Deep Links and Webhooks: Embed Document Automation in your Workflow

Law firms are increasingly turning to workflow automation to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and eliminate rekeying - but not every automation project needs a full API build. That’s where Deep Links and Webhooks come in.

These two lightweight capabilities sit neatly between our pre-built integrations and data-driven automation options like the REST API and Power Automate Connector. They offer a practical, no-code way to embed document automation into existing processes -fast.

Why Firms Choose Deep Links and Webhooks

Smarter Drafter Pro already integrates directly with many of the legal industry’s most widely used tools. We offer:

• Pre-built integrations with practice management systems (including Actionstep, Unity, Smokeball, Clio, and Leap) document management integration with iManage, supporting structured document filing
• A REST API for full data-driven automation and two-way data exchange
• A Power Automate Connector to plug Smarter Drafter into the broader Microsoft Power Automate ecosystem

But for many firms, the best place to start is with Deep Links and Webhooks - a middle ground that’s easy to implement, yet powerful in practice.

What Are Deep Links?

Deep Links allow your team to launch a specific Smarter Drafter form from within another system - like a workflow engine, your PMS, or even a simple task tracker.

They’re especially useful when:

• A specific document needs to be generated at a particular step in a workflow
• You want to prefill form fields using information like Matter ID
• You need to track the document through to completion or pass it back to a DMS

And best of all: no coding is required.

What Are Webhooks?

Webhooks work in the opposite direction: they send data from Smarter Drafter to another system the moment a form is submitted or a document is generated.

This can include:

• The completed document
• The submission data
• Or both

That means your DMS, compliance register, or workflow tracker stays updated — in real time, without polling, and without middleware.

Real-World Example: Hivelight + Smarter Drafter

One of our certified technology partners, Hivelight, is already using Deep Links to build workflow solutions that integrate Smarter Drafter seamlessly into law firm operations.

In one recent project, Hivelight implemented a workflow where:

• A user completes an intake step in a workflow
• A Deep Link triggers the correct Smarter Drafter form
• Upon completion, the document is automatically filed and tracked
  
  

This approach helps firms avoid rekeying, ensures consistent document production, and embeds automation exactly where it’s needed — with minimal IT lift.

“Smarter Drafter’s Deep Links make it easy to trigger document automation from anywhere in a firm’s tech stack. They’re especially powerful with platforms like Hivelight - not just launching specific automations, but also passing client data seamlessly. For partners, it means you can always say yes: if a system can store a link, it can launch Smarter Drafter.” 

Ashley Kelso, Hivelight, Co-Founder and CEO.

When to Use Deep Links and Webhooks

These capabilities are ideal when:

• You need automation inside a workflow but don’t want to build a full API connection
• You want to test or prototype document automation before scaling up
• You’re working with platforms that support launching URLs or receiving webhooks (which many do)

They’re also perfect for firms that want to move beyond our pre-built integrations, but aren’t ready for a full custom development using the REST API.

Comparing Integration Options

Smarter Drafter takes a layered approach to integration -  what we call our “war on rekeying". Depending on the flexibility you require, there is an integration solution available.

Available Now

Deep Links and Webhooks are included in all Smarter Drafter Pro subscriptions - no extra cost, no special setup required.

They’re a smart first step for firms who want to embed automation directly into their workflow tools. And for those ready to go further, they form part of a broader integration spectrum that includes:

• Pre-built connections
• No-code tools like Power Automate
• Full automation via REST API
  
  

Whether you’re starting with a simple URL trigger or building a multi-system data pipeline, Smarter Drafter can meet you where you are - and grow with you.

Next Steps

For more detail, download the Product Brief. Then talk to your Smarter Drafter Partner, or contact our team to see how you can use Deep Links and Webhooks in your firm.