A client you no longer represent contacts you - he wants his file, he says. Let's assume that, for whatever reason, you'd rather not turn everything over to him. Maybe he fired you and switched to a different lawyer. Maybe he owes you money.

Do the contents belong to you? To him? What are you obliged to give up after the representation ends? The short answer: in Illinois, clients own briefs and other "end products" of the matter, but lawyers control early drafts and notes. Find out more in the November Illinois Bar Journal.