Most attorneys and law practices generally understand which clients are no longer clients and which matters should be closed. Although closing files is not complicated, it typically only happens if there is a concentrated effort to close outstanding matters before a deadline. Collecting outstanding fees at year-end can be an arduous task, but it is a logical time to identify the client relationships that are over and the matters that can be closed. Indeed, the endless year-end spreadsheets of all open client matters with outstanding receivables often highlight the files that should be closed.
While the end of each year provides a logical deadline, attorneys should also consider reviewing files regularly throughout the year, as closing files that need to be closed is one of the most important tasks for effective claim prevention. By considering these issues mid-year, attorneys can help avoid headaches at year-end.
