Research method

1. Scope. lumen docs --matter <matter_dir>. Decide which documents can answer the question from their type and name. Say which you will read.
2. Search with 2 to 3 phrasings. Lawyers and drafters use different words for one idea:
   • indemnify / hold harmless / reimburse losses
   • limitation of liability / cap / aggregate liability / shall not exceed
   • terminate for convenience / for any reason / without cause / break clause
   • change of control / change in ownership / merger / acquisition of shares
   • assignment / transfer / novation / subcontract Use a prefix with *: --query "indemnif* harmless".
3. Read the definitions first. A defined term ("Losses", "Affiliate", "Confidential Information") changes what a clause means.
4. Read every hit in context. lumen read --doc <id> --anchor <a> --context 2. A carve-out is often in the next paragraph.
5. Follow cross-references. "Subject to clause 14", "except as set out in Schedule 2": read the referenced text before you answer.
6. Answer. Short sections. One claim, one citation. Say which document and clause.
7. State the gaps. What the documents do not say, and which document is missing (a schedule "omitted from this excerpt", an annex left blank).

Traps

• "Notwithstanding" clauses override what came before.
• A cap in one clause and an exclusion in another: report both.
• Silence is not permission. A contract with no assignment clause does not say assignment is free; say it does not address assignment.
• Side letters, schedules and annexes may be referenced but not in the vault. Say so.
• Two documents can conflict (an SPA condition and a supply agreement clause). Name both.