What a matter page contains
| Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Status | Where the case stands now |
| Client and parties | Who is involved, linked to Clients |
| Key dates | Dates that shape the case |
| Next step | What happens next and who owns it |
| Linked records | Actions, time entries, evidence, research, team notes |
These are the elements the Matters hub provides; you can rename or extend any property.
Applying the five-minute test
- Pick a live matter and open only its Notion page.
- Ask a colleague, or imagine yourself on a different case, to read it.
- Check whether they can say what the case is, what is next and what is risky.
- Fix whatever slowed them down, usually a missing next step.
Common mistakes
- Using the page as a dumping ground instead of linking to actions and evidence.
- Leaving status unchanged for weeks.
- Putting key dates only in free text, so they never appear on a dashboard.
- Opening a matter without recording who is responsible.
How it connects to the other five
Actions, Time, Team, Evidence and Research all attach to a matter, which is why this pillar comes first. If you set up only one piece, set up this one.
Frequently asked questions
- What does the M in M·A·T·T·E·R stand for?
- Matter. It is the first of the six pieces of the Matter Method.
- Is a matter page the same as a case folder?
- No. A folder stores files; a matter page shows the state of the case and links all related records.
- Can I add my own properties?
- Yes. Every property and view is editable.
- Does it include conflict checking?
- No. See the manual routine described separately.
About the author
Raghav Handa trained as a lawyer, then spent years building legal technology, from enterprise legal products to custom systems for law firms.
Keep reading
- About MatterOSThe Matter Method: six pieces, every case, nothing forgottenThe Matter Method explained: six connected parts of legal work, the test for each, six maturity levels and the doctrines behind MatterOS.3 min read · 17 October 2026
- FeaturesOpening a new matter in Notion: intake form and templateHow to take a new instruction into MatterOS with a Notion form and a matter template, so every case starts with an owner, dates and a next step.3 min read · 17 October 2026
- FeaturesA manual conflict check routine in NotionSearch Clients and Matters in MatterOS before opening a new matter. A simple routine that supports, but never replaces, your firm's formal conflict check.3 min read · 17 October 2026
- FeaturesThe Actions piece: commitments ranked by consequenceThe Actions piece of the Matter Method in MatterOS: a database where each commitment has an owner, a deadline, a matter and a consequence if missed.3 min read · 17 October 2026