ChatGPT isn’t just for tech geeks or social media influencers. It’s revolutionizing the way lawyers work—saving time, improving accuracy, and boosting productivity. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing a growing law firm, integrating AI like ChatGPT into your legal workflow can give you a serious edge. Below, we share “The Ultimate Guide to Using ChatGPT for Lawyers (With Prompts).

Below, we will walk you through how to use ChatGPT in your law practice, explore the best prompt strategies, and offer you practical examples for real-world legal use cases.

Why Lawyers Should Use ChatGPT

ChatGPT helps lawyers:

  • Draft legal documents and client communications more efficiently
  • Simplify complex legal language into plain English
  • Prepare for depositions, hearings, and trials with checklists and summaries
  • Brainstorm ideas for legal strategies, presentations, and internal workflows
  • Build templates for administrative tasks, emails, and case updates

The secret sauce lies in how you prompt it. Think of ChatGPT as your always-on, fast-learning legal assistant that responds best when you ask the right questions.

How to Start Using ChatGPT in Your Law Practice

  1. Pick Your Platform: You can use ChatGPT through OpenAI’s website, Microsoft’s tools (like Word with Copilot), or platforms like Lexis+ AI for law-specific applications.
  2. Define the Task Clearly: Be direct about what you want. If you’re drafting a legal memo, specify the jurisdiction, tone, and intended audience.
  3. Include the Right Context: Provide details like practice area, case type, client background, or document purpose.
  4. Always Review and Revise: ChatGPT is powerful, but it’s not a licensed attorney. Use it as a first draft generator, not a replacement for legal expertise.

If you want to learn how to use it specifically for your law firm and your personal goals, schedule a free consultation with Dimple, an AI Strategist for top law firms.

Expanded Prompts Section: Practical Use Cases for Lawyers

Legal Writing & Drafting Prompts

  • “Draft a cease-and-desist letter for unauthorized use of copyrighted content under U.S. federal law. Include references to the DMCA.”
  • “Create a retainer agreement for an immigration law firm in Texas. Use clear language suitable for clients with no legal background.”
  • “Summarize the key points of a commercial lease agreement for a client with no prior business experience.”
  • “Rewrite this boilerplate indemnity clause in simpler, plain English.”

Litigation & Case Prep Prompts

  • “List the elements required to prove negligence in Illinois and cite relevant case law.”
  • “Generate a deposition preparation checklist for a client who is being deposed for the first time in a personal injury case.”
  • “Explain the difference between mediation, arbitration, and litigation in under 300 words for a client guide.”
  • “Create a timeline of events for a wrongful termination case involving multiple incidents across six months.”

Client Communication Prompts

  • “Write a client-friendly email explaining the next steps after filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.”
  • “Create a status update message for a client whose green card application has been pending for six months.”
  • “Draft a welcome email for a new estate planning client, including a checklist of documents they need to bring.”
  • “Generate a voicemail script for following up with a client who missed their scheduled consultation.”

Internal Workflows & Admin Prompts

  • “Build a daily task list template for a solo criminal defense attorney handling 3–5 hearings a day.”
  • “Create an onboarding checklist for a new legal assistant at a family law firm.”
  • “Generate a training outline for a virtual assistant on how to handle client intake calls.”
  • “Write a job post for a bilingual (Spanish-English) receptionist with experience in immigration law.”

Research & Compliance Prompts

  • “Summarize the latest updates to California’s labor law as of 2025 in bullet point format.”
  • “List the legal compliance requirements for opening a law firm in New York. Include licensing, insurance, and business structure info.”
  • “Explain GDPR in simple terms and how it applies to U.S. law firms with European clients.”
  • “Draft a policy for handling client data in compliance with ABA guidelines.”

Pro Tips for Writing Strong ChatGPT Prompts

  • Be Specific: Don’t just ask for a contract. Say, “Draft a 1-page independent contractor agreement for a freelance paralegal working remotely for a Virginia-based law firm.”
  • State Your Audience: Specify if the content is for clients, junior associates, or a judge. This changes the tone and detail.
  • Tell It the Format: Need it as an email, checklist, explainer, or Q&A? Say so upfront.
  • Use Step-by-Step Prompts: If you’re building a complex document, ask it step-by-step: “List the sections of an operating agreement,” then, “Draft the indemnification section based on Delaware law.”
  • Chain Your Prompts: Use outputs from one prompt to build the next. Start with a list, turn it into an outline, then ask for a full draft.

AI Ethics & Confidentiality Reminders

When using ChatGPT:

  • Never input real client names, case numbers, or sensitive identifying information.
  • Use anonymized examples when possible.
  • Always verify any legal output for accuracy and jurisdictional relevance.
  • Consider AI platforms that offer privacy-first features or local device storage.
  • Remember to fact-check ALL information and put your own human intelligence into it. The output you get will depend on your input.

Lawyers Who Embrace Tools Like ChatGPT Will Excel Over Those Who Don’t

ChatGPT won’t replace lawyers—but lawyers who use ChatGPT will replace those who don’t. Whether you’re looking to streamline your practice, improve document turnaround, or free up your time for high-value strategy, AI can be your silent partner in success.

Start experimenting with prompts, build your own template library, and watch your productivity soar.

Ready to put ChatGPT to work in your practice? Start with these prompts and let your legal expertise shine through.

Need coaching on how to implement AI into your law firm for innovation and growth? Schedule a free consultation with Dimple Dang, AI Strategist for top law firms all over the United States. We also create custom GPTs and AI agents for law firms.

 

Post Views: 16