ChatGPT can save Australian lawyers significant time on research, drafting, summarisation, and client communication — but the quality of the output depends heavily on the quality of the prompt. Vague prompts produce vague results. Specific, well-structured prompts produce outputs that are genuinely useful as a starting point.

These 40 prompts are written specifically for Australian legal practice. They are organised by task type. Always review and verify AI outputs before relying on them or providing them to clients.

Legal Research Prompts

1. "Summarise the key principles from [case name] and explain how Australian courts have applied them in subsequent decisions."

2. "What are the current requirements under the [Act name] for [specific obligation]? Cite the relevant sections."

3. "Explain the difference between [legal concept A] and [legal concept B] under Australian law, with examples."

4. "What are the leading Australian cases on [legal issue]? Summarise the key holdings."

5. "Has the High Court of Australia considered [legal issue]? If so, what was the outcome?"

6. "What recent legislative changes in [jurisdiction] affect [practice area]? Summarise the key amendments."

7. "Explain the test for [legal standard] as applied by Australian courts, with reference to key cases."

8. "What are the limitation periods for [type of claim] in [state/territory]?"

9. "Summarise the regulatory framework for [industry/activity] in Australia, including the key legislation and regulators."

10. "What are the key differences between [legal concept] in New South Wales and Victoria?"

Document Drafting Prompts

11. "Draft a letter of advice to a client explaining [legal issue] in plain English. The client has no legal background."

12. "Draft a without prejudice settlement offer letter for a [type of dispute] matter. The offer is [amount/terms]."

13. "Draft a client engagement letter for [type of matter] that complies with the requirements of the [relevant professional rules]."

14. "Draft a clause for a commercial lease that addresses [specific issue], suitable for use in [state/territory]."

15. "Draft a non-disclosure agreement clause that covers [specific concern] for use in an Australian commercial context."

16. "Draft a demand letter for payment of [amount] owed under a [type of contract]. The debt has been outstanding for [period]."

17. "Draft a statutory declaration for [purpose] that meets the requirements of the [relevant Act]."

18. "Draft a brief for counsel in a [type of matter] summarising the facts, issues, and questions to be addressed."

19. "Draft a file note summarising a client meeting about [topic]. Key points discussed were [list points]."

20. "Draft a costs disclosure letter for a [type of matter] that complies with the requirements of [relevant jurisdiction]."

Litigation and Advocacy Prompts

21. "Summarise the key arguments for the plaintiff in a [type of claim] matter based on the following facts: [facts]."

22. "Identify potential weaknesses in the following argument: [argument]. How might opposing counsel respond?"

23. "Draft a chronology of events for a [type of matter] based on the following facts: [facts]."

24. "What questions should I ask in cross-examination of a witness who has given evidence that [summary of evidence]?"

25. "Summarise the following judgment in plain English, identifying the key findings and orders: [paste judgment text]."

26. "Draft a list of documents for discovery in a [type of matter] based on the following issues: [issues]."

27. "What are the procedural requirements for filing a [type of application] in the [court name]?"

28. "Draft an opening address for a [type of hearing] that covers the key facts and issues."

29. "Identify the key issues in dispute based on the following pleadings: [summary of pleadings]."

30. "What are the costs consequences of [procedural step] in [jurisdiction]?"

Employment Law Prompts

31. "Explain the unfair dismissal provisions under the Fair Work Act 2009 and the key factors the Fair Work Commission considers."

32. "Draft a show cause letter to an employee regarding [conduct/performance issue] that complies with procedural fairness requirements."

33. "What are the general protections provisions under the Fair Work Act 2009 and how do they apply to [scenario]?"

34. "Summarise the key obligations of employers under the [relevant modern award] for [industry] workers."

35. "Draft a separation agreement for an employee whose employment is being terminated by agreement. Key terms are [terms]."

Property Law Prompts

36. "Explain the key steps in a standard residential conveyancing transaction in [state/territory]."

37. "What are the stamp duty implications of [type of transaction] in [state/territory]?"

38. "Draft a special condition for a contract of sale that addresses [specific issue] in a [state/territory] context."

39. "Summarise the key obligations of a vendor under the standard contract of sale in [state/territory]."

40. "What are the key differences between a licence and a lease under Australian law, and why does the distinction matter?"

Using These Prompts Effectively

A few principles to keep in mind when using ChatGPT or similar tools with these prompts:

Always verify outputs. AI tools can hallucinate case citations, misstate legislative provisions, and produce plausible-sounding but incorrect legal analysis. Every output must be checked against primary sources before being relied upon.

Add context. The more specific and detailed your prompt, the more useful the output. Include the relevant jurisdiction, the type of matter, and any specific facts or constraints.

Use outputs as a starting point. AI-generated drafts and research summaries are a starting point, not a finished product. They require review, editing, and verification by a qualified lawyer.

Protect client confidentiality. Do not enter identifying client information into general-purpose AI tools unless you have reviewed the tool's data handling policies and are satisfied they meet your confidentiality obligations.