A question came up in our internal review of our retention schedule.   While jurisdictions vary on the language, a majority indicate that retention is tied to the representation of the client.  Are there firms that interpret this as meaning any and all representation?  In other words, does your firm tie retention of all matter materials to the client level and not to the individual cases?  Do you wait until representation of the client has been terminated before starting the retention countdown for all materials?  Or do you apply retention at the matter level so the retention period is activated when the individual matter is no longer active?

We have considered the following:
-10 years is the most conservative retention period within the jurisdictions in which we practice.  Therefore, we will use that 10 year period as a minimum default.
-We had previously assumed that matter status alone would activate our retention countdown.
-We realize matters which fall under certain practice areas may be retained well beyond the 10 year period

Any input would be most helpful as we determine the best practice for retaining and preserving our clients' files.  Thank you.


David B. Steward
Director of Records

HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP
4801 Main Street, Suite 1000
Kansas City, MO 64112
Direct:  816.983.8860
Fax:  816.983.8080
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
huschblackwell.com<http://www.huschblackwell.com/>
View Bio<http://www.huschblackwell.com/David-Steward> | View VCard<http://www.huschblackwell.com/David-Steward/vcard>

****** Begin Notice from Husch Blackwell LLP ******

Pursuant to U. S. Treasury regulations, we inform you that
any federal tax advice contained in this message (including 
all constituent email correspondence, attachments, enclosures
and/or exhibits) is not intended or written to be used, and
cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties
under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing
or recommending to another party any transaction or matter
addressed herein.

****** End Notice from Husch Blackwell LLP *******

List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html
Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance
To unsubscribe from this list, click the below link. If not already present, place UNSUBSCRIBE RECMGMT-L or UNSUB RECMGMT-L in the body of the message.
mailto:[log in to unmask]