Court file-size limits: plan early instead of panicking at upload

The “file too large” message rarely surprises - it only arrives too late. Firms that know typical portal limits and build packs against that number early keep quality reserves. Everyone else compresses blindly in the final hour.

Limits are local and change

Whole pack, single file, sometimes page count or number of attachments: parameters differ. An internal list with source and date of the information prevents myths (“court X always allows 20 MB”). When unsure, assume conservatively and use a test upload off-deadline if the portal allows.

Limit checklist

• Current limit for this portal noted?
• Raw pack size measured before optimisation?
• Levers prioritised: empty pages, colour, image resolution, then compression.
• Quality sample after reduction.
• Split plan ready if compression is not enough.
• Time buffer for a second attempt booked.

Quality levers in a sensible order

First shrink structurally (empty pages, needless exhibits). Then colour to grey where possible. Then targeted image compression. Finally split. Starting with maximum JPEG destruction loses readability before other levers are used.

LexLogik bundles compression and splitting in the browser so teams can test levers in sequence without losing files between programs.

Early warning in the matter plan

Once large packs are foreseeable, diary a size review days before the deadline. Limits can differ between first instance and appeal - compare.

Save successful reduction paths as a short matter note. Require a second person below a defined margin under the limit.

Lever priority

Empty pages and needless exhibits first, then colour, then image compression, finally split. Blind maximum JPEG in the final hour is the costliest path.

Ownership

Office managers can require a second person below a defined margin under the limit. Partners should not launch deadline mega-packs only in the evening.

Early size warning on the matter

Once exhibit packs look large, diary a size review days before the deadline - not on upload evening. In parallel: target size and portal rule in the matter note.

Size budget on the deadline plan

On large exhibit matters, diary a size budget (target MB per pack) beside the substantive deadline. Blow the budget three days early and you still have time to split or drop selective colour. Measure only on the evening and you compress in panic. The budget steers assistants and associates alike.

Define escalation: who decides on split or dropping colour when the size budget breaks? Without an escalation owner, assistants decide alone under pressure. A named role calms deadline evening.

Early warning to counsel

When assistants see the size budget breaking, they ping responsible counsel immediately - not only in the evening. Early escalation enables substance priority (which exhibits truly need colour). Panic compression is usually too late for good decisions.

Record the decision and responsible person in one line on the matter note. That shortens queries and makes quality transferable across cover. Small notes beat long rework after a failed portal attempt. Matter anchor: content day 28.

Court file-size limits reward planning and punish panic compression. Know the limits, measure early and protect quality on critical pages, and you avoid emergency chopping. Portal rules are part of matter management.