Client Communication Prompts for Lawyers
10 AI prompts for when clients are driving you crazy. Copy, paste, fill in your specifics, and let AI help you handle the conversation without losing your mind or the client.
Copy these prompts when clients are driving you crazy. Fill in the brackets with your specifics. Let AI ask you questions first - that's when it gets helpful instead of generic.
When They're Freaking Out About Timeline
"My client keeps asking 'how long will this take?' Help me give them a realistic timeline explanation that doesn't make them panic or think I'm stalling.
Their case: [2-3 sentence description]
Where we are now: [current stage]
What they're worried about specifically: [their main concern]
First, ask me 3 questions about what's driving their anxiety and what factors could speed up or slow down this case. Then draft an explanation that's honest but not alarming."
Why this works: Forces you to identify the real anxiety (money? custody? deadline?), gets AI to probe for case-specific factors instead of generic timelines.
When You Need to Explain Why You're Not Doing What They Saw on TV
"My client wants me to [legal strategy they saw on TV/TikTok] but that's not how this actually works. Help me explain why without making them feel stupid.
What they're asking for: [their idea]
Why it won't work here: [legal reality]
What we're doing instead: [actual strategy]
Ask me what they're really trying to accomplish with this request, then help me reframe our actual strategy in terms of their underlying goal."
Why this works: Separates the bad tactic from the legitimate goal, helps you redirect without dismissing them.
When You Need Them to Actually Do Something
"I need my client to [specific action] by [deadline] but they've been dragging their feet. Help me write a message that conveys urgency without sounding like I'm scolding them.
What I need them to do: [action]
Why it matters: [consequence if they don't]
What's probably stopping them: [your guess about their hesitation]
Ask me two questions about their situation that might reveal the real obstacle. Then draft a message that makes it easy for them to say yes."
Why this works: Makes you diagnose the resistance instead of just getting louder, focuses on removing obstacles not adding pressure.
When They're Mad at You (But It's Not Your Fault)
"My client is upset about [outcome/delay/cost] but this is due to [actual reason outside your control]. Help me respond in a way that acknowledges their frustration without being defensive.
What they're mad about: [issue]
The real reason it happened: [explanation]
What I've already tried: [your attempts to fix it]
Before you draft a response, ask me: What do they think I should have done differently? What's the worst case if I can't fix this? Then help me write something that validates their feelings while explaining reality."
Why this works: Prevents defensive explaining, separates their emotion from the facts, gives you a structure for hard conversations.
When You Need to Fire a Client (Professionally)
"I need to withdraw from representing [client type] because [reason]. Help me draft a withdrawal that's legally sound but doesn't burn bridges or create Bar complaints.
The relationship problem: [what's not working]
My ethical obligation: [what rules require]
What I'm worried they'll do: [potential reaction]
Ask me three questions about the best possible outcome here and what landmines to avoid. Then draft the withdrawal letter and a separate internal memo about why I'm doing this."
Why this works: Gets you clear on your legitimate reasons, separates the legal document from your CYA documentation, thinks ahead to their likely response.
When You Need Them to Understand They're About to Lose
"I need to give my client a reality check about [weak aspect of their case] without destroying their trust in me. Help me frame this conversation.
Their expectation: [what they think will happen]
The likely reality: [what will probably happen]
The evidence problem: [why their case is weak]
What they can still accomplish: [realistic goals]
Ask me what happens if I don't tell them this now versus what happens if I'm too blunt. Then help me script a conversation that's honest but preserves the relationship."
Why this works: Makes you weigh the risks of both paths, focuses on what they CAN achieve, structures bad news delivery.
When They Want You to Be Mean to the Other Side
"My client wants me to 'destroy' opposing counsel/party but that's not strategically smart here. Help me explain why professional courtesy actually helps their case.
What they want me to do: [aggressive tactic]
Why that would backfire: [strategic reality]
What being professional gets us: [actual advantage]
Ask me what victory looks like to them - vindication or winning? Then help me reframe 'professional' as 'strategic advantage' not 'being soft.'"
Why this works: Separates their desire for revenge from their desire to win, reframes professionalism as strength not weakness.
When You're Explaining Your Bill
"My client is questioning [charges on their bill]. Help me explain what this work was and why it was necessary without sounding like I'm justifying padding.
What they're questioning: [specific charges]
What that work actually involved: [detailed description]
Why it mattered to their case: [impact]
Ask me: What do they think this should have cost? What similar tasks do they do in their own work? Then help me explain this in terms they'll understand from their own professional experience."
Why this works: Uses their own work experience as the frame of reference, connects the charges to outcomes they care about.
When They're Making It Worse on Social Media
"My client is posting about [case details/opposing party] on social media and it's hurting their case. Help me explain why they need to stop without sounding paranoid.
What they're posting: [type of content]
How it will be used against them: [legal consequences]
What I need them to do instead: [alternative]
First ask me: What are they trying to accomplish with these posts? Then help me give them a way to meet that need that doesn't torpedo their case."
Why this works: Identifies what emotional need the posting serves, offers substitute behavior instead of just saying "stop."
When You Need to Deliver Bad News About Settlement
"We got a settlement offer of [amount/terms] but my client was expecting [their expectation]. Help me present this in a way that doesn't make them think I sold them out.
The offer: [actual terms]
Their expectation: [what they wanted]
The reality of going to trial: [risks and costs]
My recommendation: [what you think they should do]
Ask me: What's the worst possible trial outcome vs. this settlement? What are they really saying no to if they reject this? Then help me frame this as their decision, not my advice."
Why this works: Weighs actual alternatives, frames it as their choice not your preference, uses risk analysis instead of persuasion.
The Pattern You'll Notice
Every one of these prompts:
- Gives AI specific context (not "difficult client conversation")
- Names the real problem (not just the surface issue)
- Tells AI to ask YOU questions first (this is critical)
- Focuses on one conversation, not your whole relationship
The prompts that work aren't the clever ones. They're the ones that make you think before AI answers.
Next: Opposing Counsel Communication Prompts - when you want to call them an asshole but need to stay professional
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