When creating a custom form in Lawmatics, you will see a Form Settings section on the left side of the screen.
Within this section, there is a toggle for Internal Use.
Understanding the difference between Internal and External forms is very important. Below is a detailed explanation of both.
External Forms
External forms are forms that can be shared with individuals outside your Lawmatics platform, such as:
Leads
Clients
Contacts
There are several ways to share external forms:
Through automations
Via email
By copying the shareable link and distributing it directly
✅ Important:
Anyone with the link to an external form can access, fill out, and submit the form.
Additional Options for External Forms
Embed the form onto your website.
Connect the form to another software using Zapier or our Public API.
Internal Forms
Internal forms are different from external forms in key ways:
They cannot be shared with individuals outside of Lawmatics.
You must be signed into Lawmatics to open, fill out, and submit an internal form.
Common Uses for Internal Forms
Serve as a phone intake script when new leads call your firm.
Quickly create new matters by entering information during a phone conversation.
Save internal forms as Quick Use Forms for even faster access.
Using Shortcuts with Internal Forms
When viewing an internal form, you will see a box in the top-right corner with Internal Form Shortcuts:
Update an existing matter
Create a new matter for an existing company
If you select one of these shortcuts, the person's information will automatically pre-fill into the form.
If you do not wish to update an existing matter or contact, simply fill out the form with new information without selecting a shortcut.
Special Fields Available Only in Internal Forms
Internal forms provide access to fields and objects not available in external forms:
Appointment Object
Found in the Advanced section of the left sidebar when editing the form.
Allows users to book appointments directly onto any firm's user's calendar.
✅ Note:
The Appointment Object does not check for availability or prevent double-booking. It simply adds the appointment to the selected user's calendar.
While filling out the form, toggle on Set an Appointment to open the booking options.
Preventing Double-Booking
If you want to book appointments that prevent double-booking and respect user availability, use the Booking Request Object instead.
The Booking Request Object is available for both internal and external forms.
You will find it in the Advanced section of the left sidebar when editing the form.
FAQs
Can an internal form be sent to another Lawmatics user?
No.
Internal forms cannot be shared, even with other Lawmatics users.
You must be signed into Lawmatics and open the form directly from the platform to use an internal form.
How do I make a copy of a form?
To duplicate a form:
Go to the Custom Forms page.
Click the ellipsis ( ... ) icon on the far right of the form you want to copy.
Select Duplicate from the dropdown menu.