legal-risk-assessment

Classify legal risks using a severity-by-likelihood scoring matrix with escalation criteria.

Updated Sep 5, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/SillyHippy/zo-skills --skill legal-risk-assessment-sillyhippy
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: legal-risk-assessment
Source: https://github.com/SillyHippy/zo-skills/tree/main/skills/legal-risk-assessment
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/SillyHippy/zo-skills --skill legal-risk-assessment-sillyhippy

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Legal teams need a consistent, documented way to evaluate and communicate risk across contracts, regulatory matters, litigation, and compliance issues. This Skill provides a structured severity-by-likelihood framework that turns ad-hoc legal judgment into scored, documented, and escalatable risk assessments. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Severity x Likelihood Scoring: Rates each risk on two 1-5 scales and computes a score mapped to GREEN, YELLOW, ORANGE, or RED risk levels with defined actions. - Escalation Criteria: Defines when to escalate to senior counsel, engage outside counsel, notify insurers, or brief the board based on risk level and matter type. - Documentation Templates: Provides a risk assessment memo format and risk register entry schema for consistent record-keeping. - Use Case: When reviewing a vendor contract with an uncapped indemnification clause, use this Skill to score the exposure, classify it as ORANGE, and produce a memo recommending escalation to senior counsel with mitigation options. ## Quick Start Assess the legal risk of this contract clause and classify it using the severity-by-likelihood framework with recommended actions.

Frequently Asked Questions about legal-risk-assessment

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I assess legal risk for a contract?

Rate the risk's severity (1-5, based on financial, operational, and reputational impact) and likelihood (1-5, based on precedent and triggering events), then multiply for a score. The score maps to GREEN, YELLOW, ORANGE, or RED levels, each with defined recommended actions.

What is a severity-by-likelihood risk matrix?

It is a 5x5 grid scoring legal risks on impact severity and probability of occurrence. Scores of 1-4 are low risk, 5-9 medium, 10-15 high, and 16-25 critical, with each band triggering different escalation and mitigation requirements.

When should a legal matter be escalated to outside counsel?

Escalate mandatorily for active litigation, government investigations, criminal exposure, securities issues, and board-level matters. Outside counsel is strongly recommended for novel legal questions, unfamiliar jurisdictions, material financial exposure, and specialized domains like antitrust or patent prosecution.

Does this risk assessment replace legal advice?

No. The framework assists with legal workflows but does not provide legal advice. All risk assessments should be reviewed by qualified legal professionals, and organizations should customize the framework to their risk appetite and industry context.

How do I document a legal risk assessment?

Use the provided memo template covering risk description, severity and likelihood rationale, contributing and mitigating factors, mitigation options, recommended approach, residual risk, and monitoring plan. Also log a risk register entry with owner, status, and review date.