50 Claude AI Prompts for Lawyers: Copy-Paste Templates That Work

50 Prompts Built on the CRAFT Framework

These 50 prompts save lawyers hours per week. A 2024 Thomson Reuters survey found that attorneys using structured AI prompts completed document review 62% faster than those writing ad hoc requests. Each prompt below follows the CRAFT framework — Context, Role, Ask, Format, Tone — so Claude delivers consistent, practice-ready output.

"The difference between a good AI result and a useless one is the prompt," says Casey Flaherty, legal operations consultant and former corporate counsel. "Structured prompts eliminate guesswork."

Copy any prompt below. Replace the bracketed placeholders with your specifics. For deeper guidance on prompt structure, read our guide on how to write legal prompts.

Contract Review Prompts

Contract review is the highest-ROI use of Claude for most firms. These five prompts cover the tasks that consume the most associate hours. For a full walkthrough, see our AI contract review guide.

1. Identify Unfavorable Clauses

Context: I represent [party] in a [type of transaction] governed by [jurisdiction] law.
Role: Act as a senior contracts attorney with 15 years of experience in [practice area].
Ask: Review the attached [contract type] and identify every clause that is unfavorable to my client. For each clause, explain the risk, rate severity (high/medium/low), and suggest specific replacement language.
Format: Numbered list. Each item: clause reference, quoted text, risk explanation, severity rating, proposed revision.
Tone: Direct and analytical.

This prompt works because it forces Claude to take a side — your client's — rather than giving balanced analysis nobody asked for.

2. Compare Two Contract Versions

Context: We received a revised [contract type] from opposing counsel. Both versions are governed by [jurisdiction] law.
Role: Act as a transactional attorney conducting redline review.
Ask: Compare the two attached contract versions. Identify every substantive change (ignore formatting). For each change, explain whether it favors my client [party name] or the counterparty, and flag any new risks.
Format: Table with columns: Section, Original Language, Revised Language, Impact Assessment, Recommendation.
Tone: Precise and concise.

Specifying "ignore formatting" prevents Claude from flagging irrelevant whitespace changes.

3. Extract Key Commercial Terms

Context: My client is evaluating a potential [deal type]. I need a quick summary of commercial terms from this [contract type].
Role: Act as a corporate associate preparing a deal summary for a partner.
Ask: Extract all key commercial terms from the attached agreement, including pricing, payment terms, term length, renewal provisions, termination rights, liability caps, and indemnification obligations.
Format: Two-column table: Term Category | Specific Provision. Bold any terms that deviate from market standard.
Tone: Professional, suitable for forwarding to the client.

The "deal summary for a partner" framing tells Claude the audience — which controls the level of detail.

4. Check Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

Context: This [contract type] involves [regulated activity] in [jurisdiction]. Applicable regulations include [specific statutes/regulations].
Role: Act as a regulatory compliance attorney.
Ask: Review the attached contract and identify any provisions that conflict with or fail to address requirements under [specific regulations]. Flag missing required disclosures, non-compliant terms, and provisions that need regulatory-specific language.
Format: Compliance checklist with pass/fail for each requirement, plus specific remediation language for failures.
Tone: Authoritative and precise.

Naming the specific regulations — not just the industry — gives Claude the concrete standard to check against.

5. Draft Missing Provisions

Context: I am drafting a [contract type] for a [transaction type] under [jurisdiction] law. The current draft is missing several standard provisions.
Role: Act as a senior drafting attorney.
Ask: Review the attached agreement and identify any standard provisions that are missing for this type of contract. Draft each missing provision using language consistent with the existing contract's style and defined terms.
Format: For each missing provision: (1) provision name, (2) why it should be included, (3) draft language ready to insert. Use the contract's existing defined terms.
Tone: Formal contract drafting style.

Asking Claude to match existing defined terms prevents it from introducing inconsistent terminology.

Litigation & Motions Prompts

A 2025 ABA Legal Technology Survey found that 47% of litigators now use AI for at least one phase of case preparation. These prompts cover the most time-intensive litigation tasks. See our litigation and deposition summary guide for more.

6. Draft a Motion to Dismiss

Context: My client [defendant] was sued in [court] for [claims]. The complaint fails to state a claim because [legal basis for dismissal]. Jurisdiction: [state/federal] law. Applicable rule: [Rule 12(b)(6) / state equivalent].
Role: Act as a senior litigation associate drafting a dispositive motion.
Ask: Draft a Motion to Dismiss addressing each claim. For each claim, identify the legal standard, explain why the complaint fails to meet it, and cite the leading cases from [jurisdiction].
Format: Standard motion format with caption, introduction, factual background, legal standard, argument (organized by claim), and conclusion.
Tone: Persuasive but measured. No hyperbole.

Specifying "no hyperbole" prevents the overwrought language Claude sometimes defaults to in advocacy contexts.

7. Summarize Deposition Testimony

Context: I represent [party] in [case type] litigation in [jurisdiction]. The attached is a deposition transcript of [deponent name], a [role/relationship to case].
Role: Act as a litigation paralegal preparing a deposition digest.
Ask: Create a detailed deposition summary organized by topic. For each topic, include page:line citations, key admissions, contradictions with other evidence, and areas where the deponent was evasive or non-responsive.
Format: Topic-based outline. Each topic: summary paragraph, then bullet points with exact page:line citations. Separate section for impeachment material.
Tone: Neutral and factual. Flag favorable and unfavorable testimony equally.

"Flag favorable and unfavorable testimony equally" ensures you do not miss damaging admissions.

8. Analyze Opposing Counsel's Brief

Context: Opposing counsel filed [motion type] in [case name], [court]. My client is [party]. I need to prepare a response.
Role: Act as a senior appellate attorney analyzing an opponent's arguments.
Ask: Identify every argument in the attached brief. For each argument, assess its strength (strong/moderate/weak), identify the best counterarguments, find logical weaknesses, and note any cases cited that are distinguishable or no longer good law.
Format: Numbered list of arguments. For each: (1) argument summary, (2) strength assessment, (3) weaknesses, (4) best counterargument, (5) case law vulnerabilities.
Tone: Objective and strategic.

This prompt turns Claude into a moot court partner — stress-testing every argument before you draft your response.

9. Draft Interrogatories

Context: I represent [plaintiff/defendant] in a [case type] action in [jurisdiction]. Discovery has opened. The key issues are [list issues]. Interrogatory limit: [number, e.g., 25 per party].
Role: Act as a litigation associate drafting written discovery.
Ask: Draft [number] interrogatories targeting [opposing party]. Each interrogatory should establish facts supporting [your theory of the case] or undermine [opponent's likely defense]. Include definitions and instructions.
Format: Standard interrogatory format with prefatory definitions, instructions, and numbered interrogatories. Include subparts where the rules permit.
Tone: Formal discovery language. Precise and airtight.

Stating your theory of the case and the opponent's likely defense focuses the interrogatories on facts that matter.

10. Case Timeline Construction

Context: I am preparing for trial in [case type] in [court]. I need a chronological timeline from multiple source documents including [list document types: pleadings, emails, contracts, deposition transcripts].
Role: Act as a litigation support specialist preparing trial exhibits.
Ask: Review the attached documents and create a comprehensive chronological timeline of all relevant events. For each entry, identify the date, event description, source document, page reference, and significance to [your legal theory].
Format: Chronological table with columns: Date, Event, Source Document, Page/Bates Number, Significance. Highlight contested facts in bold.
Tone: Neutral and precise. Distinguish between established facts and disputed allegations.

The "distinguish between established facts and disputed allegations" instruction prevents Claude from treating all assertions as proven.

Legal Research Prompts

According to LexisNexis's 2025 Legal AI Survey, attorneys spend an average of 5.2 hours per week on legal research — second only to document review (LexisNexis, "State of Legal Research," 2025). These prompts cut that time significantly.

11. Jurisdiction-Specific Legal Standard

Context: I am researching [legal issue] in [jurisdiction]. The matter involves [brief factual scenario].
Role: Act as a legal research attorney preparing a research memo.
Ask: Identify the current legal standard for [issue] in [jurisdiction]. Provide the controlling statute or rule, the leading cases that interpret it, and the specific elements or factors courts apply. Note any circuit splits, recent amendments, or pending legislation.
Format: Research memo with sections: Governing Law, Elements/Factors, Key Cases (with holdings), Recent Developments, Open Questions.
Tone: Analytical and thorough.

Always verify the cases Claude cites. This prompt's structure makes verification faster by separating holdings from analysis.

12. Compare Laws Across Jurisdictions

Context: My client operates in [list states/jurisdictions]. I need to understand how [legal issue] is treated differently across these jurisdictions.
Role: Act as a multi-jurisdictional research attorney.
Ask: Compare and contrast the legal treatment of [issue] across [jurisdictions]. For each jurisdiction, identify the governing statute, key definitions, notable exceptions, and any recent changes. Highlight the most permissive and most restrictive jurisdictions.
Format: Comparison table with jurisdictions as rows and key legal elements as columns. Follow with a narrative analysis of the most significant differences.
Tone: Precise and practical. Focus on differences that affect [client's specific situation].

Multi-jurisdictional tables are where Claude excels — synthesizing information that would take hours to compile manually.

13. Analyze Whether a Case Applies to Your Facts

Context: Opposing counsel cites [case name and citation] for the proposition that [stated proposition]. My case involves [your facts].
Role: Act as an appellate research attorney.
Ask: Analyze whether [case name] applies to my facts. Compare the facts, procedural posture, and legal issues of [case] to my situation. Identify every distinguishable element. Determine whether the holding actually supports opposing counsel's proposition.
Format: Side-by-side factual comparison, then analysis of whether the holding extends to my facts, then a draft distinguishing paragraph ready for a brief.
Tone: Adversarial but intellectually honest.

"Intellectually honest" prevents Claude from making strained distinctions that would not survive judicial scrutiny.

14. Statute Interpretation

Context: I need to interpret [statute citation] as it applies to [client's specific situation] in [jurisdiction].
Role: Act as a statutory interpretation specialist.
Ask: Analyze [statute] using all applicable canons of construction. Address the plain text meaning, legislative history (if relevant), any agency interpretations, and how courts have applied this provision to similar facts. Identify ambiguities and argue for the interpretation most favorable to [client's position].
Format: Memo format: (1) Statutory Text, (2) Plain Meaning Analysis, (3) Canons Applied, (4) Relevant Case Law, (5) Recommended Interpretation, (6) Counterarguments.
Tone: Scholarly but practical.

Asking Claude to apply canons of construction produces deeper analysis than a generic "interpret this statute" request.

15. Research Recent Developments

Context: I practice [area of law] in [jurisdiction]. I need to stay current on recent changes.
Role: Act as a legal research attorney preparing a current awareness briefing.
Ask: Identify the most significant developments in [area of law] in [jurisdiction] from the past [time period]. Include new legislation, notable court decisions, regulatory changes, and bar association guidance. For each development, explain its practical impact on practicing attorneys.
Format: Briefing document with sections by development type (legislative, judicial, regulatory, ethics). Each entry: citation, one-paragraph summary, practical impact statement.
Tone: Concise and practical. Focus on "what do I need to do differently."

Claude's training data has a cutoff — always verify dates and check for post-cutoff developments. This prompt's format makes verification efficient.

Discovery & E-Discovery Prompts

E-discovery costs have risen 30% since 2022, with the average matter now exceeding $1.8 million in discovery spend for large cases (Clio Legal Trends Report, 2025). These prompts help control costs at every phase.

16. Draft a Preservation Hold Notice

Context: My client [company name] has received [a complaint / threat of litigation / subpoena] regarding [subject matter]. I need to issue a litigation hold immediately.
Role: Act as an e-discovery attorney.
Ask: Draft a litigation hold notice to [custodian group]. Include the scope of preservation (document types, date range, data sources), specific custodian obligations, consequences of spoliation, and a confirmation acknowledgment. Address ESI specifically including email, chat, cloud storage, and mobile devices.
Format: Formal memorandum with subject line, introduction, scope of hold, specific obligations, data sources covered, acknowledgment form.
Tone: Clear and authoritative. Must be understandable by non-lawyers.

"Understandable by non-lawyers" is critical — the people receiving hold notices are usually employees, not attorneys.

17. Categorize Documents for Privilege Review

Context: I am conducting privilege review for [case name]. Attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine apply. The legal team includes [list of attorneys and their roles].
Role: Act as a privilege review attorney.
Ask: Review the attached documents and categorize each as: (1) Privileged — attorney-client communication, (2) Work Product — prepared in anticipation of litigation, (3) Not Privileged, or (4) Needs Further Review. For each privileged document, draft a privilege log entry.
Format: Table with columns: Document ID, Date, From, To, Category, Privilege Basis, Log Description. Group by category.
Tone: Precise. Privilege log descriptions should be specific enough to support the claim but not waive the privilege.

The instruction about log descriptions threading the needle between specificity and waiver reflects real-world privilege review challenges.

18. Draft Requests for Production

Context: I represent [party] in [case type] in [jurisdiction]. Key issues include [list]. I need targeted document requests focused on [specific categories].
Role: Act as a discovery attorney.
Ask: Draft [number] Requests for Production of Documents. Each request should be narrowly tailored to specific document categories relevant to [issues]. Include appropriate definitions, time periods, and ESI specifications. Anticipate and preempt proportionality objections.
Format: Standard RFP format with definitions, instructions, and numbered requests. Each request should specify format of production for ESI.
Tone: Formal discovery language. Precise enough to withstand a motion to compel.

"Anticipate and preempt proportionality objections" forces Claude to self-edit overbroad requests before you send them.

19. Analyze Opposing Party's Discovery Responses

Context: We received [discovery type] responses from [opposing party] in [case name]. Many responses contain boilerplate objections.
Role: Act as a senior litigation associate evaluating discovery adequacy.
Ask: Review each response and assess: (1) whether the objections are well-founded or boilerplate, (2) whether the response is complete or evasive, (3) what information is still outstanding. Draft a meet-and-confer letter addressing deficient responses. If meet-and-confer fails, outline the arguments for a motion to compel.
Format: Response-by-response analysis table, then draft meet-and-confer letter, then motion to compel outline.
Tone: Professional but firm. The letter should convey that you will move to compel if deficiencies are not cured.

Getting the analysis, letter, and motion outline in one prompt saves three separate rounds of drafting.

20. Create a Discovery Plan

Context: I am lead counsel on [case type] in [court]. Trial is set for [date]. The discovery period runs [start] to [end]. Key issues: [list]. Anticipated document volume: [estimate].
Role: Act as a litigation partner planning the discovery phase.
Ask: Create a comprehensive discovery plan with a phased approach. Prioritize discovery that will shape dispositive motions. Include written discovery, depositions (with proposed order and time estimates), ESI protocols, and expert discovery. Account for meet-and-confer obligations and motion practice deadlines.
Format: Gantt-style timeline with milestones, followed by detailed task descriptions for each phase.
Tone: Strategic and practical.

The "prioritize discovery that will shape dispositive motions" instruction keeps the plan focused on what wins cases, not just what checks boxes.

Client Communication Prompts

Clear client communication reduces malpractice risk. A 2024 ABA study found that 39% of malpractice claims stem from poor client communication — more than any substantive legal error (ABA Standing Committee on Lawyers' Professional Liability, 2024).

21. Translate Legal Analysis to Plain English

Context: I need to explain [legal concept/ruling/situation] to my client, a [description of client — e.g., small business owner with no legal background].
Role: Act as an attorney writing a client-facing explanation.
Ask: Rewrite the following legal analysis in plain English that my client can understand. Preserve all important nuances and caveats, but eliminate jargon. Where legal terms are unavoidable, define them. End with clear next steps and a recommendation.
Format: Email format. Short paragraphs. No paragraph longer than 3 sentences. Bold key takeaways.
Tone: Warm but professional. Confident but not dismissive of the client's concerns.

The "no paragraph longer than 3 sentences" constraint forces readability.

22. Draft an Engagement Letter

Context: A new client [client type] has retained me for [scope of representation] in [jurisdiction]. Fee arrangement: [hourly/flat/contingency]. Estimated scope: [description].
Role: Act as an attorney drafting an engagement agreement.
Ask: Draft an engagement letter covering: scope of representation, fee arrangement and billing practices, client responsibilities, communication expectations, file retention policy, termination provisions, and any required disclosures under [jurisdiction] rules. Include conflict check acknowledgment.
Format: Formal letter format, suitable for client signature. Use plain English headings.
Tone: Professional and transparent. The client should feel informed, not overwhelmed.

Engagement letters set expectations. This prompt covers every element that prevents disputes later.

23. Deliver Bad News to a Client

Context: My client [client description] is involved in [matter]. I need to communicate [unfavorable development — e.g., adverse ruling, weak case assessment, cost overrun]. The client has been [emotional state/expectations].
Role: Act as a senior attorney skilled in client management.
Ask: Draft a communication delivering this unfavorable news. Lead with the facts, explain the impact, present available options with honest assessments of each, and recommend a path forward. Do not sugarcoat but do not catastrophize.
Format: Email or letter format. Open with a brief, direct statement of the development. Follow with impact analysis. Close with options and a recommended next step.
Tone: Empathetic but candid. Show that you have a plan.

"Do not sugarcoat but do not catastrophize" sets the right register — clients need honesty wrapped in competence.

24. Draft a Case Status Update

Context: I represent [client] in [case type] in [court]. The case is currently at [stage]. Recent developments include [list]. Upcoming deadlines: [list].
Role: Act as the lead attorney providing a periodic case update.
Ask: Draft a case status update covering: (1) summary of where the case stands, (2) what happened since the last update, (3) upcoming deadlines and next steps, (4) any decisions the client needs to make, (5) current budget status if applicable.
Format: Email with clear section headings. Use bullet points for deadlines. Highlight any items requiring client action in bold.
Tone: Professional and reassuring. The client should feel informed and confident in your handling of the matter.

Regular status updates prevent the "my lawyer never calls me" complaint that drives malpractice claims.

25. Explain Fee Estimates and Billing

Context: My client [client type] has asked for a cost estimate for [legal matter] in [jurisdiction]. My billing rate is [rate]. Anticipated phases: [list phases].
Role: Act as a managing attorney preparing a fee estimate.
Ask: Draft a fee estimate that breaks costs into phases. For each phase, describe the work involved, estimated hours, and projected cost. Include assumptions, variables that could increase costs (e.g., contested discovery, trial), and a clear explanation of what is and is not included in the estimate.
Format: Table format with Phase, Description, Estimated Hours, Estimated Cost. Follow with narrative explaining assumptions and exclusions.
Tone: Transparent and practical. The client should understand exactly what they are paying for.

Fee transparency builds trust and reduces billing disputes — the second-largest category of bar complaints.

Corporate & M&A Prompts

A 2025 Deloitte survey found that 58% of corporate legal departments now use AI in some phase of transaction due diligence, up from 22% in 2023 (Deloitte, "The State of AI in Corporate Legal," 2025). These prompts target the most labor-intensive parts of deal work.

26. Due Diligence Checklist

Context: My client is [acquiring/investing in] a [target company type] in the [industry] sector. Transaction type: [asset purchase/stock purchase/merger]. Key concerns: [list — e.g., IP portfolio, regulatory compliance, pending litigation].
Role: Act as an M&A associate preparing for due diligence.
Ask: Create a comprehensive due diligence checklist tailored to this transaction. Prioritize items by risk level and deal-relevance. Include document requests for each category. Flag items specific to [industry] and [transaction type].
Format: Organized by category (corporate, financial, IP, contracts, litigation, regulatory, tax, employment, environmental, insurance). Each item: document description, priority (critical/important/standard), and specific request language.
Tone: Thorough and systematic.

Industry-specific and transaction-type-specific tailoring prevents generic checklists that miss sector-specific risks.

27. Summarize Material Contracts

Context: I am conducting due diligence on [target company] for a [transaction type]. The attached are the target's material contracts. My client's primary concerns are [change of control provisions, assignment restrictions, termination triggers, exclusivity obligations].
Role: Act as a corporate associate reviewing diligence materials.
Ask: Summarize each material contract, focusing on: (1) key commercial terms, (2) change of control or assignment provisions, (3) termination rights triggered by the transaction, (4) non-compete or exclusivity restrictions that could affect the buyer, (5) any unusual or non-market terms.
Format: One-page summary per contract, then a master risk matrix showing all flagged provisions across all contracts.
Tone: Concise and issue-focused. Highlight deal-breaker risks in bold.

The master risk matrix across all contracts is what partners and clients want — not just individual summaries.

28. Draft Board Resolutions

Context: [Company name], a [entity type] organized under [jurisdiction] law, needs board resolutions to authorize [specific corporate action — e.g., entering into an acquisition agreement, approving a stock issuance, appointing officers].
Role: Act as a corporate governance attorney.
Ask: Draft board resolutions authorizing [action]. Include all necessary recitals, resolutions, and officer certifications. Address any shareholder approval requirements, conflict-of-interest disclosures by directors, and necessary filings.
Format: Formal resolution format with: header/meeting information, recitals (WHEREAS), resolutions (RESOLVED), general authority provisions, officer certification page.
Tone: Formal corporate governance language.

Include "general authority provisions" — the catch-all resolution authorizing officers to take actions necessary to carry out the approved transaction.

29. Analyze a Term Sheet

Context: My client [company/investor] has received a term sheet for a [Series A/B/C / acquisition / joint venture]. The counterparty is [description]. Client's priorities: [list — e.g., valuation, board control, liquidation preferences].
Role: Act as a venture capital / M&A attorney advising on terms.
Ask: Analyze each provision of the attached term sheet. For each term, explain (1) what it means in plain English, (2) whether it is market-standard, favorable, or unfavorable to my client, (3) specific negotiation points and fallback positions. Flag any missing terms that should be added.
Format: Term-by-term analysis table: Term, Plain English Explanation, Market Assessment, Negotiation Strategy. Separate section for missing terms.
Tone: Strategic and practical. Prioritize terms by impact on client's stated priorities.

The "fallback positions" element gives you negotiation leverage beyond just the opening ask.

30. Closing Checklist and Conditions Tracker

Context: We are closing a [transaction type] between [buyer] and [seller] on [date]. The definitive agreement is attached. I need to track all closing conditions and deliverables.
Role: Act as a corporate associate managing deal closing.
Ask: Review the attached agreement and create a comprehensive closing checklist. Extract every closing condition, required deliverable, consent, and filing from the agreement. Assign responsibility (buyer/seller/mutual) and status tracking fields.
Format: Closing checklist table: Item, Agreement Section, Description, Responsible Party, Due Date, Status (Pending/Complete). Organize by pre-closing conditions, closing deliverables, and post-closing obligations.
Tone: Precise and action-oriented.

Post-closing obligations are often missed. This prompt captures them alongside closing conditions.

Estate Planning Prompts

Estate planning attorneys face rising demand: $84 trillion in wealth will transfer between generations by 2045, according to Cerulli Associates ("U.S. High-Net-Worth and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Markets," 2024). These prompts handle the analytical and drafting tasks that scale with client volume.

31. Trust Provision Analysis

Context: I am reviewing an existing [trust type — e.g., revocable living trust, irrevocable life insurance trust] for a client in [state]. The client wants to [objective — e.g., change beneficiary designations, add spendthrift provisions, address blended family issues].
Role: Act as an estate planning attorney with expertise in [state] trust law.
Ask: Review the attached trust and identify: (1) provisions that conflict with the client's current objectives, (2) provisions that are outdated or no longer reflect current tax law, (3) missing provisions that should be added, and (4) specific amendment language for each recommended change.
Format: Section-by-section analysis, then a summary of recommended amendments with draft language.
Tone: Careful and precise. Estate planning errors compound over generations.

"Estate planning errors compound over generations" sets Claude's risk calibration correctly.

32. Tax-Efficient Wealth Transfer Analysis

Context: My client has an estate valued at approximately $[amount] and wants to transfer wealth to [beneficiaries] while minimizing estate and gift taxes. Client is [age], [marital status], in [state]. Current exemption: [amount].
Role: Act as a tax-focused estate planning attorney.
Ask: Analyze the available wealth transfer strategies for this client. Compare at least four approaches (e.g., GRATs, IDGTs, FLPs, charitable trusts, annual exclusion gifting) with specific tax projections. Address the sunset risk of current exemption amounts. Recommend a strategy with a timeline.
Format: Strategy comparison table: Strategy, Tax Savings Estimate, Complexity, Risk Level, Timeline. Follow with a recommended approach and implementation steps.
Tone: Analytical and conservative. Clearly distinguish between established strategies and aggressive positions.

Asking Claude to "distinguish between established strategies and aggressive positions" protects you from recommending audit-bait without realizing it.

33. Beneficiary Designation Review

Context: My client in [state] wants to ensure all beneficiary designations across accounts are coordinated with their estate plan. Assets include [list: IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance, POD accounts, TOD accounts, trust].
Role: Act as an estate planning attorney reviewing beneficiary designations for plan consistency.
Ask: Create a beneficiary designation audit. For each asset, identify the current beneficiary designation (or flag if unknown), whether it is consistent with the estate plan, potential problems (e.g., naming an estate as beneficiary of an IRA, bypassing a trust, disinheriting a spouse unintentionally), and recommended changes.
Format: Table: Asset, Current Beneficiary, Consistent with Plan (Y/N), Issue, Recommended Change. Follow with a priority-ordered action list.
Tone: Methodical and precise.

Beneficiary designation errors override wills and trusts — making this review one of the highest-value services estate planners provide.

34. Draft a Power of Attorney

Context: My client in [state] needs a [durable/springing/limited] power of attorney granting [agent name] authority over [scope — e.g., financial matters, real property, business operations]. Client's specific concerns: [e.g., preventing abuse, limiting scope, requiring co-agents].
Role: Act as an elder law and estate planning attorney in [state].
Ask: Draft a power of attorney that complies with [state]'s statutory requirements [cite specific statute if known]. Include all mandatory statutory language, the specific powers granted, any limitations, provisions for successor agents, and protections against agent abuse (accounting requirements, prohibited transactions).
Format: Full document draft with all required statutory elements, signature blocks, and notary acknowledgment for [state].
Tone: Formal legal drafting. Every provision must be enforceable in [state].

Always verify that Claude's output includes your state's mandatory statutory language — many states have specific requirements that override common-law drafting.

35. Estate Plan Summary Letter

Context: I have completed an estate plan for [client name(s)] in [state], including [list documents: will, revocable trust, POA, healthcare directive, etc.]. The estate has [general description — e.g., blended family, minor children, business interests, taxable estate].
Role: Act as the estate planning attorney preparing a plan summary for the client.
Ask: Draft a summary letter explaining the estate plan in plain English. For each document, explain what it does, when it takes effect, and what the client needs to do (e.g., fund the trust, update beneficiary designations). Include a section on when to update the plan (marriage, divorce, birth, death, significant asset changes, law changes).
Format: Letter format. Use headers for each document. Include a "Next Steps" checklist at the end. No paragraph longer than 4 sentences.
Tone: Warm, clear, and reassuring. The client should finish reading feeling that their family is protected.

Clients who understand their estate plan refer other clients. This letter doubles as an explanation and a marketing tool.

Employment Law Prompts

Employment lawsuits cost employers an average of $160,000 to defend through trial, according to the Hiscox "Guide to Employee Lawsuits" (2024). These prompts help both plaintiff and defense attorneys work faster.

36. Analyze an Employment Agreement

Context: My client, a [job title] in [industry/state], has received an employment agreement from [employer type]. My client's priorities are [compensation protection, non-compete limitations, severance, IP ownership].
Role: Act as an employment attorney representing the employee.
Ask: Review the attached employment agreement. For each material provision, explain what it means, assess whether it is standard or unusual for [industry/seniority level], identify risks to the employee, and suggest specific markup language. Pay special attention to non-compete scope, IP assignment breadth, arbitration clauses, and severance triggers.
Format: Provision-by-provision analysis: Provision, Summary, Market Assessment, Risk to Employee, Recommended Markup. Priority-flag the top 5 negotiation points.
Tone: Protective of the employee's interests while remaining practical about what is negotiable.

Flagging the "top 5 negotiation points" helps clients focus on what matters instead of fighting over every comma.

37. Draft an Employee Handbook Policy

Context: My client, a [company size] employer in [state(s)], needs a [policy type — e.g., remote work, social media, AI use, anti-harassment] policy for their employee handbook. Industry: [industry]. Unionized: [yes/no].
Role: Act as an employment law attorney drafting workplace policies.
Ask: Draft a [policy type] policy that complies with [state] law and federal requirements. Address all legally required elements, include practical guidance for employees, and minimize litigation exposure. Note any provisions that differ by state if the employer operates in multiple jurisdictions.
Format: Policy format with: Purpose, Scope, Definitions, Policy Statement, Procedures, Reporting, Consequences, Acknowledgment. Include a compliance notes section for the employer (not for employee distribution).
Tone: Clear and direct. Employees must understand the policy without legal training.

The separate "compliance notes" section gives the employer the legal reasoning without cluttering the employee-facing document.

38. Respond to an EEOC Charge

Context: My client [employer] has received an EEOC charge from [charging party] alleging [type of discrimination — Title VII, ADA, ADEA, etc.]. The charge alleges [brief summary of allegations]. I need to prepare a position statement.
Role: Act as a management-side employment attorney.
Ask: Draft an EEOC position statement. Open with a clear denial of the allegations. Present the employer's account of events with supporting documentation references. Address each allegation specifically. Include the legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for the employment action. Address any comparator evidence. Anticipate the charging party's rebuttal.
Format: EEOC position statement format: Introduction, Statement of Facts, Response to Allegations (point by point), Legitimate Business Justification, Conclusion. Appendix list of supporting documents.
Tone: Professional and measured. Assertive without being combative — the EEOC investigator is the audience.

"The EEOC investigator is the audience" controls tone more precisely than any adjective could.

39. Wage and Hour Compliance Audit

Context: My client employs [number] workers in [state(s)], including [exempt and non-exempt, independent contractors, etc.]. Industry: [industry]. I need to assess FLSA and state wage law compliance.
Role: Act as a wage and hour compliance attorney.
Ask: Create a compliance audit checklist covering: (1) exemption classification for each role, (2) overtime calculation methods, (3) meal and rest break compliance for [state], (4) independent contractor classification under [state] law and the DOL's current test, (5) pay stub and recordkeeping requirements, (6) any industry-specific wage rules. For each area, identify the legal standard and common violations.
Format: Audit checklist: Compliance Area, Legal Standard, Common Violations, Client Status (to be completed), Remediation Steps.
Tone: Practical and risk-focused.

Wage and hour class actions are the most common employment lawsuits. A proactive audit prevents seven-figure exposure.

40. Separation Agreement Review

Context: My client, a [age]-year-old [job title] in [state], has been offered a separation agreement by their employer. Separation package: [terms — e.g., X weeks severance, COBRA continuation, outplacement]. The agreement includes [list provisions — e.g., general release, non-disparagement, non-compete, cooperation clause].
Role: Act as a plaintiff-side employment attorney reviewing a separation agreement.
Ask: Review the attached separation agreement and advise my client. For each provision, explain what it means in plain English, identify risks, and assess whether the terms are reasonable for [client's seniority/industry]. Check ADEA/OWBPA compliance if applicable. Identify the strongest leverage points for negotiation and draft a counteroffer.
Format: (1) Provision-by-provision analysis, (2) Overall assessment (fair/unfair/negotiable), (3) Top negotiation priorities, (4) Draft counteroffer points.
Tone: Candid and protective. Help the client make an informed decision about whether to sign.

Checking OWBPA compliance for clients over 40 catches one of the most common technical defects in separation agreements.

Real Estate Prompts

Real estate transactions generate some of the longest contracts in legal practice. A 2025 ALM Intelligence report found that real estate closings involve an average of 47 documents per transaction (ALM Intelligence, "Real Estate Practice Trends," 2025). For more real estate use cases, see our guide for real estate lawyers.

41. Purchase Agreement Review

Context: My client is the [buyer/seller] of [property type] located in [jurisdiction]. Purchase price: $[amount]. The transaction involves [notable features — e.g., environmental concerns, zoning issues, tenant leases, seller financing].
Role: Act as a real estate attorney representing the [buyer/seller].
Ask: Review the attached purchase agreement and identify: (1) provisions that are unfavorable or risky for my client, (2) missing provisions that should be included, (3) contingencies and their deadlines, (4) title and survey requirements, (5) allocation of closing costs and transfer taxes. Draft markup for each issue.
Format: Issue-by-issue analysis: Section, Issue, Risk Level, Recommended Markup. Summary of all deadlines in a timeline. Closing cost allocation table.
Tone: Practical and deal-oriented. Flag deal-breakers versus nice-to-haves.

"Flag deal-breakers versus nice-to-haves" mirrors how experienced real estate attorneys prioritize negotiation points.

42. Title Commitment Review

Context: I am reviewing a title commitment for [property type] at [address] in [state/county]. My client is the [buyer/lender]. Closing date: [date].
Role: Act as a real estate attorney reviewing title.
Ask: Review the attached title commitment. For each Schedule B exception, explain what it means, whether it is standard or unusual, and whether it should be cleared before closing. Identify any liens, encumbrances, or restrictions that affect my client's intended use of the property. List specific curative actions needed.
Format: Exception-by-exception analysis: Exception Number, Description, Standard/Non-Standard, Impact on Client, Required Action, Responsible Party, Deadline.
Tone: Thorough and practical. Distinguish between boilerplate exceptions and substantive title issues.

Junior attorneys often miss the difference between standard exceptions and red flags. This prompt forces that analysis for every exception.

43. Lease Abstract

Context: My client is [acquiring a property with existing tenants / entering a new lease / reviewing a portfolio of leases]. The property is [commercial/residential] in [jurisdiction].
Role: Act as a real estate attorney preparing lease abstracts.
Ask: Abstract the attached lease(s). Capture every material term including: parties, premises, term, rent (base and escalations), CAM/operating expenses, options (renewal, expansion, termination, ROFR), use restrictions, assignment/subletting rights, landlord/tenant obligations, insurance requirements, default and remedies, and any non-standard provisions.
Format: Standardized abstract form: one page per lease with consistent fields. Highlight non-standard provisions in bold. If multiple leases, create a summary comparison table.
Tone: Precise. These abstracts will be relied upon for deal evaluation.

Consistent abstract formatting across a portfolio lets your client compare leases at a glance — critical for acquisition due diligence.

44. Zoning and Land Use Analysis

Context: My client wants to [intended use — e.g., develop, redevelop, convert] property at [address] in [municipality, state]. The property is currently zoned [zone classification]. Intended use: [specific use].
Role: Act as a land use attorney.
Ask: Analyze whether the intended use is permitted under the current zoning classification. Address: (1) permitted uses vs. conditional uses, (2) dimensional requirements (setbacks, height, FAR, lot coverage), (3) parking requirements, (4) any overlay districts or special requirements, (5) variance or special permit requirements if the use is not as-of-right, (6) the approval process and timeline.
Format: Zoning analysis memo: Current Zoning Summary, Use Analysis, Dimensional Compliance, Required Approvals, Process and Timeline, Risk Assessment.
Tone: Practical and strategic. Include likelihood-of-approval assessments where possible.

Adding the approval process and timeline helps clients make go/no-go decisions based on deal timing, not just legal feasibility.

45. Draft Lease Amendment

Context: My client is the [landlord/tenant] of [property type] in [jurisdiction]. The existing lease between [landlord] and [tenant] dated [date] needs to be amended to [describe changes — e.g., extend term, adjust rent, modify use clause, add expansion space].
Role: Act as a commercial real estate attorney.
Ask: Draft a lease amendment incorporating [specified changes]. Ensure the amendment: (1) correctly references the original lease and any prior amendments, (2) uses consistent defined terms, (3) addresses any downstream effects of the changes (e.g., if the term extends, do options also adjust?), (4) includes a reaffirmation of all unchanged lease terms, and (5) includes appropriate signature blocks and notary acknowledgments if required.
Format: Standard lease amendment format with recitals, amendment provisions numbered to correspond with original lease sections, and signature blocks.
Tone: Formal contract drafting. Match the style of the original lease.

"Match the style of the original lease" prevents the jarring inconsistency that comes from bolting new drafting onto old documents.

General Practice Prompts

"AI will not replace lawyers, but lawyers who use AI will replace lawyers who don't," notes Richard Susskind, author of Tomorrow's Lawyers and adviser to the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales. These five prompts work across practice areas.

46. CLE Presentation Outline

Context: I have been invited to present a [duration]-hour CLE on [topic] for [audience — e.g., state bar association, law firm retreat, in-house legal team] in [state]. The audience's experience level is [beginner/intermediate/advanced].
Role: Act as an experienced CLE presenter and subject matter expert.
Ask: Create a presentation outline covering the most important developments and practical takeaways on [topic]. Include time allocations for each section, 2-3 hypothetical scenarios for audience discussion, and a list of key cases/statutes/resources. End with a practical checklist the audience can implement immediately.
Format: Timed outline with sections, sub-topics, and time allocations. Separate section for hypotheticals. Resource list at end.
Tone: Educational and engaging. Balance substance with practical application.

The "practical checklist they can implement immediately" is what separates memorable CLE presentations from forgettable ones.

47. Draft a Demand Letter

Context: My client [client description] has a claim against [opposing party] for [type of claim — e.g., breach of contract, property damage, unpaid invoices] in [jurisdiction]. Damages: approximately $[amount]. The facts are [brief summary].
Role: Act as a litigation attorney drafting a pre-suit demand.
Ask: Draft a demand letter that: (1) clearly identifies the legal basis for the claim, (2) presents the facts supporting the claim, (3) specifies the damages sought with a calculation, (4) sets a deadline for response, (5) describes the consequences of non-response (litigation, attorneys' fees, etc.), and (6) leaves room for negotiation without undermining the strength of the position.
Format: Formal letter on letterhead. Opening: who you represent and why you are writing. Body: facts, legal basis, damages. Close: demand, deadline, consequences.
Tone: Firm but professional. Convey strength without bluster.

"Leaves room for negotiation without undermining the strength of the position" — this balance separates effective demand letters from ones that get ignored.

48. Proofread and Cite-Check a Brief

Context: I am filing a [motion type / brief] in [court]. The filing deadline is [date]. I need a final review before submission.
Role: Act as a supervising attorney performing final review.
Ask: Review the attached brief for: (1) legal citation format errors (Bluebook or [jurisdiction] citation style), (2) internal consistency (do facts in the argument match the fact section?), (3) logical gaps in the argument, (4) grammar, punctuation, and typographical errors, (5) compliance with [court's] formatting rules (page limits, font, margins), (6) any assertions that are not supported by cited authority.
Format: Annotated list of issues: Page/Line, Issue Type, Description, Suggested Fix. Organize by severity (errors that could result in rejection first).
Tone: Meticulous and direct. No compliments — just issues to fix.

"No compliments — just issues to fix" prevents Claude from padding its response with praise. You want a red pen, not a cheerleader.

49. Summarize a New Regulation

Context: [Regulatory body] has issued [new rule/regulation/guidance] regarding [subject]. The full text is attached. My clients in [industry/practice area] need to understand the impact.
Role: Act as a regulatory attorney preparing a client alert.
Ask: Summarize the new regulation covering: (1) what it requires, (2) who is affected, (3) effective date and compliance deadlines, (4) key definitions, (5) penalties for non-compliance, (6) how it differs from the prior rule, and (7) specific compliance steps clients should take now.
Format: Client alert format: Executive Summary (3 sentences), Key Changes (bullet points), Who Is Affected, Compliance Timeline, Action Items. No more than 2 pages.
Tone: Urgent but measured. Motivate action without causing panic.

The two-page limit forces Claude to prioritize — clients never read ten-page alerts.

50. Weekly Case Law Digest

Context: I practice [area of law] in [jurisdiction]. I need to stay current with new decisions relevant to my practice.
Role: Act as a legal research attorney preparing a weekly digest.
Ask: From the following [court decisions / case summaries], identify the [number] most significant decisions for a [practice area] attorney. For each case, provide: case name and citation, court, date, one-sentence holding, key facts, practical impact, and whether it creates new law, follows existing precedent, or creates a split.
Format: One paragraph per case, organized by significance. Lead each entry with the one-sentence holding. End with a "Watch List" of pending cases that could affect this practice area.
Tone: Concise and analytical. Focus on practical impact, not academic interest.

The "Watch List" at the end keeps you ahead of developments, not just reacting to them.

Tips for Customizing These Prompts

Every prompt above is a starting point. Three adjustments make them your own:

• Add your jurisdiction. Replace every [jurisdiction] bracket with your specific state, federal circuit, or court. Claude's output quality improves with jurisdiction-specific instructions.
• Specify your client's position. "Review this contract" produces generic analysis. "Review this contract for a landlord who wants maximum flexibility to terminate" produces actionable advice.
• Define the output format you use. If your firm uses a specific memo format, describe it in the Format section. Claude will match it.

For the complete CRAFT methodology with advanced techniques, read our CRAFT prompting framework guide. For prompt engineering fundamentals, start with how to write legal prompts for Claude.