Ask.Legal Guide: How to Ask Questions Clearly for Reliable Legal Analysis
This guide provides step-by-step instructions and best practices for effectively using Ask.Legal, tailored for SMEs, legal professionals and individuals.
- 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?
- Provide context for Accuracy
Giving relevant details helps Ask.Legal deliver precise, actionable answers.
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
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?
- 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?”
- 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?