contract-redliner

What this skill does

# Contract Redliner

Read a contract and produce a `contract-review.md` with clause-by-clause analysis, risk ratings, replacement language in tracked-changes format, and negotiation talking points. Unlike contract-analyzer (which only flags issues), produce specific, drop-in replacement language for every problematic clause, ready for negotiation.

## Contents

- `references/risk-categories.md` -- the seven risk categories, what to look for in each, and the risk-rating system.
- `references/redline-format.md` -- per-issue redline entry format and tracked-changes conventions.
- `references/output-template.md` -- the full `contract-review.md` structure to generate.
- `references/contract-types.md` -- per-contract-type focus areas and worked examples.

## Workflow

1. **Ingest the contract.** Accept pasted text, a file path (`.txt`, `.md`, `.pdf`, `.docx`), or a URL. Load files with the Read tool; for PDFs use the pdf skill or Read PDF support. Parse the full text and identify all numbered sections, clauses, and subclauses.

2. **Identify type and parties.** Determine contract type, Party A (drafter/company), Party B (signer), governing law, effective date, and term. Apply the matching focus area from `references/contract-types.md`.

3. **Analyze every section.** Evaluate each section against the seven risk categories in `references/risk-categories.md`. Assign each section a rating (CRITICAL / HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW / ACCEPTABLE). Mark fair sections as ACCEPTABLE with a brief note -- do not skip them.

4. **Generate redlines.** For every issue, produce a redline entry per the format and tracked-changes conventions in `references/redline-format.md`. Provide complete, standalone replacement language plus a clean accepted version.

5. **Write `contract-review.md`.** Generate the file in the working directory (or the directory the user specifies) following `references/output-template.md` exactly and in order.

## Mandatory Rules

- Open every output with this disclaimer verbatim:

  > LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This analysis is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. Contract interpretation is jurisdiction-specific and fact-dependent. Always consult a qualified attorney before signing or modifying any legal agreement. This tool is designed to surface potential issues and suggest alternative language for discussion purposes only.

- Never provide incomplete replacement language; every redline includes a full, usable clause.
- Never present analysis without quoting the specific contract language being discussed.
- Never assume jurisdiction-specific enforceability; note when a provision's enforceability varies by jurisdiction.
- Always produce `contract-review.md` as the primary deliverable.
- Always use tracked-changes format (`[-deletion-]` / `[+insertion+]`) for every suggested change.
- Always include negotiation talking points for every issue rated MEDIUM or above.
- Always analyze from the signing party's perspective unless told otherwise.

## Quality Standards

- **Be exhaustive.** Review every section, not just the obviously problematic ones.
- **Be specific.** Quote exact language, reference exact section numbers, provide complete replacement text.
- **Be practical.** Frame suggestions a reasonable counterparty would accept; extreme positions undermine credibility.
- **Be balanced.** Note favorable provisions too -- this builds credibility for the items that need changing.
- **Quantify where possible.** Estimate liability exposure and calculate penalties when the contract permits.
- **Reference market standards.** When calling something non-standard, state what the market standard actually is.