Legal archiving on Drive: organise your firm's case files
A useful archive helps you find the right document and understand its context.
A useful archive helps you find the right document and understand its context. In Annalise, Drive filing can connect a matter with its documents and stages of work. The following method is an organisational proposal to adapt to your firm's own practice.
Choose a consistent folder structure
Assign each matter a unique reference. Separate received evidence, correspondence, procedural documents, drafts and approved versions. Avoid placing copies of the same file in several folders. In a family matter, for example, financial evidence and correspondence serve different purposes and deserve distinct locations. Structure the archive around those purposes rather than the person who uploaded each file.
Name files and identify versions
A name such as “2026-09-27_reference_submissions_v03_draft” makes the date, matter and status visible before opening the document. Keep the approved version clearly identifiable. Review automatic filing when clients share a name or one email discusses multiple matters. Remember that a file's creation date may differ from the date of the original evidence.
Review closure and sharing
At closure, check for missing documents, review sharing permissions and locate final versions. Document a retention policy based on the obligations applicable to your practice; an “archived” status does not establish a legal retention period. Test retrieval using an old document's reference and confirm that only authorised people can open it.
Start with one pilot matter. A durable structure is one another team member can understand without explanation and the firm can maintain consistently.
ANNALISE
A useful archive helps you find the right document and understand its context.