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AI Encyclopedia for Legal Professionals

4.4 Designing Prompts for Legal Tasks

Section titled “Tailoring the Suit: Designing Effective Prompt Templates for Common Legal Tasks”

The ultimate goal of learning theory and mastering techniques (see previous 3 sections) is to apply prompt engineering to solve real legal work problems. This section focuses on several core task scenarios common to legal professionals, providing a series of specific, actionable prompt engineering templates and examples. These templates are intended as starting points and sources of inspiration for constructing your own prompts. You can modify and refine them based on specific situations, or even use them to build your own intelligent agents or legal tools.

Template Notes:

  • Content within [square brackets] needs to be replaced or filled in by you based on the actual situation.
  • Templates will combine basic and advanced techniques introduced earlier (e.g., role-playing, clear instructions, format requirements, chain-of-thought).
  • For safety, specific text in examples will use placeholders or public information. Never input real client confidential information into public LLMs! If using in a secure environment (like a locally deployed open-source model or an enterprise service providing data isolation), ensure compliance with relevant security and compliance policies.
Section titled “Scenario 1: Case Analysis and Legal Research Assistance”

Task 1: Quickly Summarize Key Points of a Judgment

# Task: Summarize Key Points of a Judgment


**Role**: Assume you are a senior litigation paralegal skilled at quickly reading and extracting core information from court judgments.


**Requirement**: Please carefully read the following full text (or key parts) of the judgment provided below. Use your professional skills to summarize its core content in concise, objective, and structured language.


**Text to Process**:
[Paste the full text or key paragraphs of the judgment here. If it's lengthy, ensure the model used supports the required length, or consider inputting in chunks and requesting sectional summaries for later integration.]


**Expected Output**:
Please structure the summary report strictly according to the following format and requirements:
1.  **Case Basic Information**:
    *   Case Number: [Auto-extract or fill in]
    *   Court: [Auto-extract or fill in]
    *   Date of Judgment: [Auto-extract or fill in]
    *   Case Type: [e.g., Contract Dispute, Tort Liability Dispute, etc. Auto-determine or fill in]
2.  **Core Issue(s) in Dispute**: [Summarize the central legal or factual point(s) of contention between the parties in 1-2 concise sentences].
3.  **Plaintiff's Main Claims & Core Reasoning**: [Briefly list the plaintiff's main claims and the 1-2 most crucial reasons supporting them].
4.  **Defendant's Main Defenses & Core Reasoning**: [Briefly list the defendant's main arguments and the 1-2 most crucial reasons supporting them].
5.  **Key Facts Found by the Court**: [Using bullet points, list the key factual points explicitly accepted by the court in the reasoning section that were decisive for the outcome. Avoid listing all details].
6.  **Main Legal Basis Applied by the Court**: [List only the names and specific article numbers of key laws, regulations, or judicial interpretations explicitly cited and relied upon by the court as the core basis for the judgment].
7.  **Essence of Court's Reasoning**: [Summarize the court's main logical chain and core argumentation for upholding or dismissing the claims clearly and point-by-point. Avoid lengthy quotes from the original text; distill key reasoning steps].
8.  **Judgment Outcome**: [Accurately and concisely state the core result of the judgment, e.g., "Plaintiff's claims dismissed," "Defendant ordered to pay compensation of $XX," etc.].


**Notes**:
*   The summary must be **objective and neutral**, strictly based on the original judgment text. **Do not include any personal comments, inferences, or legal advice**.
*   Language should be **professional and concise**, avoiding colloquialisms.
*   Total word count strictly limited to **[e.g., 500]** words.
*   If the original text lacks information for a specific point, indicate "[Not explicitly stated in the original text]".

Task 2: Finding Cases Relevant to a Specific Legal Issue (Using AI with search capabilities or combined with external databases)

# Task: Find Relevant Cases Based on a Legal Issue


**Role**: Assume you are an intelligent legal research assistant connected to an up-to-date and comprehensive database of [Jurisdiction, e.g., U.S. federal and state] case law (please state your knowledge cut-off date).


**Requirement**: I am researching the complex legal issue of "**[Specific legal issue, e.g., 'determining trade secret misappropriation based on "access + substantial similarity" in software cases']**".


**Research Context**:
*   **Target Jurisdiction**: [e.g., United States federal courts and courts in California and New York].
*   **Time Frame**: Particularly interested in judicial practice within the **last five years (e.g., 2019 to present)**.
*   **Court Level Preference**: If possible, please prioritize guiding cases or typical precedents from **Federal Circuit Courts, Supreme Court, or relevant State Supreme Courts**.
*   **Specific Focus**: I want to understand how courts specifically **articulate and apply the standard for "[e.g., 'access,' especially indirect or inferred access]"** and "**[e.g., the methodology and factors considered for 'substantial similarity,' particularly in software source code comparison]"** in their judgments. I'm also interested if any cases discuss **[e.g., the conditions for "reverse engineering" as a valid defense]**.


**Expected Output**:
Based on your knowledge base, please find and provide **[e.g., 3 to 5]** highly relevant and representative guiding or typical cases related to my research questions above. For **each recommended case**, please present the information clearly in the following format:
1.  **Case Name and Full Citation**
2.  **Court and Date of Decision**
3.  **Key Excerpts from the Judgment** directly relevant to my points of interest ([repeat your specific questions/principles]). (Ensure quotes are accurate and cite the source paragraph/page).
4.  **Core Takeaway or Holding Summary** regarding "[your specific question/principle]" from this case (summarize concisely in 1-2 sentences).


**Notes**:
*   Ensure the provided case information (citation, court, date) is **accurate and verifiable**.
*   Cited judgment excerpts must be **accurate** and consistent with the original text.
*   If no cases perfectly match all criteria, please state so and recommend the closest ones.
*   **Important Disclaimer**: The information you provide is for legal research reference only and does not constitute legal advice. I will independently verify the case originals and make my own legal judgment.

Task 3: Comparing Differences Between Statutes or Judicial Interpretations

# Task: Compare Differences Between Legal Provisions


**Role**: Assume you are a meticulous legislative research assistant skilled in text comparison and analysis.


**Requirement**: Please **precisely and thoroughly compare** the core provisions concerning "**[Specific topic, e.g., 'online platform liability for user-generated content']**" in the two legal documents (or different versions of the same document) provided below.


**Texts to Compare**:


**Document A**: [Document Name and Version, e.g., Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Section 512]
**Relevant Provisions Text (Document A)**:
[Paste the core relevant clauses from Document A here. Multiple clauses can be pasted with clear numbering.]


**Document B**: [Document Name and Version, e.g., EU Digital Services Act (DSA) Articles on intermediary liability]
**Relevant Provisions Text (Document B)**:
[Paste the core relevant clauses from Document B here.]


**Expected Output**:
Please generate a detailed comparative analysis report including the following sections:
1.  **Overview of Core Provisions**: Briefly summarize the core legislative intent or regulatory goals of Document A and Document B regarding "[Specific topic]".
2.  **Similarities**: List the **common points or highly similar aspects** of their provisions using bullet points (e.g., both establish notice-and-takedown procedures).
3.  **Key Differences Comparison**: Provide a detailed comparison **in table format** clearly showing the differences in specific requirements. The table should include at least the following columns:
    | Comparison Dimension (Example) | Provision in Document A (Quote key phrase & explain) | Provision in Document B (Quote key phrase & explain) | Explanation of Difference & Brief Analysis |
    |---|---|---|---|
    | Nature of Liability (e.g., safe harbor vs. due diligence) | ... | ... | ... |
    | Scope of Monitoring Obligations | ... | ... | ... |
    | Types of Content to Address | ... | ... | ... |
    | Legal Consequences for Non-compliance | ... | ... | ... |
    | [Other important dimensions you identify] | ... | ... | ... |
4.  **Potential Harmonization or Conflict Analysis**: (Optional, if applicable) Briefly analyze how the provisions in these two documents might **interact, supplement each other, or potentially conflict** in practice.


**Notes**:
*   All comparisons and analyses must be **strictly based on the provided original texts**, avoiding over-interpretation or external information.
*   Analysis should be **objective and neutral**, focusing on presenting differences and similarities.
*   If the wording in the original text is ambiguous, point it out in the analysis.
Section titled “Scenario 2: Legal Document Drafting Assistance”

Task 4: Drafting a Standardized Contract/Agreement Draft

# Task: Draft a Contract Draft


**Role**: Assume you are a senior lawyer highly familiar with **[Specific contract type, e.g., Technology Service Agreements]** and the relevant legal practice in **[Jurisdiction, e.g., California]**.


**Requirement**: Based on the key commercial terms and background information I provide below, please **draft a structurally complete, relatively comprehensive, and reasonably risk-aware** initial **draft** of a "[Contract/Agreement Type, e.g., Software Development and Technology Service Agreement]" in **[Language, e.g., English]**.


**Key Commercial Terms & Background Information**:
*   **Party A (Client)**: [Full Legal Name], a **[Brief description of Party A's business, e.g., online education platform]**.
*   **Party B (Service Provider)**: [Full Legal Name], a **[Brief description of Party B's business, e.g., tech company specializing in AI algorithm development]**.
*   **Project Background & Goal**: [Briefly state the purpose of collaboration, e.g., Party A commissions Party B to develop a personalized learning recommendation engine for its online platform].
*   **Scope of Services & Deliverables**: [Detail the specific services Party B must provide, the deliverables (software code, models, documentation), and clear acceptance criteria].
*   **Project Timeline & Milestones**: [Specify contract term, key development phases/milestones, and corresponding deadlines].
*   **Service Fees & Payment**: [Total amount, billing method (fixed price, time & materials, milestone-based), payment conditions and schedule, invoicing requirements, etc.].
*   **Intellectual Property (IP) Ownership**: [Crucial clause! Define clearly: e.g., IP in Party B's pre-existing tools/algorithms belongs to Party B; IP in custom code/models/deliverables developed specifically for this project and closely related to Party A's business belongs to Party A; How is use/licensing of jointly owned IP handled? Are third-party IP usage and licenses involved?].
*   **Confidentiality Obligations**: [Define which party (or both) has confidentiality duties, scope of confidential information, duration, exceptions, etc.].
*   **Representations & Warranties**: [Key reps & warranties each party needs to make, e.g., Party B warrants services meet industry standards and don't infringe third-party rights; Party A warrants providing necessary info and cooperation].
*   **Liability for Breach**: [Define key breach scenarios (late delivery, quality issues, confidentiality breach) and corresponding remedies (liquidated damages, compensation, termination)].
*   **Limitation of Liability**: [Is a cap on one party's (usually Party B's) liability needed? How is the cap set? Which liabilities cannot be limited?].
*   **Governing Law**: [e.g., The laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of laws principles].
*   **Dispute Resolution**: [e.g., Amicable negotiation first, failing which, submit to [choose a specific court or arbitration institution, e.g., 'the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Santa Clara County, California' or 'JAMS arbitration in San Francisco']].
*   **Other Special Clauses to Consider**: [Add based on project specifics, e.g., data processing & compliance clauses (if personal data involved), personnel arrangements & project management, force majeure, amendment & termination procedures, notices, etc.].


**Expected Output**:
*   Generate a contract draft text that is **logically structured, sequentially numbered, and covers most of the key elements listed above**.
*   For **core clauses** (Scope of Services, IP, Payment, Liability for Breach, Limitation of Liability), strive for **clear, precise wording that minimizes ambiguity**.
*   The overall language style should be **professional and rigorous**, consistent with standard commercial contract practice in [Jurisdiction].
*   In places where **details need further negotiation or options exist**, please use **square brackets `[ ]` for clear placeholders** and optionally **add brief notes** on what needs attention or agreement (e.g., "[Parties to specify detailed acceptance criteria and procedures here]").


**Constraints & Final Confirmation**:
*   **Please automatically add the following disclaimer at the beginning of the generated draft**: "**[IMPORTANT NOTICE: This draft contract was generated with AI assistance and is intended for preliminary reference and discussion purposes only. It may contain errors, omissions, or clauses unsuitable for your specific situation. This draft does not substitute for professional legal advice and review. Before signing or using this draft, you must consult with qualified legal counsel who should conduct a comprehensive review, revision, supplementation, and final confirmation based on your specific transaction background, business needs, and risk tolerance. The generator assumes no liability for any legal risks or losses arising from the direct use of this draft.]**"
*   I understand this is only an initial draft, and it will be subject to **extremely detailed, word-by-word review, revision, negotiation, and finalization** by myself or my team.

Task 5: Generating Legal Correspondence Based on a Template and Specific Information

# Task: Generate a Legal Letter


**Role**: Assume you are a practicing attorney in [Jurisdiction, e.g., England and Wales] highly familiar with matters concerning **[Specific area, e.g., Intellectual Property Enforcement]**.


**Requirement**: Based on the **letter template structure** and **specific case information** provided below, please generate a professionally worded, complete **legal letter (e.g., Cease and Desist / Demand Letter)** addressed to **[Target recipient, e.g., the alleged infringer]**.


**Letter Template Structure**:
1.  **Header**:
    *   [Our Law Firm Full Name, Logo (placeholder), Address, Contact Info]
    *   Ref: [Internal Firm Reference Number]
    *   To: [Recipient Full Name and Address]
    *   From: [Our Law Firm Name]
    *   Attorney: [Your Name], [Your Bar Number/ID]
    *   Contact Tel: [Your Office Phone]
    *   Date: [Current Date]
2.  **Introduction**:
    *   Clearly state that this firm represents **[Client Full Name]** ("our Client") regarding **[Briefly summarize the matter, e.g., your alleged infringement of our Client's XX intellectual property rights]**.
3.  **Basis of Rights & Factual Statement**:
    *   Clearly and accurately state the basis of our Client's **legal rights** (e.g., provide registration number for trademark XX, patent number for patent YY, copyright registration details or proof of first publication for work ZZ, etc., briefly describing the right).
    *   **Objectively and specifically state** the recipient's **alleged infringing/breaching/unlawful actions** (e.g., unauthorized sale of goods bearing Client's XX trademark on platform YY; reproduction and distribution of Client's copyrighted XX article/image on website ZZ; breach of clause X of the agreement dated DD/MM/YYYY (Ref: XXX) between you and our Client, specifically by doing...; etc.). **Factual statements should be based on initial evidence and worded carefully**.
4.  **Legal Basis & Liability Analysis**:
    *   Clearly **cite relevant statutory provisions** (e.g., Section X of the Trademarks Act 1994, Section Y of the Patents Act 1977, Section Z of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, relevant sections of contract law or tort law, etc.). **Combine these with the aforementioned facts to clearly argue** why the recipient's actions **constitute infringement/breach/unlawful conduct** and the **legal liabilities** they should bear (e.g., cease infringement, remove infringing content, pay damages, issue apology).
5.  **Our Demands (Core Requests)**:
    *   **Clearly and specifically demand actions** from the recipient. E.g.:
        *   Demand immediate **cessation** of [specific infringing/breaching activities].
        *   Demand immediate **removal/takedown** of [relevant infringing products/content links].
        *   Demand contact with our firm within **[specify deadline, e.g., 14 days of the date of this letter]** to **discuss resolution/provide a satisfactory explanation/fulfill obligation XX**.
        *   Demand **compensation** for our Client's damages suffered **[can state a preliminary amount or demand basis for calculation]** and reasonable costs incurred in enforcement (legal fees, investigation costs).
        *   Demand a **public apology/undertaking** (if applicable).
6.  **Warning of Legal Consequences**:
    *   Formally notify the recipient that if they **fail to comply with our demands or engage in meaningful communication within the specified deadline**, our Client **reserves all rights to pursue legal remedies** (including but not limited to filing complaints with relevant administrative bodies, initiating civil litigation, or reporting to law enforcement if criminal conduct is involved) to protect their legitimate interests.
    *   Warn them of potentially facing **more severe legal consequences**, including potentially **higher damages, liability for all legal costs, and adverse impact on their business reputation**.
7.  **Closing**:
    *   **Urge the recipient to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves** and **respond positively within the stipulated timeframe**.
    *   Reserve Client's rights.
    *   Provide **detailed contact information** for our attorney (address, phone, email).
8.  **Sign-off**:
    *   [Your Name]
    *   [Your Position, e.g., Solicitor/Barrister]
    *   [Your Law Firm Full Name] (Leave space for firm stamp/letterhead if applicable)


**Specific Case Information to Fill In**:
*   **Client (Rights holder/Creditor, etc.)**: [Full Name & basic info]
*   **Recipient (Alleged infringer/Debtor, etc.)**: [Full Name & Accurate Postal Address]
*   **Matter/Core Issue**: [Brief description, e.g., "Regarding infringement of Trademark XX"]
*   **Details of Client's Rights**: [e.g., Trademark reg no., patent no., contract ref & key clauses, copyright details]
*   **Description of Recipient's Specific Infringing/Breaching Acts**: [Time, place, manner, involved products/links, brief evidence description - be objective & clear]
*   **Core Relevant Legal Provisions**: [List 1-2 most crucial legal bases]
*   **Specific Demands List**: [List clear, specific demands item by item]
*   **Deadline for Compliance**: [Specify deadline, e.g., within X working days]
*   **Preliminary Damage Amount or Calculation Basis** (if demanding compensation): [Fill in or explain as appropriate]
*   **Your Name, Bar Number/ID, Firm Name, Contact Info**: [Fill in accurately]


**Expected Output**:
*   Generate a **well-formatted, complete letter draft** consistent with standard legal correspondence practice in [Jurisdiction].
*   Ensure all **specific case information** I provided is **accurately embedded** in the appropriate places within the template.
*   The overall **tone should be professional and firm, but the wording must be precise, lawful**, and avoid insulting or overly threatening language (beyond warning of legal consequences).


**Constraints & Final Confirmation**:
*   **Before generating, please prompt me to double-check the accuracy of all key information (dates, names, core facts).**
*   The generated letter is **strictly an internal draft**. It **must be meticulously reviewed word-by-word, revised, and finally approved by myself and (if applicable) a supervising lawyer** to ensure full accuracy, appropriate wording, compliance with professional standards and client communication strategy before being formally signed/stamped and sent. **It must never be sent directly without review!**

Scenario 3: Contract Review and Risk Identification

Section titled “Scenario 3: Contract Review and Risk Identification”

Task 6: Identifying Potential Risk Clauses in a Contract

# Task: Identify and Assess Potential Risk Clauses in a Contract


**Role**: Assume you are a senior risk control lawyer with **[e.g., 10 years]** of experience specializing in **[e.g., Cross-border Investment and M&A]**.


**Requirement**: Adopting the perspective and interests of **our side (Role: [e.g., as the Acquirer in this transaction])**, please **extremely carefully and meticulously** read and analyze the following provided text of the **[Contract Type, e.g., Share Purchase Agreement (Draft)]**. Your core task is to **identify all clauses or wordings potentially unfavorable to our side or posing significant legal/commercial risks**.


**Text to Process**:
[Paste the full contract text here, or at least the core sections containing key clauses, e.g., Definitions, Purchase Price & Payment, Closing Conditions, Reps & Warranties, Covenants, IP, Employee Matters, Tax Indemnity, Breach & Remedies, Limitation of Liability, Confidentiality, Governing Law & Dispute Resolution. Ensure text is clear and complete.]


**Key Risk Types to Focus On** (Based on your professional experience, and using the following prompts as guidance, but not limited to):
*   **Ambiguous Definitions or Scope**: Are key terms ("Material Adverse Effect," "Reasonable Best Efforts") defined vaguely or in a way favorable to the seller?
*   **Unequal Liability / Excessive Burden on Us**: Are there clauses imposing unlimited liability on us, or excessively high/unreasonable liability caps? Are warranty obligations reciprocal?
*   **IP Ownership/Licensing Risks**: Is the target's core IP ownership clear? Are there third-party infringement risks? Do license terms restrict our post-acquisition integration or use?
*   **Harsh Payment Terms / Disconnected from Closing**: Is payment due too early? Are payment conditions sufficiently linked to the seller's substantive obligations (e.g., completing closing, obtaining key permits)? Is there a clear price adjustment mechanism?
*   **Onerous or Unattainable Closing Conditions (CPs)**: Are conditions precedent to closing unduly burdensome for us or subject to significant uncertainty?
*   **Insufficient Scope / Excessive Limitations in Reps & Warranties (R&W)**: Are the seller's reps & warranties comprehensive and adequate? Are there too many qualifiers ("to its knowledge")? Is the warranty period too short?
*   **Covenants Restricting Our Rights**: Are there interim period or post-closing covenants that unreasonably restrict our operational flexibility, integration plans, or future financing?
*   **Unilateral Amendment/Termination Rights**: Does the other party retain overly broad rights to unilaterally amend or terminate the agreement? Are our exit mechanisms sufficient?
*   **Unfavorable Dispute Resolution Mechanism**: Is the chosen governing law disadvantageous? Is the selected court or arbitration venue costly, slow, or potentially biased?
*   **Unreasonable Confidentiality Scope/Duration**: Are confidentiality obligations reciprocal? Is the scope too broad? Is the duration excessive?
*   **Unbalanced Liability for Breach**: Are liquidated damages clauses excessively high? Are the consequences for our breach much heavier than for theirs? Are our remedies adequate?
*   **Conflict with Internal Policies/Core Interests**: Are there clauses conflicting with our company's standard contract policies, risk appetite, or core business interests?
*   **Potential Conflict with Laws/Regulations**: Does clause content potentially violate mandatory legal provisions (e.g., antitrust law, data protection law)?


**Expected Output**:
Please generate a structured **Contract Risk Review Memo** containing the following:
1.  **Overall Risk Assessment**: Provide a preliminary judgment of the overall risk level of the contract (e.g., High/Medium/Low) with a brief justification.
2.  **Risk Clause List and Analysis**: Detail all identified risk points **in a table format**. The table should include:
    | Clause No./Location | Risk Clause Text (Quote key phrase) | Risk Type (Refer to list above or categorize) | Risk Analysis (Explain why it's a risk & potential adverse impact on us) | Risk Level (Suggest: High/Medium/Low) | Preliminary Revision Suggestion (Optional, propose modification direction or negotiation point) |
    |---|---|---|---|---|---|
    | [e.g., Art. 8.1(a)] | "[Original Text...]" | [e.g., Insufficient Scope of R&W] | "[Analysis...]" | [High] | "[Suggestion...]" |
    | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
3.  **Missing Clause Risk Alert**: (Optional) Point out potentially **missing** protective clauses that are important from our perspective.
4.  **Next Steps Recommendation**: Briefly suggest key areas for further review or critical issues for negotiation with the counterparty.


**Notes**:
*   Analysis must be from **our perspective (the acquirer)**.
*   Risk identification should be as **comprehensive and detailed** as possible, with **clear reasoning**.
*   If the risk of certain clauses requires **further context (business background, due diligence info)** for accurate assessment, **state this clearly** in the analysis.
*   **I will conduct the final professional review and judgment** on your analysis results.

Task 7: Comparing Contract Versions and Analyzing Substantive Changes

# Task: Compare Contract Versions and Analyze Impact


**Role**: Assume you are a meticulous and experienced junior lawyer assisting with contract negotiations.


**Requirement**: I have provided two versions of the same **[Contract Name, e.g., Technology License and Collaboration Agreement]**: **Version A (our previous draft sent out)** and **Version B (the version returned after revisions by opposing counsel)**. Please **compare these two versions clause-by-clause, precisely identifying all substantive changes** made in Version B relative to Version A, and provide a preliminary analysis of the **potential legal or commercial impact of each change**.


**Texts to Process**:


**Version A (Original Draft)**:
[Paste the full text of Version A here, or at least the key sections likely modified, e.g., Definitions, License Scope, Fees, IP, Reps & Warranties, Liability, Dispute Resolution.]


**Version B (Revised Draft)**:
[Paste the full text of Version B here, or corresponding sections.]


**Expected Output**:
Please generate a clear **Contract Version Comparison and Impact Analysis Report** using the following format:
*   **Introduction**: Briefly state the versions being compared and the purpose.
*   **Details of Substantive Changes**: Present either **in a table** or **item-by-item list**. For each substantive difference, include:
    1.  **Clause Number/Location**: Indicate where the change occurred.
    2.  **Change Type**: Specify if it's an **[Addition]**, **[Deletion]**, or **[Modification]**.
    3.  **Version A Text (if applicable)**: Quote the relevant original text from Version A if it was modified or deleted.
    4.  **Version B Text (if applicable)**: Quote the relevant new text from Version B if it was modified or added.
    5.  **Brief Description of Change**: Summarize the core content of the modification in your own words.
    6.  **Potential Impact Analysis**: Provide a **preliminary analysis** of the main **legal or commercial impact** this change might have on our side (assuming we sent Version A). (E.g., Does it increase our obligations? Reduce our rights? Increase risk? Is it an acceptable reasonable change?).


**Notes**:
*   **Focus only on substantive changes**: Please **ignore** purely formatting adjustments, punctuation changes, or minor wording tweaks that do not alter the meaning (unless they potentially create ambiguity).
*   **Analyze from our perspective**: Assess the impact primarily considering whether it's favorable, unfavorable, or neutral to our side.
*   **Preliminary analysis**: The impact analysis is preliminary; I will make the final judgment based on negotiation strategy and business goals.
*   If a change is highly complex or has significant implications, you can suggest it requires further discussion or expert opinion.
Section titled “Scenario 4: Legal Consultation and Communication Assistance”

Task 8: Providing Preliminary Legal Information (Strictly Informational, Not Advice)

# Task: Provide Preliminary Legal Information (Strictly Informational, Not Advice)


**Role**: You are an AI assistant designed to **promote legal knowledge and public legal awareness**. Your responses must **strictly adhere to the following principles**: provide **accurate, neutral information based on general legal provisions**, and **absolutely refrain from giving any legal opinions, judgments, or action recommendations tailored to the user's specific situation**.


**User Question**:
[Paste the user's question here, which might involve specific circumstances, e.g., "My rented apartment has a leak, the landlord won't fix it, what should I do?" or "My boss verbally told me not to come to work tomorrow, can I get compensation?"]


**Requirement**: Please **carefully analyze** the user's query, **identify the core legal area and potential legal relationship** involved (e.g., lease contract, employment contract). Then, **solely** based on **general, publicly available legal provisions** relevant to that area (e.g., provisions on landlord's repair obligations in the Civil Code's contract section; provisions on wrongful termination in the Labor Contract Law), provide the user with **information covering the following aspects only**:


**Expected Output (Must include all parts below and strictly follow constraints)**:
1.  **Explanation of Core Legal Concepts**: Explain **1-2 core legal concepts** most relevant to the user's question in **plain, easy-to-understand language** (e.g., What is a landlord's duty to repair in a lease? What constitutes wrongful termination by an employer?).
2.  **Summary of Relevant Legal Provisions**: **Briefly introduce** some **general principles or commonly applicable rules** from relevant laws or regulations regarding such issues (e.g., "According to Article XXX of the Civil Code, the lessor generally has an obligation to maintain the leased property, unless otherwise agreed by the parties." "According to Article XXX of the Labor Contract Law, if an employer wrongfully terminates the contract, the employee is entitled to claim compensation."). **Note: Cite general rules only, do not judge applicability to the specific case.**
3.  **Common Potential Pathways/Factors to Consider**: **Neutrally and objectively** list some **potential steps or factors people might consider** in similar situations (e.g., "You might consider: 1. Trying to communicate amicably with the other party first; 2. Reviewing any contract you signed for relevant clauses; 3. Collecting and preserving all relevant evidence like contracts, communication records, photos, payment proofs; 4. If negotiation fails, consider seeking help from local community mediation, industry associations, or relevant administrative bodies; 5. Finally, if unresolved, you have the right to consider legal action (arbitration or litigation) to protect your rights."). **Reiterate: List possibilities only, never recommend a specific path or judge success likelihood.**
4.  **Crucial Disclaimer (Must be prominently displayed at both beginning and end)**:
    *   **(Beginning)** "**[IMPORTANT NOTICE] The following content provides general information based on common legal knowledge and is NOT legal advice or recommendation tailored to your specific situation. Legal issues are complex and fact-dependent.**"
    *   **(End)** "**Please note that I cannot provide legal advice. It is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified practicing lawyer as soon as possible, describe your situation in detail, and obtain personalized, reliable legal guidance.**"


**Constraints & Red Lines**:
*   Responses must remain **absolutely objective, neutral, and informational**.
*   **Strictly prohibit making any legal judgment** on the user's specific situation (e.g., "Based on your situation, the landlord is already in breach," "You will definitely get compensation").
*   **Strictly prohibit recommending any specific lawyers, law firms, or legal service providers**.
*   **Strictly prohibit giving any specific instructions for action or strategic advice** (e.g., "You should immediately send a demand letter," "You should sue them in court").
*   Keep responses **concise**, focusing on providing basic information and guiding users to seek professional help.

Task 9: Drafting Client Communication Email/Message (Internal Use, Lawyer Final Review)

# Task: Draft Client Communication Email (Internal Draft)


**Role**: Assume you are a meticulous and communicative **[e.g., junior]** lawyer assisting **[Senior Lawyer's Name]** with case **[Client Name]**'s matter **[Case Name/Number]**.


**Requirement**: Based on the following **core communication points**, please draft an **email draft** for me (the assisting lawyer) to potentially send to the client contact **[Client Contact Person's Name]**, aiming to update the client on the latest case progress and outline next steps.


**Core Communication Points**:
*   **Subject/Background**: [Briefly state the purpose of this communication, e.g., Reporting on the court hearing notice we just received / Updating you on the main conclusions from our initial analysis of the opposing party's evidence / Needing to confirm with you regarding the next step of filing XX application].
*   **Key Progress/Information**: [Objectively and accurately inform the client of the latest developments or important information. E.g., The court has scheduled the hearing for [Date] at [Time] in Courtroom X / Our preliminary analysis suggests the opposing evidence has flaws in aspect XX but poses some pressure regarding aspect YY / We plan to file an application for asset preservation regarding XX with the court next week, the purpose being...]. **Note: State facts only, do not easily make predictions or promises.**
*   **Our Next Steps**: [Clearly inform the client of the main actions the legal team plans to take next, e.g., Based on the hearing notice, we will begin preparing all necessary evidence and arguments for trial / We will schedule a detailed call with you to discuss the evidence analysis conclusions and response strategies / We are drafting the asset preservation application and will send it to you for confirmation first].
*   **Client Cooperation Needed** (If applicable at this stage): [Clearly and specifically inform the client what support or information is needed from them, e.g., "To prepare for the hearing, could you please gather and provide [list specific documents or info] as soon as possible?" / "We need to schedule a time with you to re-confirm [a key factual detail]" / "Please confirm if you are available to attend the hearing on [Date], if not, please inform us in advance"].
*   **Express Professionalism & Care** (Optional, adjust tone as needed): [Can appropriately express the team's active work and commitment to the client's matter, but wording should remain professional, measured, avoiding excessive emotion or unrealistic optimism].
*   **Open Communication Channel**: [Clearly state how the client can contact which lawyer (phone, email, WeChat/WhatsApp) if they have any questions or wish to discuss further].


**Expected Output**:
*   Generate an email draft text that is **clearly structured, logically coherent, and factually accurate**.
*   The **tone should be professional, objective, and rigorous**, while demonstrating respect and responsibility towards the client.
*   **Formatting should be standard**, including a clear **Subject Line**, appropriate **Salutation**, paragraphed body text, suitable **Closing**, and **full signature** (including your name, title, firm name, contact info, possibly noting work under supervision of [Senior Lawyer's Name]).


**Constraints & Final Confirmation**:
*   **Before generating the email, please prompt me to double-check the accuracy of all key information (dates, names, core progress).**
*   The generated email is **strictly an internal draft**. It **must be carefully reviewed word-by-word, revised, and finally approved by myself and (if applicable) the supervising lawyer** to ensure complete accuracy, appropriate wording, compliance with professional standards and client communication strategy before being officially sent to the client. **It must never be sent directly without review!**

Suggestions for Using Prompt Templates: From Imitation to Mastery

Section titled “Suggestions for Using Prompt Templates: From Imitation to Mastery”
  • Understand the Logic Behind the Template: Don’t just replace bracketed content. Take time to understand why the template is designed this way. What is the role of each part (persona, instruction, context, output spec, constraints)? This helps you design effective prompts independently in the future.
  • Adapt Flexibly, Don’t Apply Rigidly: These templates are general starting points, not universal formulas. You need to flexibly modify, delete, supplement, or restructure them based on the specific task details, the characteristics of the LLM model you are using (different models may react differently to the same prompt), and the output results you personally aim for.
  • Practice, Feedback, and Iteration are King: The output generated using a template the first time might not be perfect. Carefully evaluate the result, identify shortcomings (e.g., missed points, misunderstanding, wrong format, inappropriate tone), then reflect on which part of the prompt caused the issue. Next, revise and optimize your prompt, and try again. This iterative cycle of “practice-evaluate-reflect-optimize” is the essential path to improving your prompt engineering skills.
  • Build Your “Custom” Prompt Library: For common, repetitive legal tasks you frequently handle, systematically organize, label (note use case, key variables, caveats), and save those prompts that have been proven effective and reliable through practice (especially those you’ve carefully optimized). Establish your personal or team’s “Legal Prompt Asset Library.” This will greatly enhance your future work efficiency (quick recall) and is a valuable resource for team knowledge sharing, experience transfer, and capability building.
  • Combine Various Techniques: While using templates, don’t forget the various basic and advanced prompting techniques discussed earlier (Chain-of-Thought, Self-Critique, Few-shot Learning, Negative Prompting, etc.). Try creatively integrating these techniques into your templates or ad-hoc prompts; it might yield surprisingly good results and further unlock the LLM’s potential.

By skillfully mastering and applying these prompt templates tailored for common legal tasks, combined with your professional knowledge, experience, and continuous practical reflection, legal professionals can significantly enhance the efficiency, quality, and depth of utilizing large language models in their daily work. The next chapter will explore how to evaluate the output results of AI (especially LLMs) and establish effective quality control mechanisms.