Frame a Precise Legal Research Question and Search Terms Without Answers
Turns a messy fact pattern and a loosely worded question into precisely framed research questions, the facts each one depends on, and search terms to run in your database. It states no answer, no doctrine and no authority.
The Prompt
Variables (5)
| Variable | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| {{facts}} | Facts and Question as Phrased | A software vendor renewed a customer's annual contract automatically on Jan. 2, 2026 while the parties were negotiating a termination. The customer disputes the renewal fee of $48,000. Question as I have it: can the customer get out of the renewal? |
| {{jurisdiction}} | Court and Jurisdiction | State court, Ohio; not yet filed |
| {{goal}} | Client Goal and Position | We represent the customer. It wants to avoid paying the renewal fee. |
| {{found}} | Material Already Found | Contract section 12: "This agreement renews for successive one-year terms unless either party gives notice 60 days before the end of the term." |
| {{instructions}} | Research Tool and Instructions | Westlaw. Keep the output to two pages. |
Expected Output
The facts as supplied with sources, real conflicts between them, a count and time check (amount sums and day counts), facts missing that would change the question, a core research question and sub-questions each with the facts it depends on, search terms grouped by question with where each came from, an authority-needed list of what must be found, then a verification list.
Usage Notes
Use it as the first step of a research task, before you open a research database. Paste the facts as you have them, the question as you currently phrase it, the court or jurisdiction if known, the client's goal, and anything you have already found. Failure mode to watch: a named doctrine, test or case slipping into the output; the prompt allows none, so treat any as an error and ignore it. The search terms are candidates to test, not statements of what the law is. Not legal advice. The attorney remains responsible for verifying every fact, figure and authority before use.
Double-check before use
- Check that no sub-question is built on a rule someone merely asserted, and count the words if you set a length limit.
These are the places where this prompt was seen to slip when tested on sample cases with a small AI model.
Originally featured in: How to Use AI for Legal Research Safely in 2026: The Complete Workflow
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* These prompts are drafting and analysis aids for licensed attorneys. They are not legal advice and do not replace professional judgment. AI output can contain errors, including invented citations and incorrect deadlines: verify every fact, figure, authority and deadline against primary sources before relying on it. Rules vary by jurisdiction, and you remain responsible for the final work product.