Legastat is a business with foundations built on paper reproductions. Seventy years ago, well before the digital age, our printing presses would run through the night, producing legal bundles for hearings the following day at the RCJ. The introduction of digital solutions has seen a change in our client's working practices. It was during the pandemic however that we saw a change in our client's requirements, resulting in reduced paper bundles and an acceleration towards adopting electronic court bundles. While eBundles clearly have a place in the future of legal practice and provide a range of benefits over their analogue counterparts, we are now seeing a return to demand for the paper bundle as work practices continue to evolve. In this article, we examine why this may be the case.
In an age where digital innovation permeates every aspect of our lives, the legal profession stands at a curious crossroads. While eBundles, AI, and electronic disclosure revolutionise evidence presentation, the sight of witnesses and counsel clutching lever arch files in recent coverage of the Covid-19 public inquiry was a stark reminder of the enduring allure of the paper bundle. So, why does this seemingly archaic method refuse to bow out in the digital era? Let's explore seven compelling reasons.
1. The Tactile Connection
The physical act of flipping through pages, underlining key passages, and jotting down marginal notes creates an interactive experience that digital documents struggle to replicate. This tactile engagement isn't just about preference; it's about how we process information. There's a reason why a seasoned solicitor, thumbing through a well-worn file, can quickly locate a crucial piece of evidence. The physical interaction with paper aids memory and comprehension in ways that scrolling through a PDF file on a tablet simply cannot.
2. Dependable and Ever-Ready
Technology, for all its advancements, has its Achilles' heel – reliability. Paper, on the other hand, is unfailingly dependable. It doesn't require a power source, isn't plagued by compatibility issues, and remains immune to the whims of software updates. In the high-stakes realm of legal proceedings, the certainty that a document will be available when needed, without the fear of technical glitches, is invaluable.
3. A Map for Memory
The human brain has a remarkable ability to recall information based on its physical location. A lawyer might not remember a case detail offhand, but they can often recall precisely where it is located in their bundle. This spatial memory is a powerful tool in legal practice, where the ability to quickly reference specific information can be crucial.
4. The Weight of Tradition
In a field as steeped in history as law, tradition is not just a backdrop; it's a living, breathing aspect of everyday practice. The paper bundle, with its centuries-old lineage, is more than just a collection of documents; it's a symbol of the solemnity and gravitas of the legal profession. This emotional and psychological connection to tradition plays a non-trivial role in the preference for paper.
5. A Respite from the Digital World
As we navigate a world increasingly dominated by screens, the allure of a non-digital experience becomes more pronounced. The paper bundle offers a welcome respite for legal professionals who spend a significant portion of their day in front of computers. This break from screen time is not just a relief for the eyes; it's a different mode of engagement with information.
6. Privacy and Security in a Digital Age
In an era where digital security breaches are increasingly common, the confidentiality afforded by a physical document can offer a significant advantage. Paper bundles, locked in a cabinet or secured in a briefcase, provide a level of security against hacking and digital surveillance that electronic documents cannot guarantee. Just don't leave your file on the train.
7. The Sensory Experience
Finally, the sensory aspects of paper – the feel, the smell, the sound of pages turning – contribute to a more immersive and effectual reading experience. These sensory cues can enhance understanding and retention of information, a subtle yet significant advantage in the detail-oriented world of law.
Looking Ahead
While it's undeniable that digital tools offer efficiency and innovation, the paper bundle's continued relevance is a testament to its unique strengths. In the legal world, where every detail matters, paper's blend of tradition, sensory engagement, and reliability remains unmatched.
Paper and digital methods will undoubtedly continue to coexist, each playing to their strengths. The paper bundle, far from being a relic of the past, remains a vital tool in the legal professional's arsenal, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
At Legastat, we have 70 years of experience in Legal Reprographics. If you want to learn more about our services, please get in touch today.
