Firm drafting workbench with Claude API citation checker

Build an internal workbench: every AI-drafted document passes through a Claude API citation checker that extracts every cite and flags anything not found in a curated citation source. Attorney signs only after the checker returns clean.

Tool

Claude API + firm drafting workbench

Open tool

Best for

Creative & Generative

Typically under $0.15 per document on Sonnet tier

Setup

5 hrs

One-time setup estimate

Workflow

1Collect the source material for "Draft legal documents (motions, briefs, correspondence)" before opening the tool.
2Run the starter prompt in Claude API + firm drafting workbench and paste in the real context.
3Review the output for accuracy, tone, names, numbers, and policy-sensitive details.
4Save the improved prompt or checklist so the next run takes less time.

Inputs you need

- Paralegal
- Draft legal documents (motions, briefs, correspondence)
- Examples, notes, files, or customer context for this task
- Your preferred tone, constraints, and final format

Expected output

- Firm drafting workbench with Claude API citation checker
- A usable draft or workflow for draft legal documents (motions, briefs, correspondence)
- A repeatable prompt you can improve after each run

Ready-to-copy asset

Starter prompt

You are a citation checker for one legal document. Return JSON only. Do NOT assert the document is citation-accurate — only flag extraction and consistency issues.

Inputs:
- document_text
- jurisdiction
- allowed_citation_sources: [Westlaw, Lexis, state reporters, etc.]

Return:
{
  "extracted_citations": [{"cite": "...", "context": "...", "type": "case|statute|regulation|secondary"}],
  "parenthetical_consistency": [{"cite": "...", "issue": "..."}],
  "likely_hallucinations": [{"cite": "...", "reason": "..."}],
  "missing_pinpoint": ["..."],
  "reviewer_questions": ["..."]
}

Do not confirm a citation is real — attorneys verify in Westlaw or Lexis. Only flag structural problems.

Caveats

- Do a human review before sending, publishing, filing, or making a decision.
- Verify numbers, names, claims, citations, and compliance-sensitive details.
- AI drafts. You decide. Final responsibility is yours.

Measurable value

3.5 hrs saved per run

Before: 4 hrs. After: 30 min.

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