Why you need this policy: One of the thorniest challenges of managing a law office is the handling of client files. It's not just an administrative issue. Retention and destruction of client files are subject to legal and ethical requirements, including the ABA Rules of Professional Conduct. How this policy helps you: It's crucial to establish a written policy that explains how … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Client file retention and destruction
Recordkeeping
How long should you keep client and practice records?
A lot of questions come up about the most basic elements of maintaining and destroying client records. And that's because to many of those questions "there's no hard and fast answer," says Washington, DC, attorney and record management consultant Teresa Schoch is also a past member of the Michigan Bar Association's ethics committee. Here are seven such issues. The 10-year … [Read more...] about How long should you keep client and practice records?
Keeping the records long enough . . . but not too long
Do you know how long you are required to keep the firm’s tax records? How about any reports of on-the-job injuries? And what about e-mails? Here’s a summary of what you need to keep and for how long. Record retention raises questions in almost all offices. And because of the uncertainty, offices tend to hang onto records far too long, says attorney and record management … [Read more...] about Keeping the records long enough . . . but not too long