Every destruction review filed before you leave the site.

Dates it counts

1. Review the closed file for return or destruction: the interval set in keep for (years) from the representation ended on.From D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion 283, Disposition of closed client files, checked Oct 29, 2026.
   Your contract

What it checks when you save

1. The D.C. Bar's ethics opinion advises that a closed file may be destroyed five years after the representation ends, once the client has been asked.From D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion 283, Disposition of closed client files, checked Oct 29, 2026.
   Stops the save
2. The opinion advises against destroying the client's original documents unless they are on public record.From D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion 283, Disposition of closed client files, checked Oct 29, 2026.
   Warns on save
3. The opinion advises that valuable client property goes back to the client or is kept safe for good.From D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion 283, Disposition of closed client files, checked Oct 29, 2026.
   Warns on save
4. A file under a legal hold is never destroyed; Rule 3.4 bars destroying evidence.From D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion 283, Disposition of closed client files, checked Oct 29, 2026.
   Warns on save
5. The opinion advises a good-faith effort to tell the former client about the file before it is destroyed.From D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion 283, Disposition of closed client files, checked Oct 29, 2026.
   Warns on save
6. The opinion advises keeping the returned notice, or the client's letter of consent.From D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion 283, Disposition of closed client files, checked Oct 29, 2026.
   For reference
7. Rule 1.15 asks lawyers to safeguard client property, which can include client files.From D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.15 Safekeeping property (D.C. Bar), checked Oct 29, 2026.
   For reference
8. Records of client funds and property held in trust are kept five years after the representation ends.From D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.15 Safekeeping property (D.C. Bar), checked Oct 29, 2026.
   For reference
9. The opinion advises keeping an index of the files destroyed, perhaps for a long time.From D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion 283, Disposition of closed client files, checked Oct 29, 2026.
   For reference
10. Some files need longer: a minor who comes of age more than five years out, an estate plan until after the client's death and probate, and some tax files.From D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion 283, Disposition of closed client files, checked Oct 29, 2026.
    For reference
11. The opinion advises against destroying what the client may still need while a limitation period is open.From D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion 283, Disposition of closed client files, checked Oct 29, 2026.
    For reference

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