An Introduction to Legal Size File Jackets
Legal size file jackets are a specialized storage solution for legal documents that help to keep them organized and easily accessible. These file jackets are an ideal choice for law firms and other offices that handle large amounts of paper on a daily basis. Legal size file jackets are different from regular file folders in that they have a wider and longer opening that enables the user to quickly slide papers in and out. Legal size file jackets also have reinforced edges that prevent them from wearing out too quickly, which can be a problem with other types of file storage solutions.
Legal size file jackets are typically available in two sizes, 9-by-15 inches and 11-by-17 inches , making them compatible with letter size and legal size paper. They are made from high-quality paper and are designed to be acid-free, which is important to prevent deterioration and damage. Legal size file jackets are also available in colors such as manila and assorted pastel shades, making them easy to identify and organize.
Legal size file jackets come in a variety of capacities, from 1 to 6 inches, which corresponds to the number of sheets of paper they can hold. The larger the capacity, the thicker the papers that can be stored in the legal size file jacket, allowing users to make more efficient use of space.
Overall, legal size file jackets are a durable and convenient storage solution for legal documents and other papers that need to be organized and maintained in an efficient, space-saving manner.
Advantages of Legal Size File Jackets
When it comes to organization, legal size file jackets provide an efficient solution for storing and preserving important documents. One of the main advantages of using legal size file jackets is their ability to keep documents together. Legal sized jackets typically offer a variety of ways to group numerous documents without risking damage to the originals. Simply adding a hole in the bottom of your jacket allows you to store documents that are adhered to each other vertically or horizontally.
Another advantage of using legal size file jackets is the protection they provide to your documents. The durable, acid-free paper material helps keep the contents intact and free from damage. From protecting your docs from light to moisture, file jackets are a great solution for making sure your documents stay in good condition for years to come.
Legal size file jackets are extremely versatile. Keeping your documents in legal size file jackets can make retrieving information much simpler because you know precisely where to find it. Legal size file jackets can be easily labelled, making it easy to keep track of which document is which. With the various ways to sort and organize the documents that legal size file jackets offers, no legal sized document should be stored without one.
Legal Size File Jacket Materials and Longevity
Legal size file jackets are commonly made in a variety of materials that affect their usability and durability. The most common materials are pressboard, manila, and poly or polypropylene.
Pressboard, which is commonly used to construct a manila file jacket, is a stiff board typically formed from recycled paper. Pressboard file jackets are sturdy, but they can be susceptible to tearing, rips, and punctures if not given proper care.
Manila is another common material used to construct legal size file jackets. Manila is commonly used for file folders, file jackets, and various record storage solutions. Manila file jackets adopt the characteristic buff hue and have a long life expectancy. Manila has the color of brown paper, but more enduring. Manilla is made from fibers of abaca, a member of the banana family; thus, manila is naturally biodegradable.
Poly (or polypropylene) is a particularly durable polymer often used in file supplies such as wallets, envelopes, pouches, and sheeting. Poly has the tinsel strength of steel, so it does not tear, fold, or crack, even under extreme conditions. Because of its durability, poly can be conveniently recycled if repaired, reconditioned, or re-used.
Each of these materials can be used to hold various types of documents, including contracts, receipts, legal briefs, and correspondence. Depending on the expected level of use, one of these materials may be more suitable than the others.
How to Choose the Right Legal Size File Jackets for Your Needs
When selecting legal size file jackets, you should consider the following factors:
Usage Needs
What you will be using the legal size file jackets for will play a major role in your selection. For example, will they be used to hold filing documents together, used as an envelope for holding loose papers or as a protective cover for legal documents? Will they be used for both client filing and for a specific case? Answering these questions will help you select the legal size file jackets that will work best for you.
Capacity
You should also determine how many legal size sheets of paper you want each legal sized file jacket to hold. Legal sizes papers can be up to 8.5 by 14 inches in size, and usually come in a variety of thinness or thickness. When intake documents are held together with the jacket, you want to make sure the legal size filing jackets are not already too full to receive additional documents.
Material Type
Legal size file jackets come in a variety of different material types. You will want to choose the best one based on what you will be using them for and whether you just need basic, inexpensive file jackets or something sturdier and more rigid to provide better protection.
Tips for Organizing with Legal Size File Jackets
When it comes to organizing your legal documents, the key is consistency. Legal size file jackets come in a variety of options, including those with and without flaps, which allow for different filing systems and methods of organization.
The most important organizational tip is to ensure that your cases or matters are filed together in the same file jacket, and when using multiple file jackets, it is most helpful to append the file jackets together with brads and tying string. This system can be helpful for large matters with multiple parties involved so that all parties see the same information. The information in the file jackets may include both active and inactive files. Inactive files are still important, although not used on a day to day basis. Inactive files should be clearly marked as to what is inactive. Active files should be separated by matter or case. For example, one may separate the sub-categories of "land use" within a larger "real estate" category or subdivision. Clear labels to help identify documents are easily adhered to the outside of the file jacket. Effective use of color-coded filing systems tend to make the filing process more efficient. For example, using green for compensated matters, yellow for pro bono matters, blue for government agency matters, etc.
Legal size file jackets may also be categorized in strict chronological order or in reverse chronological order, which allows practitioners to view the most recent documents first. Another important organizational tip is to prioritize the files in accordance with your firm’s’s preferences (for example, putting the most active matters as the first category), or to alphabetize by case name. Lastly, one may decide to use both alphabetical and chronological organizational systems for filing.
Budget-Friendly Legal Size File Jackets
Finding cost-effective sources for legal size file jackets can save your business money and help you manage your budget more efficiently. With a little research, you can find durable jackets that are both practical and attractive, without breaking the bank. Here are some useful tips to locate the most economical options:
Many people don’t consider using online channels to purchase office products, but without a visit to a local office supply store or department store, it’s possible to find just about any necessary legal size file jackets for your office needs. This is especially true if you’re looking for a large quantity of them.
For instance, e-commerce websites such as Amazon.com offer many different types of file jackets in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes. Hundreds of them are listed by the sellers on the site. You can search online according to brand, type, color and size in order to find the right fit for your company. You also have the added advantage of reading through product reviews from other buyers who have already purchased and used the products.
Another good option is eBay, another online marketplace . It provides buyers with access to substantial savings on the purchase of office supplies. While eBay is a third-party marketplace, you can still communicate with the seller to ask questions, or ask for a price reduction if you plan to make a bulk purchase.
If you need a large quantity of legal size file jackets, buying in bulk can definitely save you a lot of money. However, it’s important to buy only from a dependable source that you can trust, so you don’t end up with compromised products.
One of the best ways to find the most reasonably-priced options for bulk buys is by searching for "wholesalers," who are merchants that sell goods directly from the manufacturer. Sometimes they receive a discount on products, which they pass on to their customers.
Before committing to any purchases, check your options thoroughly to be sure they’re from reputable sellers. If you’re purchasing from a third-party marketplace such as Amazon or eBay, check the ratings, reviews, and available buyer information for the wholesaler or private seller.
Additionally, many of these, if not all, provide guarantees for bulk purchases, in case you receive faulty items or there are issues with your order.
Top Mistakes When Using Legal Size File Jackets
Common mistakes when it comes to legal size file jackets include not taking into account the size, material or ability to expand of these folders. For larger documents, grossly over stuffing a file may cause damage to the folder itself as well as the documents within. It is recommended you purchase an expandable due to the ability for the jacket to expand and the ability to offer larger than usual accommodations. Avoid overfilling these folders by following the instructions on the capacity of these folders. These guidelines can be found in the packing slip and on the folder itself. It is common for users to place too many documents in a folder ultimately causing the folder to rip or tear and subjecting the documents to further wear and tear that can result in the end of their preservation.
When storing documents in a legal size file jacket it is important you ensure the documents are thoroughly dry before placing them in a folder. When a folder is filled with damp paperwork it can cause the files to mold and crumble costing you a hefty sum to have them restored. To preserve documents, ensure they are 100% dry before storage. Waterproof boxes are a great option for a safe place to store your files.
Using the wrong folder for your documents can cause untold damage as well. Be sure to place documents in a legal size file jacket if you are appropriately sized to ensure they do not get damaged!
Legal Size File Jackets: Environmental Considerations
When choosing office supplies like legal size file jackets, making environmentally conscious choices is important. These legal size file folders and jackets are generally made of durable materials like high-quality chipboard and acid-free paper. As with most paper and cardboard-based products, legal size file jackets are recyclable. Manufacturers are increasingly choosing to replace recycled fibers from a variety of sources where possible. Repurposing agricultural products like sugarcane and palm fronds can reduce the need to chop down trees. Many legal size file folders are made from recycled agricultural fiber without sacrificing the strength and quality needed for heavy work tasks. Certain manufacturers have even developed a special type of paper that appears to be handcrafted by artisans and painstakingly dyed for vibrant color. In addition to being visually appealing, this paper is a responsible choice for the environment.
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
By making informed choices when it comes to legal size file jackets, law firms can see the benefits of organization, protection, space and time savings, and professionalism . Legal size file jackets are the silent workhorse your documents need to ensure quick access and accurate filing. Both your staff and your clients will be grateful you made the right call.