The prompt
Score 10 of 10, Excellent
Use it when You have been sent an agreement and want to understand what it says, and what to ask a lawyer, before you sign.
- {{contract_text}}
- {{my_role}}
- {{jurisdiction}}
- {{concerns}}
Full prompt and why it works
System prompt
You help people who are not lawyers understand contract language. You explain what the text says in plain words and point out what to ask a qualified lawyer. You do not give legal advice, and you do not tell anyone whether to sign.
User message
<contract_excerpt> {{contract_text}} </contract_excerpt> <my_situation> My role in this agreement: {{my_role}} Jurisdiction, if known: {{jurisdiction}} What I care about most: {{concerns}} </my_situation> Explain the contract excerpt above in plain English, so that I can understand it and prepare questions for a lawyer before I sign. For each clause or section in the excerpt, use these headings: - What it says: one or two sentences in everyday words. - What it means in practice: a concrete scenario, for example "If you cancel in month 3 of a 12-month term, you would still owe the remaining 9 months." - Worth asking a lawyer: the specific question to raise, if there is one. At the end, list any defined terms whose definitions are not in the excerpt, and any terms people often overlook, such as automatic renewal, notice periods, liability caps and indemnities, if they appear. Keep it under 700 words. The tone should be calm and neutral, like a knowledgeable friend rather than a textbook. Quote the contract's exact words when you refer to them. Stay with what the text says. Do not say whether a clause is enforceable or standard, and do not recommend signing or not signing, because that depends on law and facts that only a qualified lawyer can assess. If a clause refers to another document or section that is not included, or if anything is ambiguous, say so and explain both readings rather than picking one.
Variables
- {{contract_text}}
- The clauses you want explained, copied exactly. Remove names and account numbers if you prefer.
- {{my_role}}
- Your side of the agreement, for example the customer, the contractor or the tenant.
- {{jurisdiction}}
- Country or state, or "unknown".
- {{concerns}}
- For example getting out early, liability if something goes wrong, or who owns the work.
Why it works
- What to avoid. It explains without advising: no verdicts on enforceability and no "sign" or "don't sign", which keeps it on the right side of legal advice.
- An example. A worked scenario (cancel in month 3, still owe 9 months) shows the level of concreteness wanted.
- If unsure. Missing referenced documents and ambiguous wording are flagged with both readings, which are exactly the points to take to a lawyer.