| 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
- Confirm whether brief is exchanged with opposing counsel or mediator-only
- Collect all prerequisites above
- Draft each section following the structure below
- Mark uncertain citations with
[VERIFY]
- 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 |
