The correct administration of files is of paramount importance. You must keep a complete, accurate and up to date record of all actions and all steps on any matter. Thus must be kept in the firm's digital filing system, NetDocuments. Hard-copy files may also be kept, but there is no requirement to do so and, further, you must ensure that any items kept in hard copy are also kept in the digital file, in particular documents given directly to you and telephone manuscript attendance notes. The making of telephone attendance notes for all calls (other than trivial calls) is a strict requirement of our insurers and of the SRA. These provide an important contemporaneous record which may assist if the client later questions your work or disputes the instructions they gave. You must not allow unfiled emails to build up in your Outlook Inbox.
As the correct administration of files is the cornerstone of a well-run firm and absolutely essential to ensure we remain compliant with the Code, it is very important that you closely observe the requirements in this section.