Matter ID
Unique alphanumeric identifier used firm-wide to link documents, bills, and correspondence to this matter.
A consistent Attorneys Archive record reduces discovery search time, clarifies custody, and documents retention decisions to meet regulatory and client obligations.
Law firm staff with matter responsibility should prepare and verify archive entries before finalizing.
Unique alphanumeric identifier used firm-wide to link documents, bills, and correspondence to this matter.
Full legal client name and preferred billing name; include corporate entity type and parent company where applicable.
Brief neutral statement of matter scope, key dates, and primary issues to support search and review.
Primary and secondary attorneys with contact details and defined responsibilities for the matter.
Retention tag specifying active period, post-termination retention length, and applicable legal basis or code.
Role-based restrictions, privilege markers, and instructions for external sharing or court production.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Document ID Format | Auto-generate using matter code and sequence number. |
| Retention Tagging | Auto-assign based on matter type or custom intake answers. |
| Approval Routing | Route to supervising partner for final sign-off automatically. |
| Authentication Level | Require firm SSO or two-factor for approvals. |
Check integrations, storage formats, and authentication options before choosing an eSignature or archive platform.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA) | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year limit | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
Begins on matter open or effective date, depending on firm policy.
Conduct periodic reviews at retention milestones to confirm disposal or extension.
Preserve records immediately upon notice of litigation to avoid spoliation.
Respond to client records requests in a timely manner per engagement terms.
Retain records through applicable limitation periods relevant to the matter type.
Optica moved routine client documents online to simplify execution and retrieval.
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