How to Create a Chat or Drafting Agent in Eve

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Overview

This article walks you through creating a custom agent in Eve that performs case work like drafting documents or generating analysis. You'll choose the agent's output type, write instructions that define what the agent does, optionally attach reference files from your Central Library, and decide whether the agent runs manually on demand or automatically via a trigger. By the end of this process, you'll have a repeatable workflow tool that your team can use across matters.

Prerequisites

  • You must have an active Eve account with access to the Agents feature

  • For automatic agents (Auto Agents), you must be a Firm Admin — only Firm Admins can configure triggers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Navigate to Agent Creation

From the Eve sidebar, click Agents, then click Create Agent in the upper right corner. You'll see options to choose your agent type. This is where you define what kind of output the agent will produce.

2. Choose an Output Type

Select one of the three output types based on what you need the agent to produce:

  • Chat Agent — produces a conversational response in the chat view, like analysis, case summaries, alerts, or recommendations. Use this when you need Eve to evaluate information and provide guidance or structured insights.

  • Drafting Agent — produces a formatted document that can be saved to the matter or exported, like demand letters, complaints, or formal pleadings. Use this when you need a final work product in document form.

  • Discovery Response Agent — produces structured responses to written discovery from defendants, including interrogatories, requests for production, and admissions. Use this specifically for responding to discovery requests.

Once you select an output type, click Next to proceed to instructions.

3. Write Instructions for the Agent

In the instructions field, tell Eve exactly what to do each time the agent runs. Your instructions should be clear, specific, and include:

  • What the agent should produce — describe the output format, length, tone, and structure (e.g., "Draft a professional demand letter in three sections: liability summary, damages breakdown, and demand amount")

  • What information to include — specify which case details, legal standards, or data points must appear in the output

  • What to exclude or avoid — if certain content should never be included, state that explicitly

  • How to use Central Library files — if you're attaching reference documents in the next step, explain how Eve should incorporate them (e.g., "Use the objection bank to draft applicable objections for each interrogatory")

For Auto Agents (agents that run automatically), also specify which documents the agent should focus on. Since no user is present to select context when the agent runs, your instructions must tell Eve where to look. Include:

  • Document type — e.g., "Focus on medical records," "Use adjuster correspondence," "Review court filings"

  • Recency — e.g., "Prioritize documents uploaded in the last 7 days"

  • Folder or category — e.g., "Documents in the Medical Records folder"

  • Exclusions — e.g., "Do not include emails between plaintiff and my law firm"

When you're done writing instructions, click Next.

4. Select Central Library Files (Optional)

If your firm has saved reference documents in the Central Library — such as legal research, style guides, objection banks, or templates — you can attach them to this agent. Click Select from Central Library, choose the files you want the agent to reference, then click Attach. Your instructions (from Step 3) should explain how Eve should use these files.

If you don't need any Central Library files, skip this step and click Next.

5. Configure the Trigger (Optional — Manual Agents Skip This Step)

By default, your agent will run manually — a user opens a matter and runs the agent on demand whenever needed. If that's what you want, you're done. Click Create Agent and your manual agent is ready to use.

If you want the agent to run automatically without anyone pressing a button, continue to configure a trigger. Only Firm Admins can set up triggers.

Choose When Eve Should Check

Select one of two schedule types:

  • On Matter Update — Eve checks every hour and runs the agent on any matter where a document was uploaded or a medical overview was completed in the last 24 hours. Use this for document-triggered workflows like summarizing new medical records or responding to newly uploaded discovery.

  • Monthly — Eve checks all open matters once per month on a date you choose (e.g., the 1st of every month) and only evaluates matters where documents were uploaded or a medical overview was run in the last 30 days. Use this for recurring reports like monthly client updates or case status reviews.

Add a Trigger Condition (Optional)

A trigger condition is an extra rule that must be true before the agent runs. Without one, an On Matter Update agent runs every time any document is uploaded. With a condition, you can make the agent more precise.

Click Add Condition and either select a preloaded condition template or write a custom condition. Examples:

  • "If new medical records are uploaded"

  • "If new documents are uploaded to the Discovery folder"

  • "If a new matter is created AND new insurance documents are uploaded"

  • "If any correspondence from an insurance adjuster is uploaded"

Be specific about document names, folder names, and document types. Eve treats your condition as the source of truth — incorrect names or vague language will cause missed triggers. When in doubt, verify exact folder and document names before saving.

Test Your Trigger Condition

Before activating the agent, click Help me test this condition to validate that your trigger will fire correctly. Select up to 5 matters to test against (either manually or via random pick), then click Test condition. Eve will show you whether the condition would have been met on each matter and explain why or why not. Use this feedback to refine your condition until you see consistent, expected results.

When you're satisfied with the trigger setup, click Create Agent.

6. Confirm the Agent Was Created

You'll see a confirmation message and the agent will appear in your Agents list. If you created a manual agent, it's ready to run on demand from any matter. If you created an Auto Agent, it will begin evaluating matters at the next full hour (e.g., if created at 2:35 PM, the first evaluation happens at 3:00 PM).

To run the agent manually on a specific matter:

  1. Open the matter where you want to use the agent

  2. Navigate to the location that matches your agent type:

    • For Chat Agents: open the chat panel / Talk to Eve

    • For Drafting Agents: open Draft a Document

    • For Discovery Response Agents: open Draft a Document

  3. Select your agent from the list and run it