Module 2: Prompt Engineering for Legal Analysis

Lesson 2.3 – Workflow Templates for Legal Tasks

Learning Objectives

1. Use standardized prompt templates to streamline common legal tasks.
2. Apply workflow-based prompts to research, drafting, and client communication.
3. Adapt templates to fit jurisdictional and case-specific needs.
4. Improve consistency and clarity in AI-assisted legal work.
5. Reduce time spent rewriting or reformatting initial drafts from AI.

AI becomes significantly more effective when prompts are structured using repeatable workflows rather than one-time instructions. Workflow templates create predictable, consistent, and high-quality output, especially when used for tasks lawyers perform daily.

These templates act as checklists that tell the AI:

• What role to assume
• What information to analyze
• What legal framework to apply
• What output format to produce

This helps eliminate guesswork and ensures the resulting work product aligns with professional standards.

Why Workflow Templates Matter

Without structured workflows, AI output may vary and require more editing. Workflow prompts:

• Save time
• Standardize formatting
• Improve reasoning clarity
• Reduce drafting inconsistencies
• Support delegation and repeat-use

Law firms can implement these templates across entire teams.

2. Workflow Template for Legal Research Memos

Act as a legal research assistant.

Task: Draft a research memo.

Jurisdiction: [Insert State/Federal]

Facts:

[Insert relevant facts]

Research Focus:

[Insert legal question]

Format using CREAC:

• Conclusion

• Rule (with placeholder citations)

• Explanation of rule development

• Application to facts

• Revised conclusion

Include a section titled “Key Authorities to Verify” listing cases/statutes for attorney review.

3. Workflow Template for Case Law Synthesis

Use when reviewing multiple precedents to identify controlling principles.

Act as a legal analyst.

Task: Perform case law synthesis.

Issue:

[Insert Legal Issue]

Cases to Review:

[Insert Case Summaries or Excerpts]

Steps:

1. Identify the common legal rule across cases.
2. Note relevant distinctions between cases.
3. Explain how courts have interpreted the rule.
4. Provide a synthesized, single governing rule.

Present results in bullet points for clarity.

4. Workflow Template for Drafting Demand Letters

Act as a professional legal writer.

Task: Draft a demand letter.

Client Position:

[Insert facts supporting the demand]

Legal Basis:

[Insert relevant rights/statutes]

Requested Resolution:

[Insert settlement / corrective action]

Tone:

Professional and firm.

Structure:

• Introduction of Parties

• Statement of Facts

• Legal Basis of Claim

• Demand and Proposed Resolution

• Notice of Further Action

5. Workflow Template for Client Communication Simplification

Use when converting legal analysis into plain language.

Act as a legal explainer for a non-lawyer audience.

Task: Summarize this legal issue in plain English.

Content to Summarize:

[Insert text]

Requirements:

• Use everyday language

• Short sentences

• No legal jargon

• Maintain accuracy

Format:

• Brief Overview

• Key Rights/Obligations

• Recommended Next Steps

6. Workflow Template for Drafting Motions or Brief Sections

Act as a legal drafting assistant.

Task: Draft a section of a legal motion.

Motion Type:

[Insert motion type, e.g., Motion to Dismiss]

Argument Focus:

[Insert specific argument]

Structure using IRAC:

• Issue

• Rule (Placeholder citations)

• Application to case facts

• Conclusion

Then add: “Opposing Argument” and “Counterargument/Rebuttal”.

7. Workflow Template for Discovery Review and Summaries

Act as a litigation support assistant.

Task: Summarize discovery documents.

Document Type:

[Email, Transcript, Contract, etc.]

Steps:

1. Identify key facts.
2. Identify statements relevant to claims/defenses.
3. Flag inconsistencies or potential impeachment issues.
4. Summarize in bullet points.

Include section: “Follow-Up Questions for Counsel.”

8. How to Store and Reuse Templates

• Convert templates into saved prompt files
• Share across the firm through policy manuals
• Create template libraries for each practice area
• Use checklists to ensure required legal review steps occur

Templates are not static — they require ongoing improvement based on use.

9.Supplementary Learning Resource

Video:

• 5 Routine Legal Tasks Your Law Firm Can Automate with AI
• Using Milestones and Workflow Templates to Ensure Success at Your Firm - Law Ruler
• What Is The Best Way To Optimize Legal Workflows For Lawyers? - Legal And HR SaaS Stack

Lesson 2.3 Quiz

Structuring Clear and Effective Legal Prompts

Please complete this quiz to check your understanding of Lesson 2.3. You must score at least 70

% to pass this lesson quiz. This quiz counts toward your final certification progress.

Click here for Quiz 2.3

Conclusion

Workflow templates allow attorneys to turn AI from a helpful tool into a scalable system that supports consistent, clear, and high-quality legal output. When workflows are standardized, attorneys can reduce drafting time while ensuring all work remains ethically reviewed and legally accurate. In the next lesson, we will apply these templates to real legal document drafting scenarios.

Next and Previous Lesson

Module 3: Legal Research and Case Law Verification

Lesson 3.1: Conducting AI-Supported Legal Research Correctly

Previous:Module 2: Prompt Engineering for Legal Analysis

Lesson 2.2 – Multi-Step Reasoning Prompts for Legal Argument

Course 3 -Mastering AI and ChatGPT for Legal Practice — From Fundamentals to Advanced Research and Ethical Use