Legal Question in Legal Ethics in California

Client's Legal File

How long must an attorney keep the client's legal file? I am trying to get a copy of my entire file regarding a case from July 2004 and my attorney says everything except the Judges decision has been shredded. If it has not been shredded, how do I proceed to get my file. If it indeed has been shredded, what recourse do I have. Thank you.


Asked on 4/08/06, 7:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: Client's Legal File

You can get whatever you can from the court at 57 cents per page. The lawyer for the other side might also have documents that they might want to give you. The lawyer should keep the stuff for a recommended time of five years, but some of us run out of room. I always offer my clients the file once I am done with it.

Read more
Answered on 4/08/06, 8:16 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility questions and answers in California