Help CenterGood legal research depends on how you prompt. Clear patterns produce clearer results. This guide covers proven prompt templates and examples.
Why Prompting Patterns Matter
Vague prompts create vague answers.
Structured prompts give focused, reliable output.
Patterns help you:
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Control scope
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Improve accuracy
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Reduce irrelevant results
Prompt Template 1: Jurisdiction-First
Always lead with jurisdiction.
Template:
“In [jurisdiction], explain [legal issue].”
Bad prompt:
“Explain breach of contract.”
Better prompt:
“In California, explain the elements of a breach of contract claim.”
This avoids mixed or incorrect laws.
Prompt Template 2: Issue Spotting
Use this when analyzing facts.
Template:
“Based on these facts, identify potential legal issues under [jurisdiction] law.”
Bad prompt:
“What legal issues are here?”
Better prompt:
“Based on these facts, identify potential legal issues under New York negligence law.”
This improves issue identification.
Prompt Template 3: Counterarguments
Use this to test legal strength.
Template:
“What defenses or counterarguments apply to [claim] under [jurisdiction] law?”
Bad prompt:
“Any defenses?”
Better prompt:
“What defenses apply to a negligence claim under Texas law?”
This balances analysis.
Prompt Template 4: Cite-First Research
Use when sources matter.
Template:
“Provide an explanation of [issue] under [jurisdiction] law with case citations.”
Bad prompt:
“Explain employment discrimination law.”
Better prompt:
“Explain employment discrimination under federal law with recent case citations.”
This produces verifiable output.
Example: Prompt Refinement Thread
Initial prompt:
“What are the elements of fraud?”
Result: Too general.
Refined prompt:
“What are the elements of fraud under Florida law?”
Result: Better, jurisdiction-specific.
Further refinement:
“List the elements of fraud under Florida law with case citations and brief explanations.”
Result: Structured, usable research.
Best Practices for Prompt Refinement
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Add jurisdiction early
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Ask one issue per prompt
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Request citations when needed
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Refine instead of restarting
Small changes improve results fast.
Responsible Use Reminder
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Always verify citations
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Confirm jurisdiction accuracy
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Apply legal judgment before use
AI supports research. It does not replace legal review.