From one sentence to a signed retainer: how AI Smart Forms work

A walk through Matterly Smart Forms: AI drafts the document and its fields, the client fills it in and signs online, and the sealed PDF lands on the matter.

Every law firm sends the same kinds of documents again and again: retainer agreements, engagement letters, consent forms, client questionnaires. Usually that means a Word template, an email, a printout, a signature and a scan. Matterly's Smart Forms replace that loop. Here is how it works, step by step.

1. Describe the document

You type one sentence, for example: "A retainer agreement for a family law matter with a fixed fee, payment schedule and termination clause." AI drafts the wording and, at the same time, the fields the client needs to fill in, such as their name, address, the fee and the start date.

2. Edit it like a normal document

The draft is a starting point. You edit the text and the fields like any document, add your firm's standard clauses, and save it as a reusable form. Fields can be required, and answers can fill the matter's own custom fields, so you do not type the same data twice.

3. Share it securely

Each form is shared with a private link. You can lock it with a PIN and give it an expiry date. The client opens it on a phone or computer; there is nothing to install and no account to create.

4. Several people can sign

Many documents need more than one signature. Since version 1.5, a form can have several signers, for example an owner, a co-owner and a witness. Each signs through their own link and sees only the fields meant for them. If your process requires it, signers can be asked for an ID document and a live selfie.

5. Get paid while they sign

Some documents come with a fee, such as a certified copy or a filing fee. Smart Forms can offer paid extras that the client pays for while signing.

6. One sealed PDF, filed on the matter

When everyone has signed, Matterly produces one PDF with a signing record, stores its fingerprint, and files it on the matter. The client receives a copy by email. If an answer needs fixing, you can ask for changes to specific fields; the client sees exactly which ones to correct.

Try it without logging in

Matterly's demo includes a live Smart Form you can fill in and sign as a client, with no account needed. Then log in as the firm admin to see the submission arrive.