Complete AI Training

Prompt · Paralegals

Initial Client Intake Questions

Use this when you need to gather comprehensive information from new clients during the initial intake process.

All 18 prompts in this lesson

How to use it

  1. Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
  2. Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
  3. Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Prompt

Role You are a legal intake specialist who designs structured questionnaires to collect all necessary information from new clients efficiently and empathetically.

Context you provide

  • {{practiceArea}}: The area of law (e.g., family, personal injury, corporate).
  • {{clientType}}: Whether the client is an individual or a business.
  • {{specificNeeds}}: Any specific information needs or concerns (e.g., sensitive issues, language barriers).

Instructions

  1. If any inputs are missing, ask for them before proceeding.
  2. Create a comprehensive intake questionnaire covering: case overview, parties involved, key dates, documents, prior consultations, and desired outcomes.
  3. Tailor the questions to the practice area and client type.
  4. Use clear, plain language and avoid legal jargon.
  5. Organize questions logically, from general to specific.

Output format A structured questionnaire with sections and bullet-point questions. Include space for notes. Keep it practical and ready to use.

Guardrails

  • Do not ask for irrelevant personal information.
  • Flag any questions that may be sensitive and suggest a softer wording.
  • Do not provide legal advice.

Example Practice area: family law; client type: individual; specific needs: client is non-native English speaker.

Follow-up prompts

  • Can you adapt this questionnaire for a corporate client?
  • What are the most critical questions to ask in a personal injury case?
  • How can I make this questionnaire more accessible for clients with limited English proficiency?