Template reviews

Free Notion starter template for lawyers: build matters and deadlines

You can build a free starter system in Notion with two linked databases, Matters and Deadlines, plus a home page with two filtered views. This page gives the full property tables and view settings. It is a build guide, not a download; the ready-made version is LawyerOS Starter.

By Raghav Handa · Updated 17 October 2026 · 3 min read

What you will build

General information only. Setting this up takes about an hour in a standard Notion workspace. Nothing on this page is a download; all details are given here so you can create it yourself.

  • A Matters database
  • A Deadlines database related to Matters
  • A home page showing Deadlines this week and Active matters

Matters database properties

PropertyTypeNotes
NameTitleShort matter name or reference
Matter typeSelectYour own list, e.g. Litigation, Advisory, Transactional
StageSelectIntake, Active, Awaiting, Closing, Closed
StatusStatusNot started, In progress, Done
Key dateDateThe next date that matters
DeadlinesRelationTo the Deadlines database
Next deadlineRollupEarliest date from Deadlines
NotesText or page bodyKeep confidential material minimal

Deadlines database properties

PropertyTypeNotes
NameTitleWhat is due
DateDateThe date you have confirmed from the rules or order
TypeSelectCourt date, Filing window, Limitation date, Internal
MatterRelationTo Matters
Court / authorityText or selectWhere it applies
DoneCheckboxTick when complete

Views and home page

  1. Create a home page. Add a linked view of Deadlines titled Deadlines this week, filtered to Date within the next week and Done unchecked, sorted by Date ascending.
  2. Add a linked view of Matters titled Active matters, filtered to Stage is not Closed, sorted by Key date ascending.
  3. Add a Calendar view on Deadlines for the month ahead.
  4. Add a simple Overdue view: Date before today and Done unchecked.

The ready-made equivalent is LawyerOS Starter, which includes these two databases and the home page already set up. Pro adds Actions, Time, Team, Evidence, Research, Clients and Invoices databases.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a downloadable template?
No. It is a build guide with the structure described in full. The ready-made version is LawyerOS.
Will it calculate court deadlines?
No. You enter dates you have confirmed from the rules or orders. Always check the rules and your own diary.
How long does it take to build?
Roughly an hour for someone comfortable with Notion databases.
What does LawyerOS add?
A finished home page and views, and in Pro, many more linked databases and a Quick Start Guide.

About the author

Raghav Handa

Raghav Handa trained as a lawyer, then spent years building legal technology, from enterprise legal products to custom systems for law firms.

Want it built for you?

LawyerOS is a ready-made Notion workspace for matters, deadlines, time and invoices. Starter $49, Pro with AI $99, one-time.

See LawyerOS