Claude Prompt: Clause-by-Clause Contract Review with Reasoning Chains
Walk through every clause with explicit reasoning, a 1-10 risk score, suggested redlines, and a confidence rating you can verify line by line.
The Prompt
Variables (1)
| Variable | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| {{governing_law_of_the_contract}} | Governing Law of the Contract | State of Delaware |
Expected Output
A clause-by-clause breakdown with risk scores (1-10), four-step reasoning chains, recommendations, suggested redline language, and HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW confidence ratings, ending with a final summary of high-risk clauses and missing protections.
Usage Notes
Run this after extracting a structured intake brief. Force Claude to flag uncertain citations with [VERIFY: ...] tags so a supervising attorney has a clear audit trail to validate before the redline goes to the client.
Legal Sources Referenced
- ABA Formal Opinion 512 (2024) — Generative AI Tools and Lawyer Duties
- ABA Model Rule 1.1 (Competence) cmt. 8 — Technology competence
- Mata v. Avianca, Inc., 678 F. Supp. 3d 443 (S.D.N.Y. 2023) — sanctions for AI hallucinated citations
Originally featured in: How to Build a Claude Legal Workflow: From Client Intake to Final Document
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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.