Which documents should you shred?
Many people don’t realize the large amount of paperwork lawyers have to keep up with, organize, and securely store at their office. With so much paperwork, it’s important to make sure that everything is properly organized and old documents are securely shredded. Below are just a few examples of documents that should be destroyed to protect your clients’ privacy:
Dated Legal Information - With the court system constantly changing, some cases may reference laws that are no longer relevant in current cases. While you could hold onto every old law book in the office, many of these old laws can be found online, which allows you to use the info and clear up those old files that are no longer needed.
Financial Information - Most companies are required to hold onto their financial records, but law firms must follow stricter regulations when it comes to financial information. These laws can change from state to state, so it’s important to research your local requirements before disposing of any financial documents.
Case Files - When it comes to case files, it’s difficult to know which documents you need to keep. Some states let you keep digital copies of certain documents, which would allow you to shred your physical copies. However, many areas require you to keep physical copies for your records. When it comes to case files, follow the regulations carefully to avoid making a mistake.
Remember that legal documents need to be managed according to several different laws and regulations. Before shredding any documents, make sure that the information can be safely destroyed without legal repercussions. If you have questions about what types of items should and shouldn’t be shredded, give us a call!
