How to Question Legal AI

For law firms, in-house legal departments and lawyers from all backgrounds to make the most of generative AI, it is essential you understand the art of crafting effective prompts.

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Before we start to get into the detail first of all:

What is a prompt?

Prompts are the instructions or queries that you provide to a generative AI system, guiding it to produce the desired output.

On the surface, generative AI looks simple. Give it an instruction and it will write you an answer. However, as with many things in life, a little bit of knowledge can transform your ability to maximise value from generative AI.

AI, like you and me, needs direction. It needs context and clarity. In the context of legal practice, well-crafted prompts can empower AI tools like Lexis+ AI to draft high-quality legal clauses and client documents, conduct legal research, analyse contracts, and perform a wide range of tasks with remarkable accuracy and efficiency.

Think of it like this: if you gave that prompt to a mid-level associate, would they understand what you were asking them to do? Have you given them the direction they need to complete the task? AI is no different.

Prime

Provide context within your prompt to set the scene for the AI system. This could include relevant background information, parties involved, key terms, or points of law surrounding the matter. The more detail and direction you can provide, the higher the quality of the response.

Example:
鈥淚 need to draft a clause for a non-disclosure agreement by a technology company based in London, England, that is planning to share confidential information with a potential business partner.鈥�

Persona

Share your desired personality, background and tone to shape the output. This is particularly useful when you want the AI to adopt a specific writing style or voice.

Example:
鈥淧lease respond as a seasoned corporate solicitor who has 20 years of experience in M&A transactions for pharmaceutical companies, specialising in immunisations. Use a formal and professional tone without jargon.鈥�

Prompt

Clearly and accurately articulate your instructions or the task you want the AI system to perform.

Example:
鈥淒raft a comprehensive non-disclosure clause that covers the protection of trade secrets, confidential information, and intellectual property for two large SaaS technology companies working in ERP software development.鈥�

Product

Specify the type and format of the output you expect from the AI system.

Example:
鈥淭his clause will be number 10 in the non-disclosure agreement. Provide the output with this numbering in place鈥�

Polish

Elaborate, refine, and verify the output through an iterative conversation with the AI system. This step allows you to provide feedback, ask follow-up questions or request modifications to the initial output.

Example:
鈥淭he clause looks good. Can you please add a sub-clause addressing the return or destruction of confidential materials upon termination of the agreement?鈥�

Real-world examples and use cases

To further illustrate the power of effective prompting, let鈥檚 explore some real-world examples and use cases relevant to the UK legal system. While you review, consider your own area of practice and what you could try to test this out in Lexis+ AI.

1. Drafting an updated lease agreement:

Prompt:

鈥淧lease provide a clause that allows the sale of alcohol on-site but restricts sale to after 11am and before 10pm for use in a commercial lease agreement in a retail space in London.鈥�

2. Analysing a non-compete agreement:

Prompt:

鈥淚 have a non-compete agreement from a potential employer. Can you please analyse and provide a summary that shows the key provisions, such as the geographic scope, duration, and any potential limitations under English law?鈥�

3. Researching the law:

Prompt:

鈥淚 need to find relevant law on the interpretation of force majeure clauses in commercial contracts under English law.
Please provide a summary that includes cases and relevant legislation.鈥�

IF IN DOUBT, JUST ASK A QUESTION

Prompt: "Provide a summary of this contract."


Note: Lexis+ AI will still return an answer to simple queries. If unsure, go ahead and ask the question, you can always clarify in response to the answer.

What are you working on today that Lexis+ AI can help you with?

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