Goal & what you need
Goal
Create a complete, protected closed-matter record and verify that an authorized user can retrieve it.
What you need
- Closing authorization from the responsible lawyer or designated matter owner.
- Access to the authoritative matter repository, calendar, task list, billing or trust status, and final client communications.
- Access to the organization’s approved retention schedule, legal-hold process, and archive location.
- A designated escalation contact for unresolved deadlines, funds, property, originals, or retention questions.
Check your firm’s process. This lesson teaches a safe general workflow. Your firm’s software, folder names, naming rules, retention steps, and escalation contacts may differ. If you are unsure, stop and ask your supervisor.
Step-by-step preview
Founding members can open all 15 steps.
- 1Confirm the matter identity and requested scope. Match the client, matter number, title, responsible lawyer, and engagement before changing anything.
- 2Obtain closing authorization. Record who approved closing and the authorization date. Do not close a matter simply because activity stopped.
Continue the full course
Open the complete SOP and every learning asset
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Sources & references (8)
Preview two sources. Members can open the complete source list.