For records sought pursuant to subpoena, court order, summons, or regarding matters that are in litigation or likely to become the subject of litigation, the custodian must immediately advise appropriate legal counsel. Records may only be released outside the Postal Service on advice of counsel. Postal Service regulations concerning providing records subject to legal proceedings are contained in 39 CFR 265.11–13.
Legal holds are required to preserve Postal Service records for the purposes of pending or anticipated litigation. The Office of General Counsel is responsible for issuing Legal Hold Notices to ensure that relevant Postal Service records are preserved and for issuing Release Notices when the legal hold is lifted.
