Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “update clients on where their matter stands”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today and, for AI fixes, a prompt to copy.

30 min
typically, a few times a week
55%
of the time can be automated
Easy
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

AIBest fix

Have approved AI draft the client status update from the matter notes

Clients mostly want to know what happened, what happens next and when. AI turns your matter notes and recent filings into a short plain-English update. A lawyer reviews it before it goes out.

Typically saves about 45% of the time10 min to set up
  1. 1Use only your firm's approved AI or your practice management system's AI (for example Clio Manage AI) for client material.
  2. 2Paste the recent notes, docket entries or correspondence summary.
  3. 3Use the prompt below.
  4. 4The lawyer reads, corrects and approves before sending; no legal advice goes out unreviewed.
Prompt to copy
Draft a short status update for our client [CLIENT FIRST NAME] on [MATTER]. Recent activity: [PASTE NOTES, FILINGS, CORRESPONDENCE]. Structure: what happened since the last update, what happens next and roughly when, anything we need from them, and who to contact. Plain English, under 200 words, calm and professional. Do not give new legal advice, predict outcomes or state anything not in the notes; mark anything to check as [CHECK].

Tools: Firm-approved AI · Clio Manage AI · MyCase or Smokeball AI features

Fix 2 of 2

Software feature

Move routine client requests into a portal or shared board

A client portal (Clio for Clients, TaxDome, Karbon, Moxo, or a shared Asana, Monday or Notion board) lets clients see status themselves, which cuts the "where are we?" emails.

Typically saves about 30% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1List the questions clients email most (status, next steps, where is my file).
  2. 2Set up a portal or shared board that shows those answers.
  3. 3Send clients the link and a short how-to at kickoff.
  4. 4Reply to status emails with the link until it becomes a habit.

Tools: Clio for Clients · TaxDome · Karbon · Moxo · Asana, Monday or Notion shared views

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Have you had your firm's approved AI draft a client status update from your matter notes?
AI turns your notes and recent filings into a short plain-English update. A lawyer reviews it before it goes out.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

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Other common tasks for Attorney / Lawyers (firm)