How to set up a Notion template for your practice

What do I need before I start?

• A Notion account. The free plan is enough to duplicate a template; guests and automations depend on your plan.
• The template link from your purchase receipt.
• The browser where you are signed in to the right workspace.
• One live matter to set up first, so you test the template on real work.

How do I duplicate a Notion template?

1. 1

   Open the template link

   It opens as a public Notion page in your browser.

2. 2

   Click Duplicate

   Top-right corner. Notion asks you to sign in first if you are not.

3. 3

   Choose the workspace

   Pick your practice workspace if you have more than one.

4. 4

   Wait for the copy

   Larger templates take a few seconds; Notion opens the copy when it is ready.

Where does the copy go, and how do I tidy it?

The duplicate lands in the Private section of your sidebar with all its sub-pages, visible only to you. Move it into a teamspace or share it with colleagues if they will work in it. Delete any blocks that show 'No access'; they point to content that was not meant to be copied.

What's inside MatterOS?

• The full MatterOS Notion workspace (all six M·A·T·T·E·R databases + practice dashboard)
• The Matter Method playbook
• Setup video walkthrough
• AI prompt pack
• Lifetime updates

The six databases follow the Matter Method: Matter, Actions, Time, Team, Evidence, Research.

• Matters hub: one page per case with status, parties, key dates and every linked record.
• Actions database: deadlines, owners, urgency type and “consequence if missed”.
• Time log: entries linked to matters, with practice-level views.
• Team layer: roles, responsibilities and handover notes on every matter.
• Evidence register: classification, tags and review status per document.
• Research library: notes linked to matters, cross-referenced by practice area.

How do I customise a template without breaking it?

• Rename select options (statuses, practice areas) instead of deleting and recreating them, so entries and filtered views keep working.
• Never delete a relation or rollup property until you know what depends on it. Hide it from the view instead.
• Duplicate a view before changing its filters.
• Adapt terminology to your jurisdiction and practice area; every field is editable.
• Set a default database template so each new matter starts with the same headings and checklist.

How do I open my first structured matter?

1. 1

   Create the matter

   Add it in Matters with status, parties and key dates.

2. 2

   Add its actions

   Enter every live deadline and commitment in Actions, each with an owner, a due date and the consequence if missed.

3. 3

   Log time

   Record today's time against the matter.

4. 4

   Assign the team

   Note who is responsible and any handover notes.

5. 5

   Register key evidence

   Classify the documents you already hold and their review status.

6. 6

   Capture research

   Link any research notes so the next matter benefits.

You do not need all six on day one. Start with Matters and Actions, use them for a week, then add the other pieces.

How do I bring in colleagues and clients?

Invite colleagues as workspace members. Share a dedicated, client-safe page with a client as a guest, with view or comment access only. Test access with a guest account before sending the link.

What if something goes wrong?

• I can't find the copy: check the Private section of the sidebar, or press Cmd/Ctrl + K and search for it.
• It went into the wrong workspace: duplicate it again into the right one and delete the extra copy.
• I see 'No access' blocks: delete them.
• A view looks empty: check its filters, then whether the sample entries were deleted.

• Notion: Duplicate public pages
• Notion: Database templates

Frequently asked questions

How do I duplicate a Notion template?

Open the template link, click Duplicate in the top-right corner and choose your workspace. The copy appears in the Private section of your sidebar.

Do I need a paid Notion plan for MatterOS?

MatterOS runs in a standard Notion workspace. Team features such as guests and automations work best on Notion Plus.

I've never used Notion. Can I set it up?

Yes. MatterOS includes a setup video walkthrough, and you can start with just the Matters and Actions databases.

Can I change the template after duplicating it?

Yes. It is your copy. Rename options rather than deleting properties so relations and views keep working.

Will deleting the sample data break anything?

Deleting sample entries is safe. Deleting properties, relations or databases can break views, so hide them until you are sure.

Does it work for my jurisdiction?

The six Matter Method objects are jurisdiction-neutral, and every field is editable.

Sources and further reading

• Notion: Duplicate public pages
• Notion: The ultimate guide to Notion templates
• Notion: Database templates
• Notion: Sharing and permissions