ABSTRACT
There is no agreement on how long to keep papers and notes pertaining to your trial. Some EXPERTS keep everything forever. Others clear their files as soon as they know of the disposition of a case. One EXPERT has a five-year rule: If there has been no activity on a particular case for five years, then all materials pertaining to it may be destroyed. It is a good rule of thumb to keep all records at least until after all appeals have been resolved. Often a year may not be sufficient time for a possible new trial; thus, all papers pertaining to the case may have to be kept two years or longer. Some A TIORNEYS ask EXPERTS to return the papers. If this is the case, return all materials by certified mail, with return receipt requested. The receipt is your protection.
