Ask.Legal Guide: How to Ask Questions Clearly for Reliable Legal Analysis

Ask.Legal Guide: How to Ask Questions Clearly for Reliable Legal Analysis

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This guide provides step-by-step instructions and best practices for effectively using Ask.Legal, tailored for SMEs, legal professionals and individuals.

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1. Be clear and specific

Avoid broad or vague prompts. Ask.Legal works best when you provide it with a clear question.

Example:
❌Explain leave policies

✅ How many days of sick leave is a full-time employee entitled to after one year of service in Hong Kong?

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2. Provide context for Accuracy

Giving relevant details helps Ask.Legal deliver precise, actionable answers.

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Example:

If the question concerns employee termination, mention:

✅Employee type: full-time, part-time, or contract

✅ Length of service: e.g., 6 months, 2 years, 10 years

✅ Reason for termination: performance issues, misconduct, redundancy, or mutual agreement

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Question: My full-time retail employee has worked for 8 months and has been repeatedly late. What are the lawful steps for termination in Hong Kong and what notice or payment is required?

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3. Ask a Clear Question, Don’t Just Describe Your Situation. 

While providing context is important, ensure that you include an explicit question in your prompt, rather than simply describing your scenario.

Example:

❌Scenario Only: My supplier is in breach of delivery terms

✅Scenario + Question: What legal remedies are available under Hong Kong law for a breach of supply contract, and how can damages be calculated?”

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4. Break Complex Queries into Smaller Steps

For complicated business or legal questions, divide them into focused sub-questions.

Example:

❌ I need to know everything about opening a business in Hong Kong

✅What are the compliance requirements for incorporating a private limited company in Hong Kong?

✅What is the penalty for late submission of annual returns?

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