---
title: "A quick conflict check checklist for Notion"
url: https://notionforlawyers.com/guides/conflict-checks
updated: 2026-10-17
author: Raghav Handa
---

# A quick conflict check checklist for Notion

A conflict check checklist in Notion is a short block on every intake or new matter that records: the names searched, where you searched, who ran it, when, the result and who approved. It is a record of your procedure. It does not decide whether a conflict exists, which is a professional judgment.

## Key takeaways

- Record the check on the matter or intake row, not in someone's head.
- List every name searched, including opposing and related parties.
- Store the outcome and the approver.
- For the database design behind the search, read the full conflict checks in Notion guide.

## The checklist

1. List every party: client, opponents, related entities, directors, guarantors.
2. Search your parties or clients database for each name and common variants.
3. Search closed and declined matters too, as your procedures require.
4. Note hits, with the matter reference for each.
5. Escalate any hit to the person responsible for conflicts.
6. Record the outcome: clear, clear with conditions, or decline.
7. Record who ran the check and the date.


## Properties to add

| Property | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Names searched | Text |
| Conflict check status | Select: Not started, Clear, Hit to review, Declined |
| Run by | Person |
| Run on | Date |
| Approved by | Person |
| Notes | Text |

Add these to Intake or to Matters. In LawyerOS, the Clients database in Pro gives you a place to search; on Starter, add a Parties database.


## Make it a gate

Add a rule in your procedure: a matter cannot move to Active until Conflict check status is Clear. Notion does not enforce this by itself, but a filtered view of Active matters with a blank status will reveal gaps. Review it weekly.


## Caveats

Notion search finds text you typed. It will miss misspellings, name changes and relationships you never recorded. It does not search other firms' data. Follow your regulator's conflict rules and your professional judgment.

- Conflict checks in Notion (full guide): https://notionforlawyers.com/guides/conflict-checks-in-notion
- Client intake and conflict checks: https://notionforlawyers.com/blog/notion-client-intake-and-conflict-checks


## Common mistakes

- Searching only the client's name and not the opposing party.
- Not searching for name variants, initials or former names.
- Treating no hit as proof of no conflict.
- Running the check after work has started.

The checklist helps you prove that a check happened; the judgment about what a hit means stays with you.


## FAQ

### Is this legal advice?

No. It is a process template. Follow the conflict rules in your jurisdiction.

### How often should I re-run a check?

When new parties appear on a matter, as your procedures require.

### Does Notion warn me about conflicts?

No, it only shows search results.

### Where do I record declined work?

On the intake row, with a reason.