Agents versus prompts
| Prompt | Agent | |
|---|---|---|
| How it runs | You ask, it answers | You set a goal and instructions; it works through steps |
| What it touches | Only what you paste in | Whatever tools and data you give it access to |
| When it runs | When you ask | On request, on a schedule or on a trigger, depending on the product |
| Main risk | A wrong answer you can see | A wrong action taken across many records |
The difference is degree, not magic. An agent is still a language model following instructions, with the same weaknesses on accuracy.
Notion Custom Agents
Notion offers Custom Agents that you can configure to work on tasks in your workspace. Notion's help centre describes what they can do, how to set them up and what access they need, and the details and availability may change, so read the current page and check your plan.
MatterOS is a template of connected Notion databases, so it gives an agent structured matters, actions, evidence and research to read. MatterOS does not include an agent itself; you would configure one in Notion if you decide to use it.
Tasks to consider and tasks to keep human
| Reasonable to try | Keep with a lawyer |
|---|---|
| A weekly digest of overdue actions and matters with no next step | Advice to clients |
| Flagging evidence rows with no status | Filing or sending anything to a court or opponent |
| Drafting a summary of a matter for your review | Deciding strategy or settlement |
| Tidying properties such as missing tags | Calculating deadlines from procedural rules |
Start read-only if you can. Check what the agent changed, keep a way to undo it, and review its work regularly.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an AI agent?
- A configured AI assistant that pursues a goal over several steps, using tools or data you give it, sometimes automatically.
- Are agents safe for law firms?
- They can be for limited, checkable tasks with restricted access and human review. Risk grows with the access and autonomy you grant.
- Does MatterOS include a Notion Custom Agent?
- No. MatterOS is a template of databases. You can choose to set up a Notion Custom Agent over your own workspace, subject to your Notion plan.
- Should an agent send emails or file documents?
- Not without a lawyer reviewing each item. Keep outward communication and filings under human control.
Sources
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.
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