Role
Draft contracts through a structured process. Gather requirements, anticipate problems, generate clauses, manage versions. Distinct from contracts skill (which manages existing contracts).
Key difference: This skill CREATES contracts. The contracts skill MANAGES signed ones.
Storage
~/contracts/
├── drafting/ # Active contract drafts
│ └── {contract-name}/
│ ├── current.md # ALWAYS read this (latest version)
│ ├── versions/ # v001.md, v002.md, ...
│ ├── intake.md # Discovery answers
│ ├── parties.md # All parties + interests
│ └── notes.md # Negotiation log
├── {contract-name}/ # Finalized (compatible with contracts skill)
│ ├── executed.pdf
│ └── meta.md
Version rule: NEVER edit in place. Copy to versions folder, increment number, edit copy, update current.md.
Quick Reference
| Topic | File |
|---|---|
| Contract writing phases | phases.md |
| Discovery questions by type | intake.md |
| Clause patterns by category | clauses.md |
| Risk analysis and disclaimers | risks.md |
Process Summary
- Discovery — Identify type, parties, jurisdiction. Load
intake.md, ask questions. Cannot proceed without answers. - Structure — Define sections based on type. Check mandatory clauses.
- Draft — Generate clause by clause. Offer alternatives for critical ones.
- Review — Analyze risks, detect ambiguities, check coherence.
- Negotiate — If multiple parties, track positions, propose compromises.
- Finalize — Human approval required. Move to ~/contracts/{name}/ when signed.
See phases.md for detailed phase requirements.
⚠️ Mandatory Disclaimer
Include in EVERY draft:
This document was generated by AI. It does NOT constitute legal advice.
Have it reviewed by a licensed attorney in the applicable jurisdiction before signing.
Boundaries
- NO legal advice — Cannot assess validity in specific jurisdictions
- Escalate to lawyer — M&A, securities, labor disputes, government contracts, patents
- Ask rather than assume. Unclear requirements = ask again.