Q: When the client of a lawyer requests a copy of his file, is lawyer required to supply that either hard copy or digital
A:
Yes. Whether the file is maintained as a hard copy file or in electronic format, the lawyer is required to provide the client's file to the client upon request.
A lawyer is not required to keep a copy of the client's file after the engagement has ended. The lawyer is required to offer to return any originals in the lawyer's possession to the client once an engagement has ended.
I usually scan originals and return them to the client during my representation so that I do not have any originals in my file when my representation ends. I customarily advise my client to let me know within 30 days of the conclusion of my representation if there is anything in my file they may want. I do not agree to store the client's file beyond that time but, if I happen to have it or parts of it after that 30 days has elapsed, I will provide it to the client upon request.
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