mediation-dispute-analysis

What it does

Guides a lawyer or mediator to rapidly analyze a dispute for mediation by reviewing case materials, identifying issues, summarizing each party's position and interests, performing legal analysis of key issues, proposing mediation strategies or settlement directions, and preparing for mediation sessions. Triggers include mentions of mediation, dispute analysis, settlement, dispute resolution, identify issues in dispute, party positions, mediation brief, case analysis for mediation, ADR, mediation preparation, caucus strategy, settlement options, or analyzing a conflict with a resolution goal. It also triggers when case files are uploaded and a structured breakdown is requested.

How it works

Provides two operating modes: Mode A (Guided Information Gathering) to collect essential case details via intake questions before analysis, and Mode B (Direct Analysis) to analyze provided materials (pleadings, contracts, correspondence, evidence, prior settlements) and proceed to a structured analysis. The core output follows the Analysis Framework:

1. Case Summary – neutral 1-2 paragraph factual recap of parties, events, posture, and prior attempts.
2. Issues in Dispute – enumerate discrete issues with Party A and Party B positions, key evidence, and strength assessment; organize by significance and propose a mediation-appropriate sequence.
3. Underlying Interests Analysis – map each party's legal, commercial, relational, emotional, and procedural interests; identify shared interests and potential barriers.
4. Legal Analysis – apply general legal principles per issue, note likely outcomes if litigated, risks, and named doctrines; tailor to jurisdiction if specified.
5. Mediation Strategy & Settlement Directions – provide BATNA/WATNA for both parties, determine ZOPA, and present 2-3 settlement scenarios (Straightforward Compromise, Interest-Based Solution, Package Deal) with feasibility notes and mediator framing; add process recommendations (session format, co-mediation, session planning, pre-mediation steps, issue sequencing, impasse strategies).
6. Mediation Readiness Checklist – create a tailored checklist covering Parties & Authority, Process Design, and Preparation.

When to use it

Trigger when users mention mediation, dispute analysis, settlement, dispute resolution, identify issues in dispute, party positions, mediation brief, case analysis for mediation, ADR, mediation preparation, caucus strategy, settlement options, or any request to analyze a conflict with a resolution-oriented goal. Also triggers if the user uploads case files and asks for a structured breakdown of interests, positions, core disagreements, or settlement possibilities. If the user provides materials, Mode B is used; otherwise Mode A guides a structured intake before analysis.

What it can touch

References to templates and reference files are available for output and context, including assets/mediation_report_template.docx and references/MEDIATION_PROCESS.md, references/NEGOTIATION_CONCEPTS.md. The skill uses these as needed to produce a professional mediation analysis report and is designed to consult the referenced materials for deeper context.

Caveats

The description notes an emphasis on resolution-oriented outcomes and mediation readiness, with a focus on neutral case summaries and practical settlement directions. Jurisdictional specifics, when provided, should tailor the legal analysis; otherwise common law and civil law principles are referenced. The license is AGPL-3.0 per metadata, and the author is Jinzhe Tan.