AI technologies are not new to the legal profession. They are, however, evolving to change how lawyers work. From research and document review, to contract analysis, and even communication with clients, AI tools are helping to increase efficiency, automate processes, and allow the lawyer to focus on higher-level tasks. However, like any other tool, the effectiveness of an AI device depends on the person operating it. When it comes to AI, the key to unlocking its potential lies in the prompt.
Civille is not only enthusiastic about developing great websites for law firms. We are also interested in helping lawyers understand and navigate the changing technological landscape. The application of AI in legal practice is a real phenomenon, but the frustration that results from the failure of AI tools to meet certain criteria is also evident. Most of the time, the problem is not with the AI itself but with the way it has been instructed to help. That is where prompt engineering comes in.
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What is a Prompt and Why is it Important?
A prompt is the input that defines an AI task. It describes the task in its most basic form, whether the task is writing a response, summarizing a document, or asking a question. The quality of your prompt determines the quality of the AI response you get. With a properly formulated prompt, you are likely to get a relevant and useful response.
But, with a poorly worded prompt, you are likely to get either an incorrect, off-topic, or even nonsensical response. In the context of legal work, this is crucial. You shouldn’t go to court with a poorly researched position, and you shouldn’t talk to an AI with a poorly formed prompt.
Mastering the Art of the Prompt: Tips for Lawyers
Are you ready to learn how to humanize your AI tools with effective prompts? The following tips will help you do that, and they are particularly useful for lawyers.
Be Specific and Clear:
This may seem like a simple principle, but it is the foundation of effective prompting. Do not use ambiguous or vague terms. Instead, provide specific instructions on what you want the AI to do and offer more details.
Instead of: “Information about contract law.”
Try: “What are the main elements of a legally binding contract in California and how does offer, acceptance, and consideration work?”
Define the Role and Task:
Tell the AI what role it should perform and what task you want it to perform. This is important because it sets the context for the AI’s response.
Example Prompt: “You are an experienced legal assistant. Please develop a cease and desist letter for a company that is infringing on our client’s trademark.”
Use Examples (Few-Shot Prompting):
Including samples of the desired output can greatly improve the AI’s performance. This is called few-shot prompting.
Example Prompt: “You are a legal expert summarizing a case. Please summarize the following case in the format of the example that I provide for you:
- Case Name:
- Court:
- Year:
- Key Facts:
- Holding:
- Reasoning:
Example Output:
- Case Name: Marbury v. Madison
- Court: U.S. Supreme Court
- Year: 1803
- Key Facts: William Marbury was appointed Justice of the Peace but didn’t get his commission. He went to the Supreme Court to force Secretary of State James Madison to hand it over.
- Holding: The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review.
- Reasoning: The Court held that the law under which Marbury could file a claim with the Supreme Court was unconstitutional, establishing the principle of judicial review.
Break Down Complex Tasks:
If you have a complex task, it is better to break it down into several specific tasks. This makes it easier for the AI to understand your instructions and produce the correct output.
Instead of: “Create a contract for the sale of a business.”
Try:
“What are the essential clauses in a contract for the sale of a business in New York?”
“How do I create a clause in the contract that outlines purchase price and payment terms, which include a 10% down payment and the balance in installments?”
“How do I draft a clause that explains the transfer of assets, including inventory, equipment, and intellectual property?”
Specify the Desired Format and Length:
Tell the AI how you want the output to be formatted and how long it should be. Do you want it in a bullet-point list, as a detailed essay, or a brief summary?
Example: “Provide a bullet point summary of the defenses available to a breach of contract claim in Texas, no more than 200 words.”
Iterate and Refine:
Don’t put it all on the first try. Be prepared to revise your prompts based on the AI’s output. If the AI’s response isn’t what you had in mind, try adjusting your prompt, adding more context, or including more examples. Many AI programs, including ChatGPT, are designed for conversation, so you can use that to refine your answers.
Understand the Limitations of AI:
While AI is a valuable tool, there are some limitations that should be understood. AI is not a substitute for legal judgment. Always check the output of the AI and use it only after verifying the information. It is most effectively used as a tool to help and improve your work. Also, it is important to ensure that you maintain client confidentiality when using AI.
Experiment with Different Prompting Techniques:
There are several techniques for prompting, including chain-of-thought prompting and tree-of-thought prompting. Do not be afraid to try different approaches to see what works best for a given task.
Stay Updated:
AI is an evolving field with new and different prompting techniques emerging all the time. Stay current with the latest trends and best practices to get the most out of your AI tools.
Read More: Is Google AI Overview Good for Law Firms?
How Civille Can Help
At Civille, we believe that law firms should find ways to harness technology to enhance their practice. Our primary focus is on developing great websites and other online marketing strategies, but we also understand the potential of AI in the legal profession. We can help you integrate AI tools into your website and online marketing efforts, ensuring that your firm is positioned at the forefront of legal innovation. Let us help you build a website that not only attracts clients but also showcases your firm’s forward-thinking approach in the age of AI. Contact us today to learn how we can support your firm’s success.
