these best practices, paralegals can optimize AI tools for tasks such as:

• Legal Research: Finding case law summaries, statutes, or legal principles.
• Document Drafting: Creating demand letters, memos, or contracts.
• Summarization: Condensing depositions, rulings, or lengthy legal texts.
• Client Communication: Drafting emails or explanatory letters in plain language.
• Case Preparation: Organizing key arguments, witness questions, or procedural checklists.

Conclusion

Mastering AI prompt writing empowers paralegals to use AI efficiently, saving time and improving the quality of legal work. By being clear, specific, and structured in your prompts, you can ensure that AI-generated responses align closely with your needs. With continued practice, leveraging AI can become an indispensable skill in your paralegal toolkit.