But so are accounting records and even administrative records. Administrative records can include adding the client's name to database, entering the conflict of interest information on the law firm's conflict register, entering various dates on calendar and ticklers. By the end of the case, you may have a small file or a small warehouse of papers. I have created a series of examples to illustrate issues and solutions. Hypotheticals Attorney has been employed to file litigation.
Research is done and complaint from an unrelated client's case is copied as a model.
After changes are made, but before it is retyped, the attorney is terminated. The writing has been prepared for the client and the client needs the writing for the client's case. However, the attorney has a duty to keep the secrets of the previous client. The identifying marks for the previous client should be blocked out and the document given to the client. Attorney is drafting an opinion letter.