How to Create the Perfect Prompt for Legal Drafting

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way lawyers draft documents. But the quality of an AI-generated contract largely depends on how the prompt is formulated. In this guide, you will learn how to create the best prompt to write a legal contract, understanding its key elements, advanced techniques, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Is a Legal Prompt and Why It Matters

A legal prompt is a specific instruction given to an AI to draft a contract with legal accuracy.

Unlike a general prompt, a legal prompt:

• Includes legal and jurisdictional context.

• Specifies mandatory clauses.

• Indicates tone, format, and the parties involved.

Mastering this skill is crucial for modern lawyers seeking to save time without sacrificing legal precision.

Key Elements of a Prompt for Contracts

A good prompt should include the following elements:

Context and Purpose

Define the contract, the industry, and the objective.

Examples:

• Type of contract: Services, sales, lease

• Sector: Technology, real estate, retail

• Purpose: Data protection, property transfer

Jurisdiction and Applicable Law

The validity of the contract depends on the jurisdiction.
Example: “Draft a service agreement in Mexico under the Federal Labor Law.”

Parties and Role of the AI

Include who is signing and ask the AI to act as a specialist in labor, commercial, or another branch of law.

Mandatory Clauses

Some common ones:

• Purpose of the contract

• Terms and conditions

• Duties and responsibilities

• Confidentiality

• Termination of the contract

Format and Tone

Explicitly request that the document be formal, clear, and organized in sections (numbered clauses, lists, or paragraphs).

Prompting Techniques Applied to Law

Zero Shot

A single, complete prompt. Useful for standard contracts.

Few Shot

Includes examples of clauses or excerpts to guide style and structure.

Chain Of Thought

Break the contract into logical steps: first definitions, then clauses, then annexes.

Layering

Modular construction: first the purpose, then responsibilities, then payment terms.

Iteración Controlada

Generate a version, review it, adjust the prompt, and re-run until achieving precision.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drafting the Perfect Prompt

1. Define the Type of Contract

Example: service agreement in the tech sector.

2. List the Necessary Clauses

Before writing the prompt, make a checklist of essential sections.

3. Choose the Right Technique

Zero shot for basic needs, layering or few shot for complex contracts.

4. Write and Refine the Prompt

Be clear, specific, and review the results.

5. Validate with Human Review

AI speeds things up, but the lawyer ensures legal accuracy.

Metrics to Measure Prompt Quality

• Clause Coverage: Are all required clauses included?

• Legal Accuracy: Does it comply with the applicable regulations?

• Clarity of Language: Is it understandable for the parties involved?

• Human Review Time: Does it significantly reduce manual editing?

Ready-to-Use Prompt Examples

Service Agreement

"Draft a software development service agreement in Mexico, including confidentiality clauses, delivery timelines, and intellectual property rights. Use formal tone and numbered clauses format."

International Employment Contract

"Write an employment contract for a remote employee based in Spain reporting to a company headquartered in the United States. Include clauses on salary, working hours, benefits, and dispute resolution under Spanish jurisdiction."

NDA with Data Clause

"Generate a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between two retail companies in Colombia, including a personal data protection clause in accordance with Law 1581 of 2012. Use formal language and divide the document into sections."

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Jurisdiction Ambiguity

Don’t just say “applicable law”—specify the country and the exact regulation.

Lack of Specificity

Vague prompts lead to generic contracts.

Ignoring Sensitive Data

Never include personal information in the prompt.

Skipping Output Review

Human legal review is non-negotiable.

Integrating Prompts Into Automated Workflows

Connect to a CLM

Integrate contract generation into your contract lifecycle management system.

Set Up Review Alerts

Configure automatic reminders for legal reviews before signing.

Taking Your Legal Drafting to the Next Level with AI

Mastering the art of legal prompts not only saves time—it transforms legal practice. With the techniques and examples in this guide, your team will be able to draft contracts faster and with greater precision.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Prompts for Contracts

How do I adapt a legal prompt if laws change?
Update the jurisdiction section and validate with a lawyer before signing.

Can I use the same prompt in different countries?
No. Each jurisdiction requires a tailored prompt.

How secure is confidential information?
Use enterprise-grade secure platforms and avoid including sensitive data in the prompt.

How long does it take to perfect a prompt?
It depends on the complexity—usually several iterations.

Can a prompt replace a lawyer’s review?
Never. AI speeds things up, but human review is essential.