mediation-brief

name	mediation-brief
title	Mediation Brief
description	Drafts mediation briefs for commercial litigation that educate the mediator on facts, law, damages, and litigation risks while advancing settlement. Use when preparing for mediation sessions, drafting pre-mediation submissions, or creating settlement briefs.
author	CaseMark
author_url	https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/mediation-brief
license	Apache-2.0
version	0.1.0
execution_mode	open
jurisdiction	general
practice	arbitration
language	en

Mediation Brief

Drafts a persuasive mediation brief that educates the mediator and advances settlement while demonstrating good faith.

Prerequisites

Gather before drafting:

• Pleadings/case file — complaint, answer, counterclaims, dispositive motions
• Discovery materials — key depositions, document productions, interrogatory responses
• Damages documentation — invoices, expert reports, lost-profit analyses
• Mediation logistics — mediator name, deadline, page limits, confidentiality rules
• Settlement parameters — authority range, priorities, non-monetary interests

Quick Start

1. Confirm whether brief is exchanged with opposing counsel or mediator-only
2. Collect all prerequisites above
3. Draft each section following the structure below
4. Mark uncertain citations with [VERIFY]
5. Target 10–15 pages unless mediator specifies otherwise

Brief Structure

I. Caption & Introduction (½ page)

• Case caption, mediation date, mediator name
• One-paragraph summary: parties, claims, amount in controversy, relief sought

II. Statement of Facts (2–4 pages)

• Chronological with topic sub-headings
• Tone: neutral but persuasive — acknowledge weaknesses to build credibility
• Pin every material fact to a document, deposition cite, or exhibit
• Flag disputed facts clearly; present client's version with supporting evidence

III. Legal Analysis (2–3 pages)

State each claim/defense as elements, then map evidence:

Claim/Defense	Element	Supporting Evidence	Strength
Breach of contract	Existence of agreement	Signed contract (Ex. A)	Strong

• Cite controlling authority in Bluebook format
• Address statute of limitations, affirmative defenses, evidentiary issues

IV. Damages Assessment (1–2 pages)

Category	Client's Calculation	Opposing Party's Likely Position
Economic damages	$	$
Non-economic damages