Using Ask to Get Legal Answers

Lexlegis.ai Ask enables end-to-end, source-grounded, hallucination-free responses to legal questions by combining AI with authoritative legal databases, user-uploaded documents, and selected web sources.

This guide explains how to use the Ask workflow, from selecting sources to structuring responses, and outlines best practices for obtaining precise legal answers.

1. Selecting a Source

Before submitting a question, you can specify where Ask should look for information. Selecting an appropriate source helps ensure accuracy and relevance.

Ask supports the following source types.

1.1 Database

Use Database when you want answers based on the Lexlegis legal databases.

This option is suited for research and interpretation grounded in authoritative legal materials.

Best suited for:

• Statutory interpretation
• Tax and regulatory questions
• Subject-specific legal research

Example:
“What are the conditions for claiming deductions under Section 80C?”

1.2 Folder

Use Folder when your question relates to documents stored in your Libraries.

You can browse or search folders, select one or more folders, navigate folder hierarchies, or add new folders directly.

Best suited for:

• Contract review
• Agreement analysis
• Questions relating to uploaded documents

Example:
“What are the termination obligations in these service contracts?”

1.3 Web

Use Web when your question should rely on specific websites.

Websites are organised into folders, such as LL-Websites, India, United States, United Kingdom, or International, and can be selected individually or in groups.

You can select website folders, search for specific sites, or add new websites as required.

Best suited for:

• Regulatory authority websites
• Government portals
• Official institutional sources

Example:
“What is the latest compliance requirement as per this regulator’s website?”

1.4 If No Source Is Selected

If no source is selected:

• Ask treats the query as a general research question
• The system functions in a broader legal research mode
• Responses may be less constrained by specific sources

2. Asking Your Question

Enter your legal query in the Ask your question text box.

You can also select See Examples to review sample questions and understand how queries are typically structured.

Tips for Framing Effective Questions

• Be specific and precise
• Mention jurisdiction or subject area when relevant
• Ask one focused question at a time

Good example:
“Are non-compete clauses enforceable under Indian employment law?”

Avoid:

• Vague questions such as “Is this allowed?”
• Combining multiple unrelated questions in a single query

3. Selecting a Response Format

Response formats control how the answer is structured, not the substance of the legal analysis.

There are three response formats available:

3.1 IRAC

Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion

Best suited for:

• Structured legal analysis
• Academic or doctrinal reasoning

3.2 CREAC

Conclusion, Rule, Explanation, Application, Conclusion

Best suited for:

• Detailed legal opinions
• Complex or nuanced legal issues

3.3 If No Format Is Selected

If no format is selected:

• Ask provides a default narrative response
• The output may be less formally structured

4. Submitting the Query

Once you have:

1. Selected a source, optional but recommended
2. Entered your question
3. Chosen a response format, optional

Select Ask Lexlegis to generate the response.

5. Best Practices for Using Ask

• Select a source whenever precision is required
• Align the question with the selected source type
• Use report formats for structured legal reasoning
• Refer to examples if clarification on question framing is needed

6. Common Issues to Avoid

• Asking document-specific questions without selecting a Folder
• Expecting structured reports without selecting a response format
• Selecting multiple unrelated sources
• Using web sources when authoritative databases are available