The Ethics of File Retention: Rules, Risks, and Practical Guidance for Lawyers
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When you’re a lawyer, keeping accurate records is crucial. It’s not just about good business; it’s about protecting yourself from potential disciplinary action and ensuring you can deliver the best service to your clients. A bad record-keeping system can lead to lost files, missed deadlines, and a host of other issues that can land you in trouble.
In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Jeff Hazen, Assistant Ethics Counsel at The Florida Bar, to discuss records retention Rules and best practices.
Jeff Hazen serves as the Assistant Ethics Counsel for the Florida Bar, with over 16 years of dedicated service. Throughout his tenure at The Florida Bar, Jeff has handled thousands of inquiries on the Ethics Hotline, assessed numerous lawyer advertisements, and issued dozens of staff Ethics Opinions. Jeff is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 9506.
REFERENCED RESOURCES:
- LegalFuel Article: How long should I keep closed file?
- LegalFuel: Records Management, Retention, and Destruction Guide
- LegalFuel Document Library
- Rules Regulating The Florida Bar – View the Full Set
- Rule 4-1.6 Confidentiality of Information
- Rule 4-5.8 Procedures for Lawyers Leaving Law Firms and Dissolution of Law Firms
- Ethics Hotline – 800-235-8619
- Ethics Informational Packets
- Ethics Opinions by Subject
- Unclaimed Trust Account Funds
- LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center
LEGALFUEL CLE PRESENTATIONS ARE INTENDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DO NOT REPLACE PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT. STATEMENTS OF FACT AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE PRESENTERS INDIVIDUALLY AND, UNLESS EXPRESSLY STATED TO THE CONTRARY, ARE NOT THE OPINION OF THE FLORIDA BAR OR ITS COMMITTEES. THE FLORIDA BAR DOES NOT ENDORSE OR APPROVE, AND ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR, THE CONTENT, ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION PRESENTED. ANY FEEDBACK SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE EVENT ORGANIZER.