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E Knox  
#1 Posted : 15 November 2011 11:44:40(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
E Knox

Currently looking at long ongoing problems faced by our Solicitors when moving and handling large numbers of legal files to/from court and between courts. Its a particular problem for the Children and Family legal team as they have to move up to 10 large files at a time. As well as carting them from their car to the courts, stairs are an issue at some of the local courts they attend. We've gone through the assessment process - there doesn't seem any way of removing the need by adopting electronic transfer (courts/other solicitors won't accept it) and given the Jarndyce -v- Jarndyce world of court procedures, and current financial cut backs modernisation of data transfer is unlikely anytime soon. Providing additional staff is not feasible and they already use couriers where practicable. Because of the nature of the contents and strict security issues it is difficult splitting the loads. The only other options seems to be a better design of trolley or bag. (Currently they seem to be using a selection of large wheeled suitcases) and possibly lighter, more flexible file covers. Anyone come across some innovative solutions, useful trolley or bag designs etc? This has to be a countrywide problem. All assistance gratefully received.
David Bannister  
#2 Posted : 15 November 2011 12:32:55(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
David Bannister

Use "royal mail delivery trolleys" on an internet search and loads of results come up.
chris42  
#3 Posted : 16 November 2011 08:38:22(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

On Mondays young apprentice tv program one of the items they were selling was a designer version of a shopping trolley. This thing folded down to go in the boot of a car and the main part could hold 40 Litres (I think). Seemed to be priced anywhere between £80 and £125. I guess you may be able to watch the program on the BBC's iplayer. This could do the trick.
chris.packham  
#4 Posted : 16 November 2011 08:42:18(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris.packham

Your posting mentions stairs. At an exhibition a while ago I saw a trolley with special wheelsets that enabled it to negotiate stairs easily. An Internet search may reveal a source of these. Chris
GeoffB4  
#5 Posted : 16 November 2011 16:49:15(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
GeoffB4

How about laptops gradually phasing out a lot of the paper - now there's a novel thought! Have done a substantial amount of manual handling training for the Courts Service and last year they were still using sharp pins for holding documents together so not sure now enthusiastic they are in changing their working arrangements.
Accidentia  
#6 Posted : 16 November 2011 20:48:45(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Accidentia

Two points: Firstly, paper files are being phased out. Brother-in-law (literally!) works as a barrister in London. The courts are beginning to work entirely with digital trial bundles he tells me. Secondly, I work for a firm of solicitors and my colleagues use tubular aluminium folding sack trucks to cart around large bundles of files. These trucks are very light, about 4-5kg unladen and cost c.£100. A google search should identify suppliers.
E Knox  
#7 Posted : 19 November 2011 23:04:36(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
E Knox

Some good suggestions here for me to follow up. Unfortunately the obvious phasing out of paper doesn't look likely to happen any time soon (at least in this region). Although our Legal section have got the ability to produce digital trial bundles, acceptance is currently limited.
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