matter-close

Closing a litigation matter involves capturing the resolution outcome, final exposure, and lessons learned, then updating the log status to closed and appending a closing section to the matter file for safe archival. This preserves auditability while removing it from active tracking.

Matter closure supports several resolution types including settled, dismissed, judgments for or against, withdrawn, consolidated, and other. You must declare the resolution type and date, along with final exposure details, to properly complete the closing workflow.

Matter closure documents the final cost or exposure and, when available, compares it against the initial intake exposure range to calculate reserve accuracy. This final exposure accounting ensures portfolio records reflect the true financial outcome of the resolved case.

Non-lawyer roles can initiate matter closure, but the workflow prompts for an attorney review before finalizing consequential updates. This validation gate ensures proper oversight before the matter status is changed and archived.

The workflow verifies the matter slug exists in the log file and requires explicit confirmation before writing any consequential close updates. These safety gates prevent accidental or unauthorized closure of active litigation matters.

Archiving a matter updates the log file to closed status, appends a dated entry to the history file, and adds a closing block to the matter file. The matter remains on disk for future filtering and portfolio analysis.