Writing the perfect prompt

There is no real doubt any more. If you want to leverage any part of the potential of GenAI prompting has become a fundamental skill for legal professionals. The diligently crafted prompt not only determines the accuracy of an AI’s response but also increases its relevance and value in a legal task. At Saga, we acknowledge the importance of this skill and strive to empower lawyers through practical and effective prompts and prompting strategies. These can subsequently be incorporated into your personal or organizational prompt library.

Understanding the Prompt: The Core of Interaction

A prompt is essentially the input that guides an AI system's output. In legal work, prompts can be used for a vast variation of tasks, such as drafting documents, summarizing cases, or generating negotiation strategies. The quality of the AI’s output depends heavily on how the prompt is structured. For legal professionals, mastering this skill means optimizing the time spent on tasks while increasing the probability of relevance, accuracy and compliance.

There are two types of prompts used in combination:

1. System Prompt: Often used to set the scene, providing the general rules for the AI’s behavior and defining the overall scope.
2. User Prompt: Specifies the task and details needed for performing the task, functioning within the base set by the system prompt.

Effective Prompting Techniques for Legal Use

When crafting prompts, it's essential to follow a structured approach. Legal professionals often face complex scenarios, and precision is key. Here are some out of many techniques tailored for the legal environment:

1. Contextual Clarity: Begin by providing the AI with the necessary background. For instance, when drafting a contract clause, include details like the nature of the agreement, parties involved, and any specific terms. This helps the AI generate content that aligns with the legal context.
2. Define the Task Clearly: Be explicit about what you need. Instead of saying, “Draft a clause,” specify: “Draft a confidentiality clause for a service agreement between two firms in compliance with GDPR.” The more specific the request, the higher the likelihood of receiving a precise and relevant output.
3. Use a Structured Framework: At Saga, we recommend frameworks like the KOF (Context – Objective – Format). This ensures that the prompt includes all essential elements:
• Context: Describe the legal scenario or task.
• Objective: Outline the purpose (e.g., drafting, summarizing, reviewing).
• Format: Specify how the output should be structured, such as bullet points for clarity or a full paragraph for detail.

Applying Legal-Specific Prompts

To illustrate, let's consider a scenario where a lawyer needs to review a non-compete clause. The prompt might look like this:

This structure provides the AI with all the necessary information to deliver a relevant and actionable response.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Legal professionals must also be aware of common issues when prompting:

• Ambiguity: Vague prompts like “Summarize this case” can lead to generic outputs. Always include the specific aspects you want to be summarized (e.g., facts, legal reasoning, or outcome).
• Overly Complex Instructions: Break down tasks into manageable steps. Instead of requesting an entire contract draft, start with individual clauses.
• Ignoring Tone and Format: AI systems respond better when you specify the expected tone, such as formal, concise, or client-friendly.

Building a Prompt Library for Consistency

At Saga, we advocate for the creation of prompt libraries tailored to firm-specific needs. This involves documenting effective prompts used for different tasks, such as drafting clauses, summarizing legal opinions, or preparing for negotiations. A well-curated library ensures consistency across the firm and allows for quicker, more efficient AI interactions.

Maximizing AI Potential: Training and Continuous Improvement

Prompts are not static; they evolve as legal professionals interact more with AI. Saga’s platform includes training programs designed to refine prompting skills, ensuring that firms stay ahead in optimizing their AI usage. Practical workshops allow legal teams to test different approaches, refine prompts, and understand how the AI interprets legal language and scenarios.

Conclusion

Prompting is a powerful tool in the hands of legal professionals, and mastering it can significantly enhance productivity and accuracy. By integrating structured techniques and continuously refining skills, law firms can ensure that their AI tools deliver maximum value. Saga’s tailored approach supports this journey, enabling lawyers to build prompt libraries and enhance their AI capabilities effectively.

Legal professionals interested in exploring prompting further can join Saga’s courses and workshops, where practical techniques and strategies are shared, followed up with hands-on training to refine and build effective prompt strategies tailored to your legal practice.