AI Prompts for Legal & Compliance: 40+ Ready-to-Use Templates

TL;DR - Best AI Prompts for Legal & Compliance

Looking for ready-to-use AI prompts for legal work? This guide contains 40+ copy-paste prompts that work with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Each prompt is completely self-contained—just copy, customize the placeholder comments, and paste. For foundational prompting skills, see the Prompt Engineering Fundamentals guide.

What’s included:

• Contract Analysis — Review, issue spotting, clause analysis
• Legal Research — Issue identification, case summaries, regulatory research
• Legal Drafting — Contracts, memos, policies, correspondence
• Compliance — Policy review, risk assessment, audit preparation
• Due Diligence — Document review, issue identification

⚠️ Critical Disclaimer: These prompts are for drafting assistance, research support, and analysis only. AI does not provide legal advice and cannot replace attorney judgment. All AI outputs must be reviewed by qualified legal professionals. Protect client confidentiality—never enter privileged information into non-secure systems. Verify all citations. For more on AI safety and limitations, see the Understanding AI Safety, Ethics, and Limitations guide.

Using AI Safely in Legal Practice

1. Confidentiality First

• Never input privileged or confidential information into public AI
• Use only firm-approved, secure AI platforms for client work
• Redact identifying information when possible

2. Professional Review Required

• All AI outputs require attorney review before use
• Apply legal judgment to every AI-generated document
• Customize for specific facts, jurisdiction, and circumstances

3. Verify Everything

• AI can generate non-existent case citations
• Always verify cases, statutes, and regulations in official sources
• Check that legal principles are current and jurisdictionally accurate

4. Know the Limitations

• AI has knowledge cutoffs and may miss recent developments
• AI doesn’t know your jurisdiction’s specific rules
• AI cannot assess strategic considerations or client interests

Contract Analysis Prompts

Review Contract for Issues

You are a legal analyst assisting with contract review.

⚠️ REMINDER: This analysis is for attorney review—not legal advice.

=== CONTRACT TYPE ===
# REPLACE: Type of agreement
# Example: "Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Agreement"

=== REVIEWER'S ROLE ===
# REPLACE: Which party you represent
# Example: "Reviewing on behalf of the customer/subscriber"

=== CONTRACT TEXT ===
# REPLACE: Paste relevant contract sections (redact confidential details)
# [Contract text here]

=== SPECIFIC CONCERNS ===
# REPLACE: Any particular areas of focus
# Example: "Concerned about data security provisions, liability caps, 
# and termination rights"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Analyze this contract and identify potential issues:

1. **EXECUTIVE SUMMARY**
   Overall assessment in 3-4 sentences.
   Risk level: Low / Moderate / High / Critical

2. **KEY TERMS SUMMARY**
   | Term | Current Language | Market Standard | Notes |
   | Term length | | | |
   | Fees/Payment | | | |
   | Termination | | | |
   | Liability | | | |
   | Indemnification | | | |

3. **ISSUES IDENTIFIED**
   For each issue:
   
   **ISSUE #1: [Issue Name]**
   - Section: [Where in contract]
   - Current language: "[Quote]"
   - Concern: [Why this is problematic]
   - Risk level: Low / Moderate / High
   - Recommendation: [Suggested change or negotiation point]
   
   [Continue for all issues]

4. **MISSING PROVISIONS**
   Standard provisions not present:
   - [ ] [Missing provision 1]
   - [ ] [Missing provision 2]

5. **FAVORABLE TERMS**
   Terms that benefit the client:
   - [Favorable term 1]
   - [Favorable term 2]

6. **RED FLAGS**
   Critical issues requiring immediate attention:
   | Issue | Section | Why Critical |

7. **NEGOTIATION PRIORITIES**
   Ranked by importance:
   | Priority | Issue | Recommended Position | Fallback |
   | 1 | | | |
   | 2 | | | |

8. **QUESTIONS FOR CLIENT**
   Clarifications needed before finalizing review:
   - [Question 1]
   - [Question 2]

Note: This analysis requires attorney review. Verify all findings against 
the full contract and applicable law.

Analyze Specific Clause

You are a legal analyst examining a specific contract provision.

=== CLAUSE TEXT ===
# REPLACE: Paste the clause to analyze
# Example: "Limitation of Liability. In no event shall either party be 
# liable to the other for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, 
# or exemplary damages arising out of or related to this Agreement, 
# including but not limited to loss of revenue, loss of profits, loss of 
# business, or loss of data, even if such party has been advised of the 
# possibility of such damages."

=== CONTEXT ===
# REPLACE: Type of contract and your role
# Example: "Enterprise software license. We represent the vendor."

=== SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ===
# REPLACE: What you want to understand
# Example: "How protective is this for us as vendor? Any gaps?"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Provide a comprehensive clause analysis:

1. **PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY**
   What does this clause actually say in simple terms?

2. **KEY ELEMENTS**
   Break down the clause components:
   | Element | Language | Effect |
   | Scope | | |
   | Exceptions | | |
   | Carve-outs | | |

3. **ANALYSIS**
   - What rights does this protect?
   - What risks does this allocate?
   - What is excluded?
   - What might still be exposed?

4. **MARKET COMPARISON**
   How does this compare to standard language?
   | Aspect | This Clause | Typical Market | More/Less Favorable |

5. **POTENTIAL ISSUES**
   - Ambiguities in language
   - Potential enforcement problems
   - Missing elements

6. **IMPROVEMENT SUGGESTIONS**
   Suggested modifications:
   - [Suggestion 1 with sample language]
   - [Suggestion 2 with sample language]

7. **COUNTER-PARTY PERSPECTIVE**
   How might the other side view this clause?
   What pushback might we expect?

8. **JURISDICTIONAL NOTES**
   Considerations that may vary by jurisdiction:
   - [Note 1]
   - [Note 2]

⚠️ Always verify analysis with applicable law and attorney review.

Compare Contract Versions

You are a legal analyst comparing contract versions.

=== VERSION 1 (Original/Our Draft) ===
# REPLACE: First version of contract or section
# [Text of Version 1]

=== VERSION 2 (Counterparty Redline/Modified) ===
# REPLACE: Second version with changes
# [Text of Version 2]

=== CONTEXT ===
# REPLACE: Negotiation context
# Example: "This is their markup of our standard vendor agreement. 
# This is round 2 of negotiations."

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Compare these versions and analyze the changes:

1. **SUMMARY OF CHANGES**
   [X] material changes identified
   [X] minor/clarifying changes
   [X] new provisions added
   [X] provisions deleted

2. **CHANGES ANALYSIS**
   For each change:
   
   **CHANGE #1: [Section Name]**
   
   | Aspect | Details |
   | Original | "[Quote]" |
   | Modified | "[Quote]" |
   | Type | Addition / Deletion / Modification |
   | Materiality | High / Medium / Low |
   | Effect | [What this change does] |
   | Acceptable? | Yes / No / Negotiable |
   | Recommended response | [Accept / Reject / Counter] |
   
   [Repeat for each change]

3. **ACCEPT LIST**
   Changes that are acceptable:
   | Change | Reason to Accept |

4. **REJECT LIST**
   Changes to push back on:
   | Change | Reason to Reject | Counter-Position |

5. **DISCUSS LIST**
   Changes requiring further consideration:
   | Change | What Needs Discussion | Options |

6. **NET EFFECT**
   Overall, do these changes shift the agreement to:
   - [ ] Favor our client
   - [ ] Favor counterparty
   - [ ] Neutral/balanced
   
   Key shifts: [Summary of overall impact]

7. **RECOMMENDED RESPONSE STRATEGY**
   How to approach the next round of negotiations.

8. **RESPONSE DRAFT**
   Summary of proposed responses to each change.

Legal Research Prompts

Research Legal Issue

You are a legal research assistant helping identify relevant issues. For a comparison of AI assistants for legal work, see the [AI Assistant Comparison guide](/tech-articles/ai-assistant-comparison/).

⚠️ REMINDER: AI may generate non-existent citations. Verify all references.

=== RESEARCH QUESTION ===
# REPLACE: The legal question to research
# Example: "Under California law, what are the requirements for enforcing 
# a non-compete agreement against a former employee?"

=== JURISDICTION ===
# REPLACE: Relevant jurisdiction(s)
# Example: "California, with comparison to Delaware if relevant"

=== CONTEXT ===
# REPLACE: Factual context
# Example: "Client is a tech company. Former VP of Sales left to join 
# competitor and is soliciting our clients. She signed a non-compete 
# and non-solicit when hired."

=== RESEARCH PURPOSE ===
# REPLACE: How this research will be used
# Example: "Assessing viability of enforcement action"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Provide preliminary legal research analysis:

1. **ISSUE SUMMARY**
   Key legal issues presented:
   - [Issue 1]
   - [Issue 2]
   - [Issue 3]

2. **GENERAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK**
   Overview of the law in this area:
   - Statutory framework
   - Common law principles
   - Key doctrines

3. **JURISDICTIONAL ANALYSIS**
   For [Jurisdiction]:
   - Governing law
   - Key statutes
   - Leading principles
   - Notable rules or exceptions

4. **FACTORS/ELEMENTS**
   Elements or factors courts consider:
   | Factor | Description | Application to Facts |
   | | | |

5. **POTENTIAL ARGUMENTS**
   **Supporting [Client's Position]:**
   - [Argument 1]
   - [Argument 2]
   
   **Against [Client's Position]:**
   - [Counter-argument 1]
   - [Counter-argument 2]

6. **KEY CONSIDERATIONS**
   - [Consideration 1]
   - [Consideration 2]

7. **AREAS FOR DEEPER RESEARCH**
   Topics requiring further investigation:
   - [Topic 1]
   - [Topic 2]

8. **PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT**
   Based on general principles, initial assessment of [client's position].
   
   Strength: Strong / Moderate / Weak / Uncertain
   
   Key strengths: [Summary]
   Key weaknesses: [Summary]

⚠️ CRITICAL: 
- This is preliminary research only
- Verify all legal principles in official sources
- AI cannot cite specific cases reliably
- Consult current statutory and case law
- Attorney analysis required

Summarize Legal Document

You are a legal analyst summarizing a legal document.

=== DOCUMENT TYPE ===
# REPLACE: What kind of document
# Example: "Court opinion / Regulatory guidance / Statute / Legal article"

=== DOCUMENT TEXT ===
# REPLACE: Paste the document to summarize
# [Document text]

=== SUMMARY PURPOSE ===
# REPLACE: How this summary will be used
# Example: "For partner briefing on potential impact to client's business"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Create a comprehensive summary:

1. **DOCUMENT OVERVIEW**
   | Aspect | Details |
   | Type | |
   | Source | |
   | Date | |
   | Status | |

2. **EXECUTIVE SUMMARY**
   The key point in 2-3 sentences.

3. **BACKGROUND**
   Context and procedural/regulatory history.

4. **KEY HOLDINGS/FINDINGS**
   Main conclusions or determinations:
   - [Holding 1]
   - [Holding 2]
   - [Holding 3]

5. **REASONING**
   How did the court/agency reach this conclusion?
   - [Key reasoning point 1]
   - [Key reasoning point 2]

6. **IMPORTANT LANGUAGE**
   Key quotes worth noting:
   - "[Quote 1]" - regarding [topic]
   - "[Quote 2]" - regarding [topic]

7. **PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS**
   What does this mean in practice?
   - For [stakeholder 1]: [Impact]
   - For [stakeholder 2]: [Impact]

8. **OPEN QUESTIONS**
   What isn't answered or remains unclear?
   - [Question 1]
   - [Question 2]

9. **ACTION ITEMS**
   Recommended follow-up:
   - [ ] [Action 1]
   - [ ] [Action 2]

10. **ONE-PARAGRAPH SUMMARY**
    Complete summary for quick reading.

Legal Drafting Prompts

Draft Legal Memorandum

You are a legal writing assistant helping draft an internal memo.

⚠️ REMINDER: Draft requiring attorney review and research verification.

=== MEMO DETAILS ===
To: 
# REPLACE: Recipient
# Example: "Partner Name"

From: 
# REPLACE: Author
# Example: "Associate Name"

Re: 
# REPLACE: Subject
# Example: "Enforceability of Arbitration Clause in Consumer Contract"

=== QUESTION PRESENTED ===
# REPLACE: Legal question to address
# Example: "Under [State] law, is the mandatory arbitration clause in our 
# client's consumer agreement enforceable, given the class action waiver 
# and fee-shifting provisions?"

=== BRIEF ANSWER ===
# REPLACE: Your preliminary conclusion
# Example: "Likely enforceable, but the fee-shifting provision presents risk"

=== FACTS ===
# REPLACE: Relevant facts (redact client identifiers)
# Example: "Client operates a subscription service. Standard terms include 
# mandatory arbitration with class action waiver. Customer filed class 
# action alleging unauthorized charges..."

=== ANALYSIS POINTS ===
# REPLACE: Key legal issues to analyze
# - Arbitration agreement formation
# - Unconscionability analysis
# - Class action waiver validity
# - Fee-shifting concerns

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Draft a legal memorandum with this structure:

**MEMORANDUM**

**TO:** [Recipient]
**FROM:** [Author]  
**DATE:** [Date]
**RE:** [Subject]

---

**QUESTION PRESENTED**
[Single focused question]

**BRIEF ANSWER**
[Concise answer with key reasoning]

**STATEMENT OF FACTS**
[Relevant facts in logical order]

**DISCUSSION**

I. [First Major Issue]
   A. [Sub-issue]
   B. [Sub-issue]

II. [Second Major Issue]
   A. [Sub-issue]
   B. [Sub-issue]

[Continue as needed]

**CONCLUSION**
[Summary of analysis and recommendations]

---

Formatting requirements:
- Use objective, analytical tone
- Apply IRAC structure (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion)
- Note uncertainties and counter-arguments
- Cite to general legal principles (note that specific citations 
  require verification)

Draft Contract Clause

You are a legal drafting assistant helping create contract language.

=== CLAUSE TYPE ===
# REPLACE: What kind of clause
# Example: "Limitation of Liability"

=== CONTRACT CONTEXT ===
# REPLACE: What type of agreement
# Example: "B2B Software License Agreement, we represent the vendor"

=== REQUIREMENTS ===
# REPLACE: What the clause needs to accomplish
# Example:
# - Cap direct damages at 12 months of fees paid
# - Exclude all consequential damages
# - Carve out for indemnification obligations
# - Carve out for IP infringement claims
# - Carve out for gross negligence/willful misconduct

=== DRAFTING PREFERENCE ===
# REPLACE: Style preferences
# Example: "Vendor-favorable but commercially reasonable. Plain language 
# preferred over overly legalistic phrasing."

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Draft the requested clause:

1. **PRIMARY DRAFT**

   [Section Number]. **[Clause Title]**
   
   [Full clause text with proper formatting and subsections]

2. **ALTERNATIVE VERSIONS**
   
   **More Protective Version:**
   [Stronger version]
   
   **More Balanced Version:**
   [Neutral version for negotiation fallback]

3. **KEY ELEMENTS EXPLAINED**
   | Element | Purpose | Customization Notes |

4. **INTEGRATION NOTES**
   - Related provisions this should cross-reference
   - Defined terms needed
   - Section placement recommendations

5. **NEGOTIATION GUIDANCE**
   Typical pushback points:
   | Element | Expected Objection | Response |

6. **JURISDICTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS**
   - Provisions that may vary by jurisdiction
   - Specific language sometimes required

7. **CHECKLIST**
   Before finalizing:
   - [ ] Defined terms are consistent
   - [ ] Cross-references are accurate
   - [ ] Carve-outs are complete
   - [ ] Reviewed by supervising attorney

Compliance Prompts

Review Policy for Compliance

You are a compliance analyst reviewing internal policies.

=== POLICY DOCUMENT ===
# REPLACE: Paste the policy to review
# [Policy text]

=== REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ===
# REPLACE: What regulations apply
# Example: "GDPR and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)"

=== REVIEW OBJECTIVES ===
# REPLACE: What to evaluate
# Example: "Assess whether our data retention policy meets GDPR Article 5 
# requirements and CCPA consumer rights provisions"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Conduct a compliance review:

1. **POLICY SUMMARY**
   What does this policy cover?

2. **REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS**
   Key requirements under applicable regulations:
   | Regulation | Requirement | Citation |
   | | | |

3. **GAP ANALYSIS**
   | Requirement | Policy Coverage | Gap? | Severity |
   | | Full/Partial/None | Y/N | High/Med/Low |

4. **ISSUE DETAILS**
   For each gap identified:
   
   **GAP #1: [Issue]**
   - Requirement: [What's required]
   - Current policy: [What policy says or lacks]
   - Risk: [Consequence of non-compliance]
   - Recommendation: [How to address]
   - Suggested language: [If applicable]

5. **COMPLIANT ELEMENTS**
   Areas where policy meets requirements:
   - [Element 1]
   - [Element 2]

6. **BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS**
   Beyond minimum compliance:
   - [Recommendation 1]
   - [Recommendation 2]

7. **REMEDIATION PRIORITY**
   | Priority | Gap | Effort | Timeline |
   | 1 | | High/Med/Low | |

8. **REVISION RECOMMENDATIONS**
   Summary of recommended policy changes.

⚠️ Note: Regulatory requirements should be verified against current law.

Create Compliance Checklist

You are a compliance specialist creating implementation checklists.

=== REGULATION/REQUIREMENT ===
# REPLACE: What compliance requirement
# Example: "SOC 2 Type II preparation"

=== SCOPE ===
# REPLACE: What's in scope
# Example: "Our SaaS platform and supporting infrastructure"

=== CURRENT STATE ===
# REPLACE: Where you are now
# Example: "No formal SOC 2 program. Have basic security controls but 
# limited documentation."

=== TIMELINE ===
# REPLACE: Target completion
# Example: "Audit scheduled for Q3, need to be ready in 6 months"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Create a comprehensive compliance checklist:

1. **COMPLIANCE OVERVIEW**
   | Aspect | Details |
   | Requirement | |
   | Applicable standard | |
   | Key deadlines | |
   | Audit/certification | |

2. **CONTROL CATEGORIES**
   Major areas to address:
   - [Category 1]
   - [Category 2]
   - [Category 3]

3. **DETAILED CHECKLIST**
   
   **[CATEGORY 1]**
   
   | # | Requirement | Description | Status | Owner | Due |
   | 1.1 | | | ⬜ | | |
   | 1.2 | | | ⬜ | | |
   
   **[CATEGORY 2]**
   
   | # | Requirement | Description | Status | Owner | Due |
   | 2.1 | | | ⬜ | | |
   
   [Continue for all categories]

4. **DOCUMENTATION NEEDED**
   | Document | Purpose | Template Needed? |
   | | | |

5. **COMMON PITFALLS**
   Issues that frequently cause problems:
   - [Pitfall 1]
   - [Pitfall 2]

6. **TIMELINE**
   | Phase | Activities | Weeks |
   | 1 | | 1-4 |
   | 2 | | 5-8 |

7. **RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS**
   - Personnel needed
   - Tools/systems required
   - External support (auditors, consultants)

8. **PROGRESS TRACKING TEMPLATE**
   | Category | Total Items | Complete | In Progress | Not Started | % Done |

Draft Privacy Notice

You are a privacy specialist drafting consumer-facing privacy documentation.

=== COMPANY CONTEXT ===
# REPLACE: About the organization
# Example: "B2B SaaS company providing HR software. Collect employee data 
# on behalf of business customers. Also collect data from our direct users."

=== APPLICABLE LAWS ===
# REPLACE: Privacy regulations to comply with
# Example: "GDPR (EU customers), CCPA (California), and general US privacy 
# best practices"

=== DATA PRACTICES ===
# REPLACE: What data you collect and how
# Example:
# Data collected:
# - Contact information (name, email, phone)
# - Employment data (processed on behalf of customers)
# - Usage analytics
# - Payment information (via Stripe)
# 
# How used:
# - Provide services
# - Customer support
# - Product improvement
# - Marketing (with consent)
#
# Sharing:
# - Service providers (hosting, payment)
# - No selling of data

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Draft a privacy notice that is:

1. **LEGALLY COMPLIANT**
   - Meets GDPR Article 13/14 requirements
   - Meets CCPA disclosure requirements
   - Addresses required elements for each regulation

2. **STRUCTURE**
   
   **Privacy Notice**
   Last Updated: [Date]
   
   **Overview**
   [Brief plain-language summary]
   
   **Information We Collect**
   [Categories and sources]
   
   **How We Use Your Information**
   [Purposes with legal bases]
   
   **How We Share Your Information**
   [Categories of recipients]
   
   **Your Rights**
   [Rights under applicable laws]
   
   **Data Retention**
   [How long data is kept]
   
   **Security**
   [How data is protected]
   
   **International Transfers**
   [If applicable]
   
   **Children's Privacy**
   [Age restrictions]
   
   **Updates to This Notice**
   [How changes are communicated]
   
   **Contact Us**
   [Privacy contact information]

3. **GDPR-SPECIFIC ELEMENTS**
   Required disclosures included.

4. **CCPA-SPECIFIC ELEMENTS**
   Required disclosures included.

5. **READABILITY**
   - Plain language (aim for 8th grade reading level)
   - Clear headings
   - Organized for easy navigation

⚠️ Have this reviewed by privacy counsel before publication.

Quick Reference

Tips for Legal AI Prompts

1. Never Input Confidential Information into Public AI

❌ "Review the merger agreement between ABC Corp and XYZ Inc..."
✅ "Review this asset purchase agreement [redacted parties]..."
OR use firm-approved secure AI only

2. Always Verify Citations

AI CANNOT reliably cite cases. It may generate:
- Cases that don't exist
- Wrong citations for real cases  
- Outdated or overruled precedent

ALWAYS verify in Westlaw, Lexis, or official sources.

3. Specify Jurisdiction

Laws vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Always specify: "Under [State/Country] law..." or
"Assuming [Jurisdiction] governs..."

4. Use for Drafts, Not Finals

AI output = First draft requiring:
- Attorney review
- Fact verification
- Legal research confirmation
- Client-specific customization

5. Know the Training Cutoff

AI may not know:
- Recent cases or regulatory changes
- New statutes or amendments
- Latest enforcement trends
Ask about the AI's knowledge date.

6. Frame as Analysis, Not Advice

"Analyze" and "identify issues" rather than "advise" or "recommend"
AI assists analysis; attorneys provide advice.

Workflow: Contract Review Assistance

Initial Review: Use: Review Contract for Issues → Get issue list

Deep Dives: Use: Analyze Specific Clause → For problematic provisions

Negotiation: Use: Compare Contract Versions → Track redlines

Drafting: Use: Draft Contract Clause → Create new/counter language

Throughout: Attorney review and judgment at every stage.

What’s Next

• 📚 AI Prompts for Business Analysts — Requirements and analysis
• 📚 AI Prompts for Writing — Legal writing techniques
• 📚 Prompt Templates & Variables — Build reusable templates
• 📚 Mega-Prompt Engineering — Create review assistants

Found these prompts helpful? Share with your legal team—and remember, always verify, review, and apply professional judgment.