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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.
Complaints10 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.

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What they say...

  • Paul Woodman, March 2026
    Will writing “Excellent service from start to finish. Efficient and good value. Charlotte was very professional, knowledgeable and understanding.”

  • Client, March 2026
    Great Service “Contacted RIAA to update my will and other things. Charlotte and James provided an efficient, friendly service, and the process was dealt with quickly. Much appreciated.”

  • Client, March 2026
    Expert knowledge and support “Pippa was invaluable in her insight, knowledge, and support. Through what is a very difficult time, she gave me hope that there is something to be done. Very solutions-oriented!”

  • Eve, March 2026
    Professional, compassionate and seamless legal support “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Charlotte, Solicitor at RIAA Barker Gillette (UK) LLP, for the outstanding support she provided to my father during the creation of his will

  • Laura Kelly, February 2026
    Review of legal guidance received “I recently worked with Patrick Simpson on my settlement agreement. Patrick guided me through every stage with exceptional care and diligence. He kept the process moving efficiently, always updating me promptly

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