# Actionstep MCP MCP > Actionstep connects your legal practice management system to your AI workflow. You can list open cases, check client contact details, and pull billing entries—all through natural conversation. This MCP helps paralegals and attorneys manage complex matters, track documents, and handle billing without switching between tabs. ## Overview - **Category:** document-management - **Price:** Free - **Tags:** legal-practice-management, case-management, billing, workflow-automation, client-tracking ## Description Managing a law firm means juggling data across half a dozen systems: case files, contacts, time sheets, and task lists. Instead of jumping between Actionstep's web portal and your AI agent, this MCP pulls all that operational data into one conversational stream. Your agent can check the status of every matter you have open or look up specific client details instantly. You can also pull a list of available tasks to make sure no workflow step is falling through the cracks. When you connect this MCP via Vinkius, your AI client handles the calls; you just talk to it. It keeps your entire legal operation—from initial contact creation right through to final billing entries—in one place. ## Tools ### create_contact Registers a new person into the firm's contact database. ### get_matter_details Retrieves detailed information for one specific legal matter by its ID or name. ### list_contacts Fetches a list of every client, partner, or participant registered in Actionstep. ### list_matters Generates a summary list of all the legal matters currently managed by the firm. ### list_matter_notes Retrieves a chronological history of file notes written for a particular matter. ### list_legal_tasks Provides an overview and list of all current legal workflow tasks assigned to the firm. ### list_time_entries Pulls detailed records of billable time entries for billing and efficiency reporting. ### list_action_types Lists all available categories and types of matters the firm tracks. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` List all active matters in Actionstep. ``` **Response:** ``` I've fetched your matters. You have 15 active cases, including 'Purchase of 123 Main St' and 'Estate Planning - Miller'. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Find contact details for 'John Smith'. ``` **Response:** ``` Found John Smith. Email: john@smith.com, Phone: 555-0192. He is associated with 2 active matters. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Show my tasks for today. ``` **Response:** ``` You have 3 tasks due today: 'Review draft contract', 'Client call at 2 PM', and 'File court documents'. ``` ## Capabilities ### Track Case Details Get a full status report on any specific matter, including historical notes and associated tasks. ### Manage Client Records Access your database of clients and partners or quickly add new people to the firm's contact list. ### Monitor Workflow Tasks See what operational tasks are currently active for the firm, including matter types. ### Review Billing Records Fetch a history of billable time entries to understand current workload and revenue potential. ## Use Cases ### The Client Needs an Update on Their File A paralegal needs to tell a client about their case. Instead of pulling up 10 documents, they ask the agent to `get_matter_details` and then follow up with `list_matter_notes`. The agent compiles this into one readable summary for the client email. ### Auditing Billing Records A billing manager needs proof of time spent on a specific case. They ask to `list_time_entries` and filter by date range, immediately getting an accurate report without exporting data to Excel first. ### Onboarding a New Client An attorney meets a new partner. They use the agent to `create_contact` with all the details, then ask to list that contact's associated matters using `list_contacts`, ensuring the client record is perfect from day one. ### Checking Firm Operations An operations lead needs a full picture of pending work. They combine requests: 'What are our active tasks?' (`list_legal_tasks`) and 'How many matters do we have open?' (`list_matters`). This gives them an immediate operational health check. ## Benefits - Stop digging through tabs to find case history. You can use `list_matter_notes` to pull all file notes for a matter instantly, giving you the full context without leaving your chat window. - Keep your client data clean. Instead of manually entering details in multiple places, run `create_contact` to register new people and build out your firm's database consistently. - Know where your team is spending time. Pulling a list of all billable time entries using `list_time_entries` gives you an immediate view of workload efficiency for month-end reports. - Stay ahead of deadlines. Your agent can use `list_legal_tasks` to show exactly what needs attention right now, ensuring the firm's operational pipeline stays clear. - Get a quick overview of your portfolio. Rather than clicking through dozens of records, simply ask for a list of matters using `list_matters` and get the status summary right away. ## How It Works The bottom line is that you run your legal operations through plain language chat instead of clicking buttons in multiple dashboards. 1. First, subscribe to this MCP on Vinkius and get your Actionstep OAuth 2.0 Access Token from the developer portal. 2. Next, connect your AI client using that token. The connection gives your agent permission to read and write data across your legal accounts. 3. Finally, tell your agent what you need—for instance, 'List all matters open this month.' It pulls the data directly into your conversation. ## Frequently Asked Questions **How do I check all my open cases using list_matters?** The agent fetches a summary list of every active matter right away. It tells you how many matters are running and lists the most recent ones, which is a fast way to get your operational overview. **Can I see if there are overdue tasks using list_legal_tasks?** Yes, it pulls your legal workflow tasks. You can ask it specifically for today's or this week's tasks to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. **How does get_matter_details work if I only have a client name?** You need to provide enough detail (like a matter ID or case number) for the agent to pinpoint the exact record. It then retrieves all associated status metadata and historical notes. **What is the best way to track billable time using list_time_entries?** Simply ask your agent to list entries over a date range. This provides an immediate summary of hours worked, making it easy for billing managers to audit work. **When using `create_contact`, what information do I need to include for a new client record?** You must provide the contact's name, primary email, and phone number. The MCP handles linking this new entry to any existing matter ID you specify during the call. **How do I retrieve all historical notes for a case using `list_matter_notes`?** You provide the specific matter ID, and the tool returns an organized list of every file note attached to that record. This lets you review full client context immediately. **What is the purpose of `list_action_types`, and how does it help my practice?** This tool lists all defined matter types within your firm. Running this helps you understand the specific categories your legal practice uses, which is key for accurate case management. **Can I use `list_contacts` to find both active and inactive clients?** Yes, by passing the appropriate filter parameters, `list_contacts` returns a comprehensive list of all records in your database. It includes contacts regardless of their current activity status. **Can I list all my active legal matters using my AI agent?** Yes! Use the `list_matters` tool to retrieve a comprehensive list of all legal matters registered in your Actionstep system. **How do I check details for a specific matter?** Simply provide the Matter ID to the `get_matter_details` tool. Your agent will fetch the full metadata, status, and assigned team. **Does it support OAuth 2.0 authentication?** Yes, it uses OAuth 2.0. You'll need to generate a Client ID and Client Secret in your developer portal to create an access token.