Translates legal documents into plain language. Breaks down contracts, leases, terms of service, insurance policies, and other legal texts section by section with red flag identification and a glossary of common legal terms.
A skill is a written procedure a bot loads when a job calls for it. This one is a single file, SKILL.md, and the whole file is on this page.
Disclaimer: This skill provides general legal literacy and educational information to help you understand legal concepts and processes. It does NOT constitute legal advice, represent you in any legal matter, or create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction for advice on specific legal matters affecting you.
Translates legal documents into plain language. Breaks down contracts, leases, terms of service, insurance policies, and other legal texts section by section with red flag identification and a glossary of common legal terms.
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Nothing. It ships with Murage, which is open source. Your bots run on the AI plan you already have.
Can I change it?+
Yes. Open it in Settings → Skills to read, edit or duplicate it. Skill Guard scans it again after every edit.
Give your first job to Murage.
Download the app, connect the AI you already pay for, and tell your Chief of Staff what needs doing. Plan on about ten minutes from install to a working team.
User has a legal, financial, or technical document they do not understand
User needs a plain-language summary of a complex document
User wants specific clauses or sections of a document explained
User needs to understand implications of document terms before acting
Do NOT use this skill when:
User needs legal advice on document terms -- refer to qualified professional
User wants a document drafted or written -- use appropriate writing skills
User needs contract negotiation help -- use contract-reviewer for that scope
Process
Step 1: Identify document type, purpose, and user context for reading it
Step 2: Break document into sections and identify key provisions
Step 3: Translate legal or technical language into plain language
Step 4: Highlight obligations, rights, deadlines, and financial implications
Step 5: Summarize key takeaways and suggest follow-up questions
Purpose
This skill helps you understand legal documents written in dense legalese by translating them into clear, plain-language explanations. Whether you are reviewing a lease, employment contract, terms of service, or insurance policy, this skill provides a structured methodology for reading, comprehending, and evaluating legal text.
Questions to Ask the User First
Before analyzing any legal document, gather the following information:
What type of document is this? (lease, employment contract, terms of service, NDA, insurance policy, loan agreement, settlement, other)
What is your role? (tenant, employee, consumer, buyer, seller, service provider, borrower)
What is your primary concern? (understanding the whole document, a specific section, potential red flags, comparing to a previous version)
Is there a deadline for signing? (urgency level)
Have you been asked to sign this as-is, or is there room for negotiation?
What jurisdiction/state/country does this document apply to?
Is this a template/standard form or a custom-drafted document?
Have any sections been specifically pointed out to you by the other party?
Step 1: Document Identification and Context
Identify the Document Type
Document Type
Key Characteristics
Primary Concerns
Residential Lease
Fixed term, rent amount, property address
Habitability, deposits, termination
Employment Contract
Job title, compensation, duties
Non-compete, IP assignment, termination
Terms of Service
Online acceptance, service description
Data use, liability limits, arbitration
Insurance Policy
Coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions
What is NOT covered, claim process
Loan Agreement
Principal, interest rate, repayment schedule
Default triggers, prepayment penalties
NDA
Confidential info definition, duration
Scope of restriction, carve-outs
Service Agreement
Scope of work, deliverables, timeline
Payment terms, liability, warranties
Settlement Agreement
Release of claims, payment terms
What rights you give up, confidentiality
Identify the Parties
Party Identification Template:
- Party A (Drafter): {{PARTY_A_NAME}} - Role: {{ROLE}}
- Party B (You/Client): {{PARTY_B_NAME}} - Role: {{ROLE}}
- Any guarantors or third parties: {{ADDITIONAL_PARTIES}}
- Governing law jurisdiction: {{STATE_OR_COUNTRY}}
- Effective date: {{DATE}}
- Term/duration: {{DURATION}}
Step 2: Section-by-Section Breakdown Methodology
Standard Legal Document Structure
Most legal documents follow a predictable structure. Read them in this order for best comprehension:
Pass 1 - The Big Picture (5 minutes)
Read the title and recitals (the "WHEREAS" clauses)
Identify who the parties are
Find the term (start date and end date)
Locate the signature block
Note how many pages/sections exist
Pass 2 - Core Terms (15-30 minutes)
Read the definitions section carefully -- every defined term changes meaning throughout
Identify the core obligations of each party (what each side must do)
Find the payment/consideration terms
Locate termination provisions
Read the dispute resolution clause
Pass 3 - Risk Assessment (15-30 minutes)
Read limitation of liability clauses
Find indemnification obligations
Check for warranty disclaimers
Look for non-compete or restrictive covenants
Review insurance requirements
Examine default and remedy provisions
Pass 4 - Fine Print (10-20 minutes)
Read the miscellaneous/general provisions
Check for automatic renewal clauses
Look for amendment requirements
Review notice provisions
Check assignment restrictions
Note severability clauses
Step 3: Common Legal Terms Glossary
Foundational Terms
Term
Plain Language Meaning
Indemnify / Hold Harmless
You agree to pay for the other party's losses if something goes wrong because of you
Liability
Legal responsibility for something; often "limited" in contracts meaning they cap how much they owe you
Force Majeure
Neither side is at fault if extraordinary events (natural disasters, pandemics, war) prevent performance
Severability
If one part of the contract is found invalid, the rest still applies
Governing Law
Which state/country's laws apply if there is a dispute
Arbitration
Disputes go to a private decision-maker instead of court; often binding (you cannot appeal)
Waiver
Giving up a right; "no waiver" means not enforcing a rule once does not mean you lose that right permanently
Assignment
Transferring your rights/obligations to someone else
Consideration
What each side gives in exchange (money, services, promises)
Breach
Failure to fulfill an obligation under the contract
Remedy
What the non-breaching party can do when a breach occurs
Covenant
A binding promise to do or not do something
Warrant / Represent
A formal statement of fact; if false, it is a breach
Notwithstanding
"Despite anything else that says otherwise" -- this clause supersedes others
Herein / Hereto / Hereby
In this document / to this document / by this document
Pursuant to
In accordance with; following the rules of
Pro rata
Proportionally; your fair share based on time or amount
Contract-Specific Terms
Term
Plain Language Meaning
Non-compete
You cannot work for competitors or start a competing business for a specified time/area
Non-solicitation
You cannot recruit the other party's employees or customers
Liquidated damages
A pre-agreed amount of money owed if a specific breach occurs
Consequential damages
Indirect losses (lost profits, lost opportunities) -- often excluded in contracts
Cure period
Time you have to fix a breach before the other side can terminate
Estoppel
You cannot take a position contradicting what you previously said or did
Lien
A legal claim on property as security for a debt
Subordination
Agreeing that your claim ranks below someone else's
Step 4: Red Flag Identification
Universal Red Flags (Any Document Type)
RED FLAG CHECKLIST:
[ ] One-sided indemnification (only YOU indemnify THEM, not mutual)
[ ] Unlimited liability on your side with capped liability on theirs
[ ] Mandatory binding arbitration with no opt-out and venue far from you
[ ] Automatic renewal with narrow cancellation windows
[ ] Broad intellectual property assignment (you give up rights to your work)
[ ] Non-compete clauses that are overly broad in time, geography, or scope
[ ] Unilateral amendment rights (they can change terms without your consent)
[ ] Waiver of jury trial
[ ] Confidentiality that prevents you from discussing problems
[ ] "As-is" language combined with warranty disclaimers
[ ] Penalties or fees for early termination that seem excessive
[ ] Choice of law or venue in a distant, inconvenient jurisdiction
[ ] Vague language around scope of work or deliverables
[ ] Missing or unclear payment terms, deadlines, or milestones
[ ] "Notwithstanding" clauses that supersede protections elsewhere
Document-Specific Red Flags
Lease Red Flags
Landlord can enter without notice
Tenant responsible for all repairs including structural
Security deposit return conditions are vague
Lease auto-converts to month-to-month at higher rate
Restrictions on subletting with no reasonable standard
Employment Contract Red Flags
IP assignment covers work done on your own time with your own resources
Non-compete exceeds 1 year or covers unreasonably large geography
At-will termination for you but "for cause" required for employer
Clawback provisions on bonuses already earned
Forced relocation clauses
Terms of Service Red Flags
They can share your data with unlimited third parties
You grant them a perpetual, irrevocable license to your content
They can terminate your account and keep your data/money
Class action waiver
They can change terms at any time without notification
Insurance Policy Red Flags
Exclusions that cover your primary risk
High deductibles that effectively nullify coverage
Subrogation clauses that limit your ability to settle
Duties after loss that are burdensome or time-restricted
Step 5: Document Analysis Template
Use this template to analyze any legal document:
LEGAL DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
========================
Document Title: {{DOCUMENT_TITLE}}
Document Type: {{TYPE}}
Date Received: {{DATE}}
Signing Deadline: {{DEADLINE}}
Other Party: {{OTHER_PARTY}}
Jurisdiction: {{JURISDICTION}}
PARTIES AND ROLES:
- {{PARTY_A}}: {{ROLE_DESCRIPTION}}
- {{PARTY_B}}: {{ROLE_DESCRIPTION}}
CORE TERMS:
- Term/Duration: {{TERM}}
- Consideration/Payment: {{PAYMENT_TERMS}}
- Core Obligations (Their side): {{THEIR_OBLIGATIONS}}
- Core Obligations (Your side): {{YOUR_OBLIGATIONS}}
TERMINATION:
- How either party can end the agreement: {{TERMINATION_TERMS}}
- Notice required: {{NOTICE_PERIOD}}
- Penalties for early termination: {{PENALTIES}}
- Automatic renewal: YES / NO -- Details: {{RENEWAL_DETAILS}}
RISK ASSESSMENT:
- Liability cap (yours): {{YOUR_LIABILITY}}
- Liability cap (theirs): {{THEIR_LIABILITY}}
- Indemnification: MUTUAL / ONE-SIDED / NONE
- Dispute resolution: COURT / ARBITRATION / MEDIATION
- Governing law: {{JURISDICTION}}
RED FLAGS IDENTIFIED:
1. {{RED_FLAG_1}} -- Section {{SECTION_REF}} -- Severity: HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW
2. {{RED_FLAG_2}} -- Section {{SECTION_REF}} -- Severity: HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW
3. {{RED_FLAG_3}} -- Section {{SECTION_REF}} -- Severity: HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE SIGNING:
1. {{QUESTION_1}}
2. {{QUESTION_2}}
3. {{QUESTION_3}}
NEGOTIATION POINTS:
1. {{POINT_1}} -- Suggested change: {{CHANGE}}
2. {{POINT_2}} -- Suggested change: {{CHANGE}}
RECOMMENDATION:
[ ] Safe to sign as-is
[ ] Sign with noted concerns
[ ] Negotiate before signing
[ ] Have an attorney review before signing
[ ] Do not sign
Step 6: Questions to Ask Before Signing Any Document
General Questions
What happens if I need to get out of this agreement early?
Can they change the terms after I sign, and how will I be notified?
What is my maximum financial exposure under this agreement?
Is there anything I am giving up that I cannot get back (rights, IP, claims)?
What is the dispute resolution process, and how much would it cost me?
Are there any deadlines or obligations I need to calendar immediately?
Who else is bound by this agreement (guarantors, successors)?
Red Flag Questions
Why is this clause one-sided? Can we make it mutual?
Can the arbitration clause include an opt-out period?
Can we add a cap on liability that is proportional to the contract value?
Can the non-compete be narrowed in scope, duration, or geography?
Can I get a cure period before termination for breach?
Step 7: Comparison Framework
When comparing two versions of a document or comparing terms across providers:
Definitions control everything. Read the definitions section first. A word that seems ordinary (like "Services" or "Work Product") may have a very specific meaning.
Follow the money. Find every clause about payment, fees, penalties, and damages.
Find the exits. Understand how each party can end the relationship and at what cost.
Look for asymmetry. Anywhere the obligations or rights are not balanced between parties is worth extra scrutiny.
Read what is excluded. Exclusions, disclaimers, and limitations often matter more than what is promised.
Check the boilerplate. The "miscellaneous" section at the end often contains consequential provisions about dispute resolution, amendments, and governing law.
Note every deadline. Calendar any notice periods, cure periods, renewal windows, and option exercise dates.
This skill provides a framework for understanding legal documents. For any document with significant financial or legal consequences, professional legal review is strongly recommended.
Input: "I received a cease and desist letter from a company claiming I am infringing on their trademark. I do not understand what it means or what I need to do."
Output:
Document Explanation: Cease and Desist Letter (Trademark)
What This Document Is
A cease and desist letter is a formal demand to stop an activity. It is NOT a lawsuit -- it is a warning before potential legal action. Receiving one does not mean you are guilty of anything.
Key Sections Explained
1. "You are hereby notified..." Plain language: The company is formally telling you they believe you are using something (a name, logo, or phrase) that is too similar to their registered trademark.
2. "Demand that you immediately cease and desist..." Plain language: They want you to stop using the name/mark/logo entirely and by a specific date.
3. "Failure to comply may result in..." Plain language: If you do not stop, they may file a lawsuit. This is a threat, not a certainty.
Your Obligations Right Now
You are NOT required to respond immediately
You are NOT required to comply automatically
You SHOULD consult an intellectual property attorney before responding
Do NOT ignore it entirely -- ignoring can weaken your position if they do file suit
Timeline
Typical response deadline: 10-30 days from receipt
Use this time to consult an attorney
Key Questions for an Attorney
Is their trademark registration valid and enforceable?
Is your use actually infringing, or is it different enough?
Do you have any prior use rights?
What would compliance cost versus defending?
Edge Cases
Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.