Bond Paper Defined
A well regarded, 20lb. bond paper should be the standard for the paper you use for your legal documents.
Bond paper is a generic term that describes writing, printing, and copying paper. Many believe that bond paper originates its name from John Dickinson, an American businessman and papermaker who went into business at the age of 24 in the year 1772.
The bond paper was produced using high rags content which were separated and bleached. Rags used to be cotton or linen, in some cases softwood was used as a substitute. John Dickinson made paper suitable to write letters on, which has led to it being used for writing stock certificates, legal papers and letterhead stationary.
In today’s market bond paper is typically made of coniferous pulp wood that is not bleached . It is also sized with a fine clay coating to improve ink holdout. Bond paper is generally manufactured and sold in high volume making it very inexpensive. This type of paper is also known for being thin and durable, which gives it a soft feel. Bond paper is available with or without a watermark, though most writing paper salespeople will attempt to sell you the watermarked version.
In most cases bond paper is chosen whenever a fine quality paper is desired for office projects. It is typically used for business forms and by organizations. Pastel colors are offered by companies to complement corporate logos and add a soft touch. One of the more common uses for colored bond paper is stationary for short informal correspondence.
The Role of Bond Paper in Legal Documents
While some may think the choice of paper for consistent legal work product is a trivial issue, bond paper is still the best paper of choice for a couple reasons; it is significantly more durable (measured in terms of breakage, splitting, tearing, and blistering), its weight is more consistent in overall dryness, and it is cost effective. Bond paper is also the paper of choice as far as municipal and state government law office requirements. Perhaps that is because it is the preferred stock for legal textbooks, which have been printed using this paper since the late 1600s – the establishment of the Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania. As a practical matter, this has given rise to consistency in format. For these reasons alone, bond paper is the paper of choice for printing legal documents. In that respect, the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) states: "The consistent use of bond paper when preparing legal documents will ensure a professional appearance and will prevent deterioration of the document. When care and replication are desired, bond paper should be used." And, for the record, legality requires that all legal acceptances and instruments of writing be published in the newspaper or other periodicals which have been printed on bond. Indeed, bond paper is the law firm paper of choice for most law offices.
Bond Paper vs. Other Common Paper Types
When it comes to choosing paper, understanding the differences in weight and thickness is just as important as knowing about quality levels. Paper can feel around the same, but this does not mean it is of equivalent quality. A thicker bond paper may feel soft like a fine paper but not be as high quality. Paper specifications are usually listed on the packaging in terms of basic weight, which is the weight of 500 sheets of 17"x22" paper in a mill plus basis size weight (a standard measurement of the stock from which the 17"x22" sheets are made). For example, the basic weight of Deadweight™ White paper is 24 lb/89 gsm, so every ream of 500 sheets of 8.5"x11" Deadweight™ weighs 24 lb. It’s a great indicator to use when comparing identical sheet sizes of different paper stocks. A high basic weight indicates a quality product, as less expensive paper weighs less and is thinner.
Bond or uncoated paper is paper made from mechanical pulp and prepared without a polymer coating. This paper type is used for everyday documents and general use such as business correspondence and letterhead. It is also used for the temporary storage of library materials as well as general-purpose photocopying. Bond has a higher basis weight than other forms of uncoated paper and has a yellow-white tint. Compared to other paper types, bond is more durable and dependable. There are several types of bond paper. Legal paper is a very readable, inexpensive, translucent paper that is highly opaque. This opacity makes it ideal for printing one-sided documents without color bleed-through and is also perfect for confidential internal documents and memos. Butcher paper, which is tinted yellow, is a higher quality, inexpensive paper used for interior signage, notices and other similar items. Recycled paper contains at least 30 percent recycled fiber content.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Bond Paper for Legal Purposes
When deciding what bond paper to use for your legal documents, consider the following:
Paper weight / thickness. Bond paper comes in a variety of weights — the most common being 16, 20, 24 and 28-pounds. In general, a heavier weight is more durable and comfortable for the reader’s eyes. Keep in mind, though, that you have to strike a balance between using a heavy weight paper that presents well and is economical to mail.
Brightness. Brightness doesn’t really affect print quality, but it can impact how readable the text is, in both digital and print formats. A high brightness paper gets you clearer , sharper contrast between the text and the page background, resulting in crisp print quality. Brightness is measured on a 1 -100 scale, with 84-88 being the norm.
Size. You’ll want to evaluate the size of the paper you want to use based on the type of legal work and document you’ll be sending. Here’s a quick overview of the most commonly used:
Think about the different forms and other documents you need to have printed and how large or small they all are. It may pay you to stick with just one type and size of bond paper — that can make all the other decisions easier.
Recommended Brands and Sources for Bond Paper
Leading brand names in bond papers include 32#, Neenah, and Hammermill. Again, your best bet is to go with a leading brand for the 20# bond or 24# bond paper. The 32# bonds are designed for a wide printing surface (and possibly not your best read) unless you intend on immediately scanning the content after signing. The paper can be quite good for internal documents but may or may not be that readily accepted by the Court. While there are many sources for bond paper including your local Staples® store or OfficeMax® store, most of the time your law firm supply vendor, office supplier, or ranging enterprise will have 20# stock bond paper available for a reasonable cost. As for where to buy bond paper, I have found that Costco® offers inexpensive bond paper for use in Law Offices. Sells in boxes of 10 reams at an excellent price!
Common Sense Uses for Bond Paper in Law
When deciding on the right bond paper for legal documents, there are several practical tips to consider. For example, when printing on bond paper, you may need to adjust the printing equipment to ensure that the ink adheres properly. Some printers require special settings for bond paper, so be sure to check the printer’s manual before printing to avoid any issues.
Another practical tip is to handle bond paper carefully to avoid damaging it. Even though bond paper is durable, it can still be creased or wrinkled if not handled properly. Always handle bond paper with clean, dry hands and avoid touching the surface of the paper as much as possible . If you need to store bond paper, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to prevent damage.
In addition to these tips, it is also important to consider the cost of bond paper. While it is typically more expensive than standard copy paper, there are a variety of options available at different price points. Be sure to do your research and compare prices before making a decision, as this can help you save money while still getting quality bond paper.
In conclusion, bond paper is a high-quality option for legal documents that can help to create a professional appearance. By following these practical tips for printing, handling, and storing bond paper, you can ensure that your legal documents remain in top condition for years to come.