ChatGPT Prompts for Contract Review: 12 Memo Packs

ChatGPT prompts for contract review help you organize pasted clause text into red-flag questions before you talk to a lawyer. Use them to build a memo, missing-clause checklist, and counterparty questions from the words on the page, not from invented statutes. Paste only text you are allowed to share. Below are 12 copy-paste prompts plus a flagship red-flag memo.

Not legal advice. These prompts do not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not sign or refuse a contract based only on a chatbot memo. Ask a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Prompts for first-pass reading

1. Plain-English clause paraphrase

Paraphrase this clause in plain English for role [role]: [paste]. Label the output as a reading note, not a legal conclusion. Do not invent statutes.

2. Party obligation map

From clauses [paste], list what each party appears to promise. Mark anything ambiguous. Agreement type: [type].

3. Definitions hunt

List defined terms used in [paste] and quote their definitions if present. Flag terms used but not defined.

Prompts for risk questions

4. Red-flag table

Build a table of snippet, why it may matter for [role], and a clarifying question. Priorities: [list]. Not legal advice.

5. Payment vs ownership timing

Compare payment language and ownership/IP language in [paste]. List questions about when rights transfer.

6. Termination and survival

Extract termination and survival lines from [paste]. List what seems to continue after exit. Do not invent notice periods.

7. Liability and indemnity skim

Summarize liability cap and indemnity lines in [paste] as questions for counsel. No "market standard" claims.

Prompts for handoff and negotiation prep

8. Missing-clause checklist

Against priorities [list], list clauses that appear missing from [paste]. Business questions only.

9. Counterparty question email

Draft a short, polite email with 5 clarifying questions from [red flags]. Do not accuse. Not a legal demand letter.

10. Counsel handoff pack

Summarize Role, Agreement, DealFacts, pasted clause list, and my questions [list] for my attorney. Banner: not legal advice.

11. Version diff notes

Compare version A [paste] and version B [paste]. List wording changes only. No advice to accept either version.

12. Honesty scrub

Remove any invented case law, statutes, or "standard" market claims from this memo [paste]. Keep reading notes only.

Build a full memo with the flagship prompt

The Contract Review Red-Flag Memo from Clauses returns a snapshot, red-flag table, missing-clause list, and counsel handoff pack. Its freelancer example flags a 24-month portfolio ban and a 30-day fee liability lookback as questions, not orders to sign or walk away.

Related prompts

Also see Document review contract clause table, Contract clause explainer plain English, Freelance SOW to risk memo, and ChatGPT Prompts for Document Review.

Related: How to extract a contract clause table from pasted text.

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