Prompt CoCounsel Legal
Recommendations for writing effective prompts that get accurate, well-tailored results from CoCounsel Legal.
Write a great prompt
CoCounsel is built to understand plain language - but the quality of what it returns reflects the quality of what you give it. You don’t need to select skills or break tasks into steps. Describe what you need and give CoCounsel the context to produce a precise response.
Use the Intent-Context-Instruction (ICI) framework to build prompts that consistently deliver strong results:
- Intent:State your goal so CoCounsel knows what end product to produce.
- Context:Include jurisdiction, who you represent, any uploaded documents, and background that shapes the analysis.
- Instruction:Describe the deliverable: format, length, tone, and any specific requirements.
Example prompt:
“I represent a technology startup in Delaware. I’ve uploaded a term sheet from a Series A investor. Summarize the key economic and control terms, flag any provisions that are outside market standard, and note any terms I should push back on. Format the output as a structured memo.”
This prompt provides:
- Intent:Summarize and evaluate a term sheet, flagging non-market terms, and negotiation points.
- Context:The client is a Delaware-based startup. A Series A term sheet has been uploaded, and the perspective is that of company-side counsel.
- Instruction:Structured memo format. Identify economic terms, control terms, non-market provisions, and recommended pushback points.
tip
Select the magic wand 
on the chat window to have CoCounsel rewrite your legal request into a better prompt before sending.
on the chat window to have CoCounsel rewrite your legal request into a better prompt before sending.Review the work plan:
As CoCounsel starts working, you’ll see every planned step. You can stop it mid-task, adjust the plan by typing in the chat, or redirect entirely at any point.
Use follow-ups to refine:
CoCounsel retains context from earlier in your conversation. After receiving a result, you can say things like: “Make it shorter” or “Rewrite the analysis assuming California law applies.” You do not need to repeat your original request.
Always verify the output
CoCounsel Legal is a powerful starting point, but a legal professional should review all work product before use. As you work with CoCounsel:
- Check citations.Verify that cited cases exist, are accurately represented, and remain good law.
- Confirm accuracy.Review factual statements, especially those drawn from uploaded documents.
- Apply your legal judgment.The final work product is always yours. CoCounsel Legal assists - it does not replace the attorney’s role.
