legal-matter-summarization

Legal Matter Summarization

Overview

This skill provides a structured approach to summarizing legal matters in ServiceNow Legal Service Delivery. It helps you:

Retrieve and consolidate all information about a legal matter from sn_legal_matter and related tables
Build a chronological timeline of case events from tasks, work notes, and state transitions
Identify key documents, attachments, and correspondence linked to the matter
Catalog all parties involved including internal stakeholders, opposing counsel, and external entities
Calculate financial exposure including potential liability, settlement ranges, and legal spend
Generate executive-ready status reports for legal leadership and the General Counsel

When to use: When legal leadership needs a comprehensive briefing on a matter, when preparing for board reports, during case reviews, or when onboarding new counsel to an existing matter.

Plugin required: com.sn_legal_service_delivery

Prerequisites

Roles: sn_legal_case_user, sn_legal_case_manager, or sn_legal_admin
Access: Read access to sn_legal_matter, sn_legal_case, sn_legal_task, sn_legal_hold, and sys_attachment tables
Knowledge: Familiarity with your organization's legal matter taxonomy, matter lifecycle states, and reporting requirements
Plugin: Legal Service Delivery (com.sn_legal_service_delivery) must be activated

Procedure

Step 1: Retrieve the Legal Matter Record

Query the legal matter to obtain its core details, including current state, assigned counsel, and matter type.

Using MCP (Claude Code/Desktop):

Tool: SN-Get-Record
Parameters:
  table_name: sn_legal_matter
  sys_id: [matter_sys_id]
  fields: sys_id,number,short_description,description,state,priority,matter_type,practice_area,assigned_to,assignment_group,opened_at,closed_at,financial_exposure,settlement_amount,outside_counsel,business_unit,risk_level

Using REST API:

GET /api/now/table/sn_legal_matter/[matter_sys_id]?sysparm_fields=sys_id,number,short_description,description,state,priority,matter_type,practice_area,assigned_to,assignment_group,opened_at,closed_at,financial_exposure,settlement_amount,outside_counsel,business_unit,risk_level&sysparm_display_value=true

Step 2: Gather Associated Legal Cases

Retrieve all cases linked to this matter to understand the scope and status of each case.

Using MCP:

Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
  table_name: sn_legal_case
  query: legal_matter=[matter_sys_id]
  fields: sys_id,number,short_description,state,priority,case_type,assigned_to,opened_at,closed_at,resolution_code,resolution_notes
  limit: 50
  order_by: opened_at

Using REST API:

GET /api/now/table/sn_legal_case?sysparm_query=legal_matter=[matter_sys_id]^ORDERBYopened_at&sysparm_fields=sys_id,number,short_description,state,priority,case_type,assigned_to,opened_at,closed_at,resolution_code,resolution_notes&sysparm_limit=50&sysparm_display_value=true

Step 3: Build the Case Timeline

Collect legal tasks and activity entries to construct a chronological timeline.

Using MCP:

Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
  table_name: sn_legal_task
  query: legal_matter=[matter_sys_id]^ORlegal_case.legal_matter=[matter_sys_id]
  fields: sys_id,number,short_description,state,assigned_to,opened_at,closed_at,due_date,task_type,priority,work_notes
  limit: 100
  order_by: opened_at

Using REST API:

GET /api/now/table/sn_legal_task?sysparm_query=legal_matter=[matter_sys_id]^ORlegal_case.legal_matter=[matter_sys_id]^ORDERBYopened_at&sysparm_fields=sys_id,number,short_description,state,assigned_to,opened_at,closed_at,due_date,task_type,priority,work_notes&sysparm_limit=100&sysparm_display_value=true

Construct the timeline by sorting all events chronologically:

Date	Event Type	Description	Actor
2025-01-15	Matter Opened	New litigation matter created for patent dispute	Legal Ops
2025-01-20	Case Created	Initial assessment case LC0004521 opened	Senior Counsel
2025-02-01	Task Completed	Document preservation notice sent	Paralegal
2025-02-15	Hold Initiated	Legal hold LH0001234 placed on relevant custodians	Legal Ops
2025-03-01	Task Created	Discovery response due in 30 days	Outside Counsel

Step 4: Identify Key Documents and Attachments

Query attachments linked to the matter and its associated cases.

Using MCP:

Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
  table_name: sys_attachment
  query: table_name=sn_legal_matter^table_sys_id=[matter_sys_id]^ORtable_name=sn_legal_case^table_sys_idIN[case_sys_ids_comma_separated]
  fields: sys_id,file_name,content_type,size_bytes,sys_created_on,sys_created_by,table_name
  limit: 50
  order_by: sys_created_on

Using REST API:

GET /api/now/table/sys_attachment?sysparm_query=table_name=sn_legal_matter^table_sys_id=[matter_sys_id]^ORtable_name=sn_legal_case^table_sys_idIN[case_sys_ids]^ORDERBYsys_created_on&sysparm_fields=sys_id,file_name,content_type,size_bytes,sys_created_on,sys_created_by,table_name&sysparm_limit=50

Categorize documents by type:

Pleadings: Complaints, answers, motions, briefs
Contracts: Agreements, amendments, SOWs under review
Correspondence: Letters, emails, demand notices
Discovery: Interrogatories, document requests, depositions
Internal: Memos, analysis, privilege logs

Step 5: Catalog Parties Involved

Identify all internal and external parties connected to the matter.

Internal stakeholders (from assignment fields and case records):

Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
  table_name: sn_legal_case
  query: legal_matter=[matter_sys_id]
  fields: assigned_to,assignment_group,opened_by,watch_list
  limit: 50

Legal holds (affected custodians):

Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
  table_name: sn_legal_hold
  query: legal_matter=[matter_sys_id]
  fields: sys_id,number,short_description,state,custodian,hold_type,initiated_date,released_date,hold_notice_sent
  limit: 25

Using REST API:

GET /api/now/table/sn_legal_hold?sysparm_query=legal_matter=[matter_sys_id]&sysparm_fields=sys_id,number,short_description,state,custodian,hold_type,initiated_date,released_date,hold_notice_sent&sysparm_limit=25&sysparm_display_value=true

Step 6: Assess Financial Exposure

Compile financial data from the matter and related records:

Potential liability: Value from sn_legal_matter.financial_exposure
Settlement range: Low and high estimates from matter record
Legal spend: Aggregate outside counsel fees from legal tasks
Reserves: Amounts set aside for potential outcomes

Using MCP:

Tool: SN-Query-Table
Parameters:
  table_name: sn_legal_task
  query: legal_matter=[matter_sys_id]^task_type=outside_counsel_invoice
  fields: sys_id,short_description,actual_cost,estimated_cost,vendor,invoice_date
  limit: 100

Using REST API:

GET /api/now/table/sn_legal_task?sysparm_query=legal_matter=[matter_sys_id]^task_type=outside_counsel_invoice&sysparm_fields=sys_id,short_description,actual_cost,estimated_cost,vendor,invoice_date&sysparm_limit=100

Step 7: Generate the Executive Summary

Compile all gathered information into a structured summary report.

Using MCP:

Tool: SN-Add-Work-Notes
Parameters:
  table_name: sn_legal_matter
  sys_id: [matter_sys_id]
  work_notes: |
    === LEGAL MATTER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ===
    Report Date: [current_date]
    Prepared By: AI Legal Assistant

    MATTER: [matter_number] - [short_description]
    Status: [state] | Priority: [priority] | Risk Level: [risk_level]
    Practice Area: [practice_area] | Matter Type: [matter_type]
    Lead Counsel: [assigned_to]
    Outside Counsel: [outside_counsel]
    Business Unit: [business_unit]

    TIMELINE SUMMARY:
    - Opened: [opened_at]
    - Key Milestones: [milestone_count] completed, [pending_count] pending
    - Next Deadline: [next_due_date] - [next_task_description]

    FINANCIAL EXPOSURE:
    - Potential Liability: $[financial_exposure]
    - Settlement Range: $[low_estimate] - $[high_estimate]
    - Legal Spend to Date: $[total_spend]
    - Outstanding Invoices: $[pending_invoices]

    PARTIES:
    - Internal Stakeholders: [stakeholder_count]
    - Legal Hold Custodians: [custodian_count]
    - Active Holds: [active_hold_count]

    DOCUMENTS: [doc_count] attachments across [case_count] cases

    RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
    1. [action_1]
    2. [action_2]
    3. [action_3]

    RISK ASSESSMENT:
    [risk_narrative based on financial exposure, timeline pressure, and complexity]

Step 8: Update Matter with Summary Metadata

Record that a summary has been generated and tag the matter for leadership review.

Using MCP:

Tool: SN-Update-Record
Parameters:
  table_name: sn_legal_matter
  sys_id: [matter_sys_id]
  data:
    last_reviewed: [current_date]
    review_notes: "Executive summary generated. Matter reviewed for leadership briefing."

Using REST API:

PATCH /api/now/table/sn_legal_matter/[matter_sys_id]
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "last_reviewed": "[current_date]",
  "review_notes": "Executive summary generated. Matter reviewed for leadership briefing."
}

Tool Usage

MCP Tools Reference

Tool	When to Use
`SN-Natural-Language-Search`	Find matters by natural language description
`SN-Query-Table`	Structured queries for cases, tasks, holds, attachments
`SN-Get-Record`	Retrieve a single matter record by sys_id
`SN-Update-Record`	Update matter review date and notes
`SN-Add-Work-Notes`	Post the executive summary to the matter record

REST API Reference

Endpoint	Method	Purpose
`/api/now/table/sn_legal_matter`	GET	Query legal matters
`/api/now/table/sn_legal_matter/{sys_id}`	GET/PATCH	Read or update a matter
`/api/now/table/sn_legal_case`	GET	Retrieve associated cases
`/api/now/table/sn_legal_task`	GET	Retrieve tasks and timeline events
`/api/now/table/sn_legal_hold`	GET	Retrieve legal holds and custodians
`/api/now/table/sys_attachment`	GET	Retrieve document attachments

Best Practices

Privilege protection: Never include attorney-client privileged analysis in fields visible to non-legal users; use work notes or internal-only fields
Consistent format: Use the same summary template across all matters to enable comparison and portfolio-level reporting
Financial accuracy: Always verify financial exposure figures with the finance team before including in board-level reports
Timeliness: Generate summaries at least 48 hours before scheduled leadership briefings to allow counsel review
Completeness check: Verify that all active legal holds are accounted for; missing holds create significant litigation risk
Version control: Include the report date in every summary so readers know the currency of information
Confidentiality markings: Tag all summaries as Attorney-Client Privileged and Work Product where applicable

Troubleshooting

"Legal matter record not found"

Cause: The matter sys_id is incorrect or the matter has been archived Solution: Search by matter number using sn_legal_matter with number=[MATTER_NUMBER]. Archived matters may require active=false in the query.

"No cases associated with this matter"

Cause: Cases were created without linking to the parent matter, or the matter is new Solution: Search sn_legal_case by short description keywords or date range to find orphaned cases. Update their legal_matter reference field.

"Financial exposure fields are empty"

Cause: Financial data has not been entered or is maintained in a separate finance system Solution: Check if your organization uses custom fields for financial tracking. Query sn_legal_task for outside counsel invoices to estimate spend.

"Attachment query returns no results"

Cause: Documents may be stored in a linked document management system rather than as ServiceNow attachments Solution: Check for URL reference fields on the matter or case records pointing to external document repositories (SharePoint, iManage, NetDocuments).

Examples

Example 1: Litigation Matter Summary

Input: Legal Matter LM0002345 - "Patent infringement claim - Widget Technology"

Summary generated:

Status: Active | Priority: P2 - High | Risk: High
3 active cases, 12 completed tasks, 4 pending tasks
Financial exposure: $2.5M potential liability
Legal spend to date: $180,000 (outside counsel)
8 custodians under legal hold
Next deadline: Expert report due in 21 days
Recommended: Engage additional expert witness for damages analysis

Example 2: Multi-Case Regulatory Matter

Input: Legal Matter LM0003456 - "GDPR compliance investigation - EU Data Protection Authority"

Summary generated:

Status: Under Investigation | Priority: P1 - Critical
5 cases spanning 3 jurisdictions (DE, FR, UK)
Financial exposure: EUR 4.2M (potential fine up to 4% of annual turnover)
23 documents collected, 15 custodians under hold
Outside counsel engaged in each jurisdiction
Recommended: Prepare voluntary remediation plan to mitigate penalty

Example 3: Contract Dispute Matter

Input: Legal Matter LM0001234 - "Vendor breach of SLA - Cloud Services Agreement"

Analysis steps:

Tool: SN-Get-Record
Parameters:
  table_name: sn_legal_matter
  sys_id: abc789def...
  fields: number,short_description,state,financial_exposure,settlement_amount,assigned_to,matter_type

Summary generated:

Status: Negotiation | Priority: P3 - Medium
1 case, contract review and demand letter drafted
Financial exposure: $350,000 (SLA credits owed)
Settlement range: $200,000 - $300,000
No legal hold required (commercial dispute)
Recommended: Proceed with mediation; prepare fallback litigation strategy

Related Skills

legal/legal-request-triage - Triage and route incoming legal requests
legal/contract-analysis - Analyze contracts for key terms and risks
legal/contract-obligation-extraction - Extract obligations from contracts
security/incident-response - Security incidents with legal implications
grc/issue-action-plan - Compliance and regulatory action plans

About this skill

Overview

Prerequisites

Procedure

Step 1: Retrieve the Legal Matter Record

Step 2: Gather Associated Legal Cases

Step 3: Build the Case Timeline

Step 4: Identify Key Documents and Attachments

Step 5: Catalog Parties Involved

Step 6: Assess Financial Exposure

Step 7: Generate the Executive Summary

Step 8: Update Matter with Summary Metadata

Tool Usage

MCP Tools Reference

REST API Reference

Best Practices

Troubleshooting

"Legal matter record not found"

"No cases associated with this matter"

"Financial exposure fields are empty"

"Attachment query returns no results"

Examples

Example 1: Litigation Matter Summary

Example 2: Multi-Case Regulatory Matter

Example 3: Contract Dispute Matter

Related Skills