---
title: "Legal research notes in Notion: a library that compounds"
url: https://thematteros.com/features/research
updated: 2026-10-17
author: Raghav Handa
---

# Legal research notes in Notion: a library that compounds

The MatterOS Research library is a Notion database of legal research notes, each linked to matters and cross-referenced by practice area. It stores your conclusions, sources and caveats so the same question is not researched twice. It is not a legal research database and does not look up cases or statutes.

## Key takeaways

- One note per question, with a short answer, the authorities, date checked and caveats.
- Link notes to the matters that prompted them and tag by practice area.
- The library holds your analysis; verify authorities at their source each time you rely on them.
- It is a knowledge base, not a source of law.

## A good research note

| Field | What to put |
| --- | --- |
| Question | The issue in one sentence |
| Short answer | Your conclusion and confidence level |
| Authorities | Citations you personally checked |
| Date checked | So staleness is visible |
| Matters | Relation to the matters where it applied |
| Practice area | Tag for later browsing |


## Capture workflow

1. Finish the research for the matter: Do the work as normal, in your research tools.
2. Write the note: Spend five minutes summarising what you found while it is fresh.
3. Link and tag: Relate to the matter and choose the practice area.
4. Add a review date: Set a date to re-check anything that may change.

Over time, opening a new matter starts with a search of the library rather than a blank page.


## Reusing research safely

Reuse is where mistakes creep in. Law changes and facts differ, so treat an older note as a starting point, check the date, and re-verify citations. Do not paste unverified AI output into the library as if it were checked.

- Knowledge management in Notion: https://thematteros.com/blog/law-firm-knowledge-management-in-notion
- The Research piece: https://thematteros.com/features/pillar_research


## What it does not do

No case-law search, citators, alerts or automatic updates. Use proper legal research services for those and record your conclusions here. Not legal advice. Check the rules that apply in your jurisdiction.


## FAQ

### Does MatterOS include legal research content?

No. It holds your own notes and analysis.

### Can it check whether a case is still good law?

No. Use a legal research service and record the result.

### Can the whole team use the library?

Yes, subject to your Notion access settings.

### Should client details go in research notes?

Keep them out where possible so the note is reusable and less sensitive.