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Template Author Guide

Create smart, dynamic templates that pull data directly from LegalServer and automate client interactions.

Key Benefit: No Mapping Required Unlike standard LegalServer templates, you do not need to manually map each field in your template to a corresponding LegalServer field. Workflow Docs automatically handles the data binding, saving you tedious setup time.

1. Example Template​

Below is a copyable example of what a standard .docx template looks like when using core Workflow Docs functionality.

RETAINER AGREEMENT

Case Number: {{ legalserver_case.id }}
Date: {{ today() }}

I, {{ clients[0] }}, hereby retain {{ organization_name | ask(question="Organization name?", default="Lemma Legal") }} to represent me in the matter of {{ matter_description | ask(question="Brief description of the matter", datatype="area") }}.

COMMUNICATION PREFERENCE:
{{ preferred_contact | ask(question="How should we contact you?", options=["Phone", "Email", "SMS"]) }}

CLIENT SIGNATURE:
{{ clients[0].signature | request(question="Please sign the retainer agreement") }}

ADVOCATE SIGNATURE:
{{ advocate.signature | request }}

2. In-line Document Requests​

You can prompt a client to upload a document directly from your template. This is a powerful supplement to the standard "Request Documents" workflow, as it allows you to link specific files to the text of your document.

Syntax​

Use the submitted_document_uploads attribute combined with the | request filter:

Please see the attached identification:
{{ clients[0].submitted_document_uploads[0] | request(question="Please upload a photo of your ID") }}
  • In the Interview: The client will see a file upload field with your custom question.
  • In the Template: Once uploaded, the document's title (or a link to the file) will be inserted exactly where you placed the variable.

3. PDF Templates​

Workflow Docs can fill existing PDF form fields, ask the advocate for missing values, and route fields to clients or other requestees. PDF templates use a companion .yml file instead of Jinja expressions inside the document.

See PDF Templates and Sidecar YAML for setup instructions, a complete sidecar reference, request behavior, conditional fields, output formatting, and troubleshooting.

4. Managing Your Templates​

You can create and manage templates using our web-based tools:

Note: If your organization has a dedicated Workflow Docs server, replace app.workflowdocs.com with your specific server URL.

5. Permissions & Access​

A client of WorkflowDocs who wants to be able to manage templates for their organization needs to be given the Docassemble privilege manage_templates, and this needs to be done by asking the WorkflowDocs team.

How to request permissions:​

If you cannot access the Template Manager, you can email info@lemmalegal.com with the following details:

  1. The email address you use to log in to LegalServer.
  2. The server name or URL that runs your Workflow Docs instance (e.g., app.workflowdocs.com or yourorg.workflowdocs.com).
  3. Your organization name.