The course of action of each case is documented completely making the reasoning behind the course of action selected clearly evident from the file. Files include a major problem list to quickly identify the principle legal problems for which the client is being seen. All telephone calls are documented in the file. All acts of client noncompliance with legal advice including failed or canceled appointments, are documented in the file. The lawyers dictate the majority of narrative entries in the file.
Lawyers routinely proofread their dictation.
Transcriptionists are instructed to bring any questions about dictation to the lawyer as soon as possible and never to guess at what was intended in unclear passages. Staff are instructed that files should never be filed until any blanks in transcription have been filled in by the lawyer. All dictation and other file entries are completed in a timely fashion by lawyers. All transcription of case information is completed in a timely fashion. All entries in the file are objectively stated, avoiding subjective or disparaging comments about clients.