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Matter OrganizationMicro SOP

Organize a Client Matter Folder

Organize one client matter in one authoritative location that authorized team members can find, understand, and verify—without treating one example folder tree as universal.

Core lesson: 7-12 minutes Reviewed against 8 authoritative and vendor sources

Goal & what you need

Goal

Create a clear, access-aware matter folder; prevent duplicates; separate record states; and verify a test item from the destination.

What you need

  • The correct client and matter identifiers from the organization's authoritative matter system.
  • Permission to create or manage folders in the approved repository.
  • The organization's approved template and naming convention, if available.
  • The names or roles of people who should have access.
  • A safe escalation path for duplicate matters, uncertain access, or legal holds.

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.

  1. 1Confirm the matter. Match the client name and at least one authoritative matter identifier. Do not create a folder from an email subject or a person's memory alone.
  2. 2Search the approved repository. Look for the matter identifier, client name, known aliases, and related matters. Stop if a possible duplicate exists.

Continue the full course

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Sources & references (8)

Preview two sources. Members can open the complete source list.