The SRA expects solicitors to maintain an unbroken chain of custody over client files at all times. A relocation is the single highest-risk moment in a file's life. Here is how to do it without breaching SRA Principles 5 or 7.
Confidentiality
Every operative on a legal job carries enhanced DBS. Copies are provided to the COLP or risk partner before work starts.
Sealed crate system
Files transferred in sealed, numbered crates. Each crate logged in a register at decant, signed for at transport, signed for at delivery. Audit trail is included in your close-out pack.
Overnight delivery model
Most City and Magic Circle moves run 18:00 Friday to 06:00 Monday. Reception reopens Monday morning with the archive fully operational.
Insurance
£10M public liability and £5M professional indemnity as standard. Higher cover provided in writing on request.
Post-move audit
File count reconciled against the pre-move register before sign-off. Discrepancies — virtually unheard of with the sealed-crate system — investigated immediately.