Skip to main content

Data retention policy

The firm

Your Data will be kept for certain periods after your retainer with us has terminated. The periods for which we will retain Your Data depends on the practice area under which we provided our services to you. The periods are as follows:

Practice areaRetention period
Abortive transaction/matter did not proceedDiscretionary decision by Legal Staff and Supervising Partner (for example, if no engagement letter was sent or received) – 1 year as a guide.
Beneficiary information/data7 years, unless there is a will trust, in which case until the trust end date plus 7 years.
Corporate Commercial12 years or longer if it involves complex issues.
Criminal7 to 15 years (depending on the seriousness of the crime) or longer if a life or indeterminate sentences have been imposed.
Docusign, Inc. dataDocument and draft envelope retention periods 30 days.
Employment7 years.
Family15 or 21 years (for example, if children are involved).
Leasehold and Tenancy (including leasehold extension)15 years.
Litigation12 years or longer if necessary (for example, if you are disabled).
Medical Negligence15 years or longer if it involves children or complex issues (for example, lifetime or provisional damages being awarded).
Personal Injury7 to 15 years or longer depending on the complexity of the case (for example, lifetime or provisional damages being awarded), the seriousness of the injury or if children are involved.
Private Client (non-litigious)7 years.
Property Purchase and Mortgage15 years.
Property Re-Mortgage15 years.
Property Sales12 years.
TrustsFor the duration of the trust and then an additional 7 years.
Wills and ProbateIndefinitely (if in keeping with a will or trust) or 21 years.

Any data held to comply with our obligations under anti-money laundering regulations as may be in force will be held for five years from the date of the last active matter’s file closure, with a long stop date of 10 years.

Please note that we may keep Your Data for longer than the above periods if necessary. However, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If we determine that it is necessary to keep Your Data for longer than the periods listed above, we will confirm this to you in writing at the end of our retainer with you and explain why it is necessary.

Stay in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay in touch

By completing your details and submitting this form you confirm you are happy for us to send you marketing communications and that you agree to our Website Privacy Policy and Legal Notice and to us using Mailchimp to process your data.


Sending

News/Insight

  • Supporting neurodiverse people in family law matters
    Understanding neurodiversity in the legal context.


    Read more
  • Supreme court ruling on referees’ employment status
    In PGMOL v HMRC, the Supreme Court considered whether professional referees were self-employed. The case has the potential for far-reaching implications across the employment world.


    Read more
  • Business First Magazine
    Read our expert insights on key workplace and corporate issues.


    Read more
  • Why is clear contract drafting important?
    How simple contract clauses can protect your business.


    Read more
  • Ensuring equality: A legal guide to responsibilities and compliance
    Understanding equal opportunities in the workplace


    Read more

What they say...

  • Anon, April 2025
    “Whistleblowing dismissal claim and settlement negotiations I can not speak highly enough of this firm and [Patrick Simpson], they were not only understanding of my case needs they also worked with the up most integrity and professionalism to e

  • Patrick, April 2025
    “We had a long process handled by Charlotte & James from RIAA Barker Gillette. Even though we were outside the UK Charlotte & James we’re always available and we developed a great working relationship with them.They gave sound advice,

  • Leann Paris, March 2025
    “From the beginning to the end, the support we have received throughout the case with all the staff members has been far more than we expected, we got kept up to date with every single matter, I have had stressful few years but Charlotte and he

  • C Smith, March 2025
    “As executor of a will it was a relief for a solicitor to act on my behalf as though no disputes it was still a lengthy and complex process. It was dealt with mostly by Charlotte B. who kept me informed at all times. She explained the process c

  • Marc, March 2025
    “RIAA Barker Gillette were engaged to handle a real estate transaction with unusual circumstances. As a non-UK resident unfamiliar with English conveyancing procedures, I felt completely satisfied with the depth of the information and explanati

Read more