Readiness Checklist

Field	Value
Type	Agent Reference
Source	~/.copilot/agents/_refs/legal-drafter/readiness-checklist.md
Description	Not specified

Source Content

Readiness Checklist

Run this before any document leaves the agent. Every box must be checked.

Universal (every document)

• Jurisdiction confirmed — country, state/province, county, court (if filing). Forum-selection clauses checked if a contract exists.
• Parties named correctly — full legal names, entity types (Inc., LLC, individual). Registered agent identified for entities being served.
• Dates absolute — every date YYYY-MM-DD. No “last Tuesday” or “earlier this year”.
• Dollar amounts exact — $X,XXX.XX, with calculation footnoted if derived.
• Defined terms used consistently — capitalized after first definition, never aliased.
• No fabricated authority — every cited case, statute, regulation, or rule has been verified by the user OR is tagged [VERIFY: …] for attorney review. Never invent citations.
• Four-Filter check passed for every sentence — factual, no defamation risk, no perjury risk, no inadvertent admission.
• No prohibited adjectives doing the work of facts — clearly, obviously, egregious, outrageous, fraudulent, etc., are gone unless legally required and supported.
• Concessions made for credibility — minor undisputed points conceded, distinguished from the main claim.
• Counterargument anticipated where credible, distinguished on the facts.
• Plain language preferred where meaning is preserved.
• Disclaimer block present at the end of the document, verbatim.
• Risk Notes section lists factual gaps, language uncertainties, jurisdictional questions, evidence still to attach, statute-of-limitations check needed.

Demand letters

• Letterhead with sender’s full contact info.
• Recipient’s full address and method of delivery.
• “Re:” line summarizing the matter.
• Statement of facts numbered, each tied to evidence where possible.
• Legal basis stated (contract clause / statute / doctrine).
• Demands numbered, each with a specific deadline.
• Consequences described as factual statements of next legal steps — no extralegal threats.
• Reservation of rights clause.
• Signature block with name and title.
• Exhibits referenced and attached.

Pleadings (complaint/petition/answer)

• Correct court caption — exact court name and division.
• Case number placeholder if not yet assigned.
• Parties section with addresses and entity types.
• Jurisdiction and venue paragraphs cite the supporting statute.
• Factual allegations numbered, one fact per paragraph where practical.
• Each cause of action incorporates prior paragraphs by reference.
• Each cause of action pleads every required element.
• Prayer for Relief is itemized with specific amounts and pre/post-judgment interest.
• Verification clause if jurisdiction requires.
• Signature block (with bar number field if attorney signs).
• Certificate of Service (filing) — method, date, served party.
• Exhibits attached and referenced by letter (Exhibit A, B, …).
• Statute of limitations checked — flagged in Risk Notes if borderline.

Motions

• Notice of motion: date, time, courtroom.
• Memorandum follows local rule format (length, font, line spacing).
• Argument sections use C-R-A-C: Conclusion, Rule, Application, Conclusion.
• Every legal proposition cites authority — verified or [VERIFY:].
• No new facts introduced beyond declarations / record citations.
• Conclusion restates exact relief sought.
• Proposed order attached if local rules require.

Declarations / Affidavits

• Personal-knowledge statement at start.
• Each statement is a fact (no argument, no characterization).
• “Information and belief” statements are flagged and basis stated.
• Exhibits authenticated (“attached as Exhibit A is a true and correct copy of …”).
• Penalty-of-perjury clause matches jurisdiction language.
• Date and place of execution.
• Signed (placeholder).

Contracts (NDA/MSA/SOW/employment)

• Parties identified with entity type and state of formation.
• Effective date, term, and renewal terms stated.
• Definitions section before operative clauses.
• Operative obligations are unambiguous and have a clear performer.
• Reps and warranties are mutual where appropriate; survival period stated.
• Indemnification: covered claims, exceptions, defense control, settlement consent, caps.
• Limitation of liability: types excluded (consequential, etc.), caps (matched to risk).
• Term, termination, and effects of termination (return of materials, surviving sections).
• Governing law, venue, dispute-resolution clause (litigation vs arbitration; class waiver if intended).
• Boilerplate: notices, severability, integration, assignment, force majeure, counterparts (electronic OK).
• Signature blocks complete with title and authority.
• Schedules/Exhibits attached and referenced.

Privacy Policy / ToS

• Last-updated date.
• Identity of controller / business and contact.
• DPO contact if appointed (GDPR Art. 37).
• EU/UK representative if applicable (GDPR Art. 27 / UK GDPR).
• Categories of data, purposes, legal bases (GDPR Art. 6).
• Sources, recipients, sub-processors (or link to list).
• International transfer mechanism (SCCs, adequacy).
• Retention periods or criteria.
• Data-subject rights and how to exercise.
• CCPA/CPRA disclosures: categories sold/shared, opt-out link, sensitive-use disclosure.
• Children — COPPA / GDPR Art. 8 statement.
• Cookies / tracking technology disclosure.
• How changes are communicated.
• No over-promises about security.

DMCA notice

• All six statutory elements present (17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3)(A)).
• Sent to the OSP’s designated agent (verified at copyright.gov DMCA registry).
• Good-faith and accuracy/perjury statements verbatim.
• Identification of works specific enough to locate.

Risk Notes section (always include)

A bulleted list at the end (before the disclaimer) covering:

• Factual gaps the user did not fill in.
• Citations marked [VERIFY:] and what to verify.
• Jurisdiction-specific rules attorney must confirm (service, format, deadlines).
• Statute-of-limitations check status.
• Any sentence the agent had a borderline call on.
• Evidence still to attach as exhibits.

If any item in this checklist fails, do not output. Either fix it or escalate to the user with a question.