Episode 005– How Lawyers Should Talk to AI

Using a simple framework to get better results from ChatGPT, Copilot, and other AI toolsLawyers already know how to structure thinking—we learned it for the bar exam with IRAC.But when it comes to AI, most of us were never given a framework for how to communicate with it.In this episode, we introduce RTCF (Role, Task, Context, Format)—a simple, flexible structure that helps lawyers get better, more useful results from AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot.We also explain why prompting is the “heart and soul” of AI usage, and why the real issue isn’t “garbage in, garbage out”—it’s whether you’re giving AI a usable version of the case.This episode kicks off our Prompt Strategy Series, where we’ll apply these ideas to real legal workflows like marketing, client intake, document review, and more.🔑 Key TakeawaysPrompting is not a trick—it’s how you turn AI into a thinking partnerRTCF provides a flexible framework, not a rigid formulaRole is optional, but powerful for perspective and toneContext is the most important element of prompting“Garbage in, garbage out” is not helpful—focus on usable contextAt a higher level, prompting becomes easier when your system holds the context🧠 The RTCF FrameworkR — Role (Optional)Shape perspective, tone, or point of viewExamples: judge, opposing counsel, mediatorT — TaskTell the AI exactly what you want it to doExamples: summarize, compare, identify gaps, rewriteC — Context (Most Important)Give the AI a usable version of the case:Source documentsFactual narrativeLegal framingF — FormatControl how the answer is deliveredExamples: bullet points, checklist, memo, client-friendly summary🚀 The Prompt Strategy SeriesThis episode launches a new series where we’ll apply prompting to:Law firm marketingClient intake workflowsDocument reviewDrafting legal workLaw firm administration⚡ Practice SignalA lawyer asked a Facebook group for a sample motion to extend the automatic stay.Takeaway:Lawyers have always relied on shared formsAI can generate a first draft instantlyBest approach:Generate with AICompare with real-world formsCombine and refine🚀 FSJ (Flintstones → Simpsons → Jetsons)Flintstones LevelAdd one more sentence to your prompt before hitting enter→ “Summarize this in bullet points for a client with no legal background”Simpsons LevelStart using structure intentionally→ Combine task + format + some contextJetsons LevelBuild systems, not just prompts→ Organize case files so AI can work from them“If you want better results from AI, don’t just focus on better prompts—focus on better context.”00:00 – Introduction & IRAC analogy03:30 – Prompt Strategy Series06:30 – RTCF overview08:00 – Role12:00 – Task16:30 – Context23:30 – Jetsons workflow25:30 – Format27:30 – Practice Signal & FSJIf you found this episode helpful, follow the show and share it with a colleague who’s exploring AI in their practice.