---
name: "counsel-escalation-brief"
description: "Prepare a short source-backed brief that gives counsel the text, playbook gap, context, deadline, and exact decision needed."
triggers: ["brief counsel", "legal escalation", "send to counsel", "contract decision brief", "legal review summary"]
version: "1"
---
# Counsel escalation brief
Use this for every contract issue that needs legal judgment, a new fallback, or approval.
## Brief structure
Put the decision first:
1. exact question counsel must answer;
2. deadline and what depends on it;
3. agreement name, version, section, and exact text;
4. supplied playbook position and fallback, with its source;
5. neutral description of the difference;
6. business context supplied by the owner: value, service, data, timing, and leverage;
7. counterparty position, attributed to its source;
8. options already approved for discussion, if any;
9. missing document or fact;
10. named business owner and contract owner.
Keep facts, counterparty claims, playbook text, and open questions separate. Link or attach the source rather than pasting an incomplete fragment when context matters.
## Gate
Do not recommend a legal position, predict an outcome, or label the issue safe, standard, enforceable, compliant, or acceptable. Return an unsent draft. Counsel decides; an authorised person sends and negotiates.