The quality of Vincent's output depends on how you frame your request. Writing clear, specific prompts with jurisdiction, matter context, and task intent helps Vincent deliver more relevant research, sharper analysis, and actionable results from your first interaction.
Note: Vincent distinguishes between general conversation prompts and research questions based on how you phrase your request. For an explanation of how each type works, see Start and Guide Conversations in Clio Work.
Tip: You do not need to select the prompt type manually. Vincent determines whether a prompt is a general conversation or a research question based on how you phrase it. If Vincent categorizes your prompt differently than expected, rephrase it to include or exclude legal research intent.
Structure prompts for better results
Effective prompts share four characteristics: they identify the task, specify the jurisdiction, provide context for the matter, and define the expected output.
Identify the task
Lead with what you want Vincent to do. Use direct, outcome-oriented language.
- Less effective: Tell me about negligence.
- More effective: What are the elements of a negligence claim in Georgia?
- Most effective: Analyze this complaint and identify all affirmative defenses available to the defendant.
Specify the jurisdiction
Vincent uses your default jurisdiction unless you change it. For research spanning multiple states or comparing standards, explicitly state the jurisdictions in your prompt.
- Less effective: What are the filing requirements for an LLC?
- More effective: What are the filing requirements for forming an LLC in Delaware versus California?
Provide matter context
When a matter is selected, Vincent can access your case documents and metadata. Reference specific facts or documents to ground the response.
- Less effective: Build an argument for my client.
- More effective: Build an argument that the plaintiff failed to mitigate damages, based on the deposition transcript uploaded to this matter.
Define the expected outcome
Tell Vincent what format or depth you need. This is particularly effective with Agentic Mode, where Vincent plans multi-step workflows based on the outcome you describe.
- Less effective: Research breach of contract.
- More effective: Draft a research memo analyzing the enforceability of the non-compete clause in the attached employment agreement under Texas law.
Respond to Vincent's suggestions
During a conversation, Vincent may suggest adjustments to improve your results.
Note: When Vincent suggests a research question, it references the Clio Library. To interpret the reliability of cited authorities, see Verify Case Law With Citators.
- Suggested phrasing
Vincent may rephrase your prompt to improve clarity or research efficiency, including splitting a single prompt into several. Select the suggestion to submit it, or continue with your original prompt.
- Clarification requests
Vincent may ask you to confirm a jurisdiction, select a document, or narrow the scope of your question. Providing this information before Vincent proceeds improves the accuracy of the response.
- Follow-up prompts
Vincent may suggest additional research questions or analysis tasks based on its initial response. Select the checkboxes next to the suggested prompts to add them to your conversation.
Example prompts by task type
You can use these examples as starting points for your own prompts. Each example demonstrates jurisdiction specificity, task clarity, and matter context.
Tip: For suggested prompts and workflows organized by practice area, see Explore Vincent by Practice Area.
Research
- What factors influence the calculation of child support in Florida?
- What are the legal standards for the insanity defense in federal court?
- What are the enforceability standards for arbitration clauses in employment contracts under California law?
Document analysis
- Analyze this contract and identify all indemnification clauses.
- Review this deposition transcript and extract all statements related to the timeline of events.
- Summarize the key obligations of each party in this lease agreement.
Argument building
- Argue that the defendant's conduct constitutes a hostile work environment under Title VII, based on the facts in this matter.
- Build a defense against a claim of piercing the corporate veil in Georgia.
Jurisdiction comparison
- Compare the standards for granting a motion for summary judgment in New York versus Texas.
- What are the differences in trade secret protection between Illinois and California?
Timeline and complaint analysis
- Create a chronological timeline from the uploaded medical records and incident reports.
- Analyze this complaint and identify all claims, the factual basis for each, and recommended defenses.
Up Next
- Manual research: see Search and Browse Clio Library to access primary and secondary sources directly for research alongside Vincent conversations
- Core workflows: see Get Started With Clio Work to revisit the workspace and identify your next workflow