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.
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.

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

  • Converting commercial property into homes: what the latest planning changes mean
    Converting offices and other commercial buildings into homes can create opportunities, but planning rules are only part of the picture. We explain the latest changes and the legal issues property owners, developers and buyers should consider before p


    Read more
  • Closing the AI skills gap
    Learn how SMEs can close the AI skills gap through practical staff training, checking AI outputs, protecting sensitive data and setting clear policies.


    Read more
  • What’s in a letter: Why one small change can spell big trouble for your brand
    Can changing one letter really protect your business name? Peter Moody examines recent trade mark disputes involving FLOWERBX and Vogue, and what businesses can learn about protecting their brands.


    Read more
  • Service charge disputes in mixed-use properties: who is responsible for what?
    Service charges in mixed-use properties can lead to disagreements between landlords, residential leaseholders and commercial tenants. We explore their legal rights, a recent Court of Appeal decision and how disputes can be resolved.


    Read more
  • The do’s and don’ts of using AI in your business
    AI can help businesses improve efficiency and make informed decisions, but it also comes with risks. Explore the key do’s and don’ts of using AI responsibly, including data protection, legal considerations and the importance of human oversight.


    Read more

What they say...

  • Rahul Khanna, October 2026
    Thank you – excellent service “Thank you so much to Qaiser, Vinay and Alex, who were extremely helpful throughout a long-running and complex matter. I really appreciated their clear advice and support.”

  • Client, October 2026
    Feedback “I engaged Karen Cole at RIAA Barker Gillette to support me through a grievance process and help me navigate discussions with my employer. From the outset, Karen provided clear, pragmatic advice and took the time to explain my options,

  • Bryan E, September 2026
    Absolutely outstanding “This firm is super professional, efficient and friendly at the same time. You could not wish for a better service. I have used them for my Will and a range of other matters over many years. I’ve found all the vario

  • Jan Norris, September 2026
    Excellent Service “Charlotte Barbaroussis has prepared our wills, LPAs and a discretionary trust. She was professional, kind and patient throughout. A very fine person to have looking after us.”

  • Brian Nunan, August 2026
    “I dealt with the group for many years, and no matter which solicitor I used, the results were always the same. Excellent!”

Read more