Using a simple framework to get better results from ChatGPT, Copilot, and other AI tools

Lawyers 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 Takeaways

• Prompting is not a trick—it’s how you turn AI into a thinking partner

• RTCF provides a flexible framework, not a rigid formula

• Role is optional, but powerful for perspective and tone

• Context is the most important element of prompting

• “Garbage in, garbage out” is not helpful—focus on usable context

• At a higher level, prompting becomes easier when your system holds the context

🧠 The RTCF Framework

R — Role (Optional)
Shape perspective, tone, or point of view
Examples: judge, opposing counsel, mediator

T — Task
Tell the AI exactly what you want it to do
Examples: summarize, compare, identify gaps, rewrite

C — Context (Most Important)
Give the AI a usable version of the case:

• Source documents

• Factual narrative

• Legal framing

F — Format
Control how the answer is delivered
Examples: bullet points, checklist, memo, client-friendly summary

🚀 The Prompt Strategy Series

This episode launches a new series where we’ll apply prompting to:

• Law firm marketing

• Client intake workflows

• Document review

• Drafting legal work

• Law firm administration

⚡ Practice Signal

A lawyer asked a Facebook group for a sample motion to extend the automatic stay.

Takeaway:

• Lawyers have always relied on shared forms

• AI can generate a first draft instantly

• Best approach:

  • Generate with AI

  • Compare with real-world forms

  • Combine and refine

🚀 FSJ (Flintstones → Simpsons → Jetsons)

Flintstones Level
Add one more sentence to your prompt before hitting enter
→ “Summarize this in bullet points for a client with no legal background”

Simpsons Level
Start using structure intentionally
→ Combine task + format + some context

Jetsons Level
Build 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 analogy
03:30 – Prompt Strategy Series
06:30 – RTCF overview
08:00 – Role
12:00 – Task
16:30 – Context
23:30 – Jetsons workflow
25:30 – Format
27:30 – Practice Signal & FSJ

If you found this episode helpful, follow the show and share it with a colleague who’s exploring AI in their practice.