AI prompting strategies for legal work
Few-shot prompting
Few-shot prompting is a technique that helps guide large language models (LLMs) by providing a handful of examples to improve the accuracy and relevance of their responses. This approach strikes a balance between zero-shot prompting (which provides no examples) and fully supervised training (which requires extensive data). Few-shot prompting is particularly valuable when the user wants the model to generate responses that follow a specific format or tone.
Introduction and background
When to use few-shot prompting
Few-shot prompting allows users to provide 2–5 examples within the prompt to help the LLM understand the task and desired output format. This method significantly improves the performance of the model in complex or nuanced scenarios. It works by establishing a pattern for the model to replicate.
Few-shot examples typically include:
• A task or question
• An example response
• A repeated structure to guide the model’s reply
This method is useful in legal practice where standard language and consistency are critical, such as contract drafting or memo writing.
Legal task When to use few-shot Example prompt Contract clause drafting When consistency in language and tone is critical; prior examples help guide the model.
“Based on the following examples, draft a new Force Majeure clause. Example 1: ... Example 2:...”
Email or memo writing
When a specific voice, tone, or structure is desired, and examples are available.
“Using the examples below, write an email to a client explaining the implications of a new regulation.”
Policy summaries When a particular format is expected. “Here are examples of how we summarize policies. Now, summarize the Fair Credit Reporting Act in the same style.”
Internal training materials
To ensure consistent language and structure. “Based on the following examples, generate a training FAQ for new employees on the firm’s data security policy.”
Example
Prompt: “An NDA is a contract that ensures confidentiality.
Example: Company A and B signed an NDA to protect trade secrets. A Force Majeure clause defines unforeseen events.
A corporate attorney drafting a new contract clause based on similar past examples for consistency in legal language.”
When not to use few-shot prompting
If no examples are available or needed (consider zero-shot prompting instead).
If the task is extremely complex and requires iterative reasoning or validation (consider chain-of-thought prompting or self-consistency).
Key considerations: advantages of few-shot prompting
THE MODEL HAS REAL CONTEXT AND GUIDANCE.
Improved accuracy
HELPS MAINTAIN PREFERRED FORMATTING AND TONE.
Adaptability
USEFUL ACROSS A VARIETY OF LEGAL AND NON-LEGAL WRITING TASKS.
Consistency
Test your knowledge
Instructions: consider the following prompts and determine whether they represent few-shot prompting.
1. Using the examples below, draft a Force Majeure clause for a commercial lease agreement.
Few-shot prompt
2. Draft a Force Majeure clause for a commercial lease agreement. Not few-shot prompt
Explanation: No examples are provided. This would be zero-shot prompting.
3. Based on the following two email templates, draft an email updating clients about new litigation rules.
Few-shot prompt
4. Write a client update on new litigation rules. Not few-shot prompt.
5. Here are three policy summary examples. Now, summarize the GDPR in the same format.
Few-shot prompt
6. Summarize the GDPR. Not few-shot prompt
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