Matter closure

Matter closure

FORTHCOMING CHANGE: In October 2025, the SRA applied to the Legal Services Board (LSB) for approval of changes to its regulatory arrangements relating to first-tier complaints. The changes include a requirement to provide complaints information in writing to clients when their matter concludes, as well as at other key stages. The changes will come into force three months from the date of LSB approval. See: LNB News 15/10/2025 41.

Closing a client matter properly is a basic client care, risk management and housekeeping requirement. There are also regulatory and best practice issues to consider.

This subtopic contains guidance and tools to assist with closing client matters.

Regulatory requirements

The SRA requires you to show that you provide services to clients in a manner which protects their interests in their matter, subject to the proper administration of justice.

The SRA Standards and Regulations 2019 are not prescriptive about how you might do this.

However, if you are Lexcel accredited you will need to perform a concluding risk assessment.

General procedure

It is good practice to have a matter closing procedure that:

•
ensures the client is properly

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