How Long Do Solicitors Keep Records UK

Find out how long solicitors keep records in the UK, including typical retention periods for property, probate and legal case files.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. This article explains how long solicitors keep records.

Solicitors are required by law and professional regulations to retain client records for specific periods. This ensures that both clients and the firm are protected should any questions, disputes, or audits arise later. However, the exact length of time a solicitor keeps records depends on the type of legal matter, the firm’s internal policy, and statutory requirements.

In most cases, solicitors keep records for between six and fifteen years, though some documents, such as wills or deeds, may be stored indefinitely.

Why Solicitors Keep Records

Solicitors keep client records to ensure compliance with professional standards and to safeguard the interests of both parties. Records provide evidence of the advice given, actions taken, and agreements reached. These documents can be essential if a client needs proof of a transaction or if the firm must defend its work.

Keeping detailed records also helps solicitors respond to follow-up queries, provide copies of old documents, and manage future legal work more efficiently for returning clients.

Typical Record Retention Periods

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) does not specify a single retention period for all types of work. Instead, solicitors are expected to apply professional judgment based on the nature of the file and legal obligations. Below are general timeframes used across many firms.

1. Conveyancing Files

For property transactions, most solicitors retain records for at least fifteen years. This period reflects the potential lifespan of property ownership and the time in which disputes or title issues may arise. Some firms choose to keep deeds and related documents permanently, especially if they offer secure deed storage as part of their service.

2. Wills and Probate

Wills and probate files are often kept indefinitely or until the client’s death, as they may be needed many years after the original document was drafted. If a solicitor holds the original will, it will remain securely stored until it is executed. Probate files are typically retained for a minimum of six years after the estate is settled.

3. Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Litigation files are usually kept for six years after the conclusion of the case, in line with the statutory limitation period for most civil claims. However, where court orders or ongoing obligations apply, records may be kept longer.

4. Family Law

Family law files, including divorce and child custody matters, are generally kept for six to ten years after the case closes. This allows solicitors to provide evidence of past agreements or court decisions if issues arise later.

5. Commercial and Corporate Matters

Business-related files are commonly retained for six to twelve years depending on the complexity of the matter. Contracts and corporate documents may need to be held longer due to ongoing legal or tax obligations.

6. Employment Law

Employment law files are typically kept for six years, which aligns with limitation periods for most employment-related claims.

These retention periods serve as a guideline, and individual firms may choose to store files longer if they deem it necessary for legal or risk management reasons.

What Happens to Files After the Retention Period

Once the retention period ends, solicitors review their files to decide whether they should be securely destroyed or archived. Destruction usually involves shredding or permanent digital deletion to protect confidentiality and comply with data protection laws.

Before destroying any file, firms must ensure it no longer has legal, regulatory, or client value. Clients are often informed at the start of a case how long their documents will be kept and whether they can request their return.

If you need access to your old legal documents, contact your solicitor as soon as possible, ideally before the retention period expires. After that point, recovery may not be possible if the file has been lawfully destroyed.

How Solicitors Store Records

Solicitors are responsible for keeping records securely, whether they are physical or digital. The method of storage depends on the firm’s systems and the nature of the case.

Paper files are stored in locked, fireproof facilities.
Electronic records are backed up and encrypted for data protection.
Original documents such as wills, deeds, or trust papers are stored separately in secure, long-term archives.

Confidentiality and client data protection are central to a solicitor’s professional obligations. Firms must comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

Can Clients Request Their Files

Yes, clients have the right to request copies of their files or certain documents at any time. Solicitors may provide them free of charge or charge a reasonable fee for retrieval and copying.

If the file has been closed for several years, it may take time to locate, especially if it has been moved to off-site storage. However, most firms maintain detailed records of file locations to make retrieval as smooth as possible.

Clients who need deeds, wills, or title documents should contact their solicitor promptly. Even if the file has been archived, solicitors are generally happy to assist in providing copies or transferring documents to a new firm if required.

How Long Are Electronic Records Kept

With many firms now operating digitally, electronic file retention follows similar principles to paper records. Digital storage allows solicitors to keep files longer at lower cost, but firms still review and delete them once the retention period ends.

Secure systems ensure old files are deleted permanently and can’t be recovered once removed. This protects clients’ personal and financial information.

Why Some Records Are Kept Indefinitely

Certain documents, such as wills, deeds, and trust papers, are often held indefinitely because they remain legally significant for decades. These items may be needed to prove ownership, carry out probate, or resolve inheritance questions long after a solicitor first handled the matter.

By keeping these documents permanently, solicitors provide clients and their families with long-term security and easy access when required.

Final Thoughts

How long solicitors keep records depends on the type of case and legal obligations involved. In most instances, files are stored for between six and fifteen years, though some, like wills and deeds, are kept indefinitely.

If you think you may need access to past legal documents, it’s best to contact your solicitor early. Professional firms follow strict record retention policies to balance client service, confidentiality, and compliance with legal standards.

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