How Trial Lawyers Can Get Better AI Results With Smarter Prompts

You’ve Got the Tools. But Are You Using Them Right?

Many law firms have started using AI. But here’s the secret: the quality of your results depends entirely on your prompts.

If you’ve ever asked an AI for help and got a rambling mess back—or worse, something that sounds like a salesy influencer—you’re not alone.

The problem isn’t the tool. It’s the instruction.

The Solution: Build a Prompting System That Works for Your Firm

Think of prompts like the questions you ask in discovery. A vague question gets a vague answer. A precise, focused one gets you exactly what you need. When used well, AI can help you draft, edit, research, outline, and brainstorm faster than ever—but only if you guide it with care.

Here’s how to make that happen.

Start With a Prompt Library

Create a shared folder (Google Docs or Dropbox works great) with prompts that work. This is especially helpful if you’re already using AI to create legal briefs or client communications. Update it regularly as you refine what gets results.

Use a Two-Part Prompt Structure

Start with a system prompt—tell the AI who it should act like. Should it write like a trial attorney? Or a clear, calm explainer? Be specific.

Then follow with your user prompt—what you want it to do.

Know Your Use Cases

AI isn’t just for writing. Trial lawyers can use it to:

• Transcribe podcasts
• Review and repurpose old blog posts
• Write better subject lines for client emails
• Choose keywords and plan content around topic clusters

Test Multiple AIs, Not Just One

Every model responds differently. Run the same prompt through ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude. Compare the results. You’ll quickly learn which one fits your voice and needs best.

If you’re curious which model is strongest right now, chat.lmsys.org lets you test different bots head-to-head.

Try the “PROPER” Prompting Method

Here’s a framework that gets great results. Don’t dump it all into one message. Feed it to the AI in steps, just like you would train a new hire.

• P: Persona – Tell AI who it should be (and what it shouldn’t sound like). Ask if it understands.
• R: Request – Say what you want and give a heads-up that raw material is coming. Ask if it understands.
• O: Operation – Break down the steps you want it to take. Ask if it understands.
• P: Presentation – Tell it how to deliver the result (plain text, spreadsheet, bullet points, etc.). Ask if it understands.
• E: Examples – Give examples of what good output looks like. The more context, the better. Ask if it understands.
• R: Refinement – Treat it like a conversation. Edit, adjust, and go back and forth until it’s right.

Bottom Line: Better Prompts = Better Work

AI isn’t magic. It’s a powerful assistant that listens well—if you give it clear direction. And in a busy law firm, that can mean faster writing, smarter marketing, and fewer hours spent on the stuff that pulls you away from your cases.

Need Help Using AI the Right Way?

At Accelerate Now Law Firm Marketing, we help trial lawyers unlock the real value of AI—starting with the prompts. If your firm wants to save time, improve your content, and work smarter, reach out. We’ll help you get set up and moving fast.