Legal Question in Administrative Law in Massachusetts

Re: Lawyers Duty to Maintain Client Files?

In Mass., we are required to keep files for 7 years after closing them. I haven't researched it, but to my mind, that includes everything in the file, regardless of source. Consider that part of the reason for the rule is the potentil for a calim tht you screwed up on something. On that issue, anything in the file might be relevant--not just the stuff that your office created. Besides, sorting out what to keep from what not to keep is likely a lot more work that it is worth for the wsake of saving a bit of storage space. As they say, "Better safe than sorry."