Legal research brief

Produces legal research briefs with cited authorities, currency checks, and counter-arguments.

49|11|Updated Jul 31, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/vstorm-co/agenticos --skill legal-research-brief-vstorm-co
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: Legal research brief
Source: https://github.com/vstorm-co/agenticos/tree/main/backend/app/core/catalog/skill_gallery/legal/legal-research-brief
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/vstorm-co/agenticos --skill legal-research-brief-vstorm-co

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Legal research answers are only useful if the reader can rely on them. This Skill structures research output so every authority is cited, checked for currency, and weighed against the strongest counter-argument, preventing reliance on overruled cases or one-sided analysis. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Structured Brief Format: Question as asked and understood, short answer, primary authorities before secondary with full citations, reasoning, counter-argument, and open uncertainties. - Mandatory Currency Checks: Every authority is verified as still good law, with appeal, distinguishing, or overruling status and the date checked. - Counter-Argument Section: Always includes the opposing side's best point and an assessment of its strength. - Use Case: A fee earner asks whether a non-compete clause is enforceable in a given state; the Skill produces a brief stating the jurisdiction, citing controlling cases with as-of dates, and presenting the strongest argument against enforceability. ## Quick Start Use the legal research brief skill to answer whether our standard arbitration clause is enforceable in California, with full citations and the counter-argument.

Frequently Asked Questions about Legal research brief

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I write a legal research brief with proper citations?▼

Structure the brief as the question asked and understood, a short answer, authorities with full citations (primary before secondary), the reasoning, the counter-argument, and remaining uncertainties. State the jurisdiction explicitly and never cite a case you have not read past the headnote.

How to check if a case is still good law in a research memo?▼

For every authority, record whether it has been appealed, distinguished, or overruled, along with the date checked. An authority without an as-of date makes the brief unreliable once time passes.

Why does a legal brief need a counter-argument section?▼

A brief that only supports the client's position leaves the fee earner unprepared for opposing counsel's best point. The counter-argument section states the other side's strongest argument and assesses how strong it is.

Can secondary commentary be cited as legal authority?▼

No. Secondary commentary must never be presented as authority; primary sources come first and carry the legal weight. Fabricating or inventing a citation is strictly prohibited and can end careers.

What are the limitations of an AI-drafted legal research brief?▼

The brief depends on authorities the drafter has actually read past the headnote and on accurate currency checks. It does not replace verification against official reporters, and jurisdictional differences must be stated explicitly.