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ConsciousLaw Newsletter : Issue 22

David GilroySo here we are - late January 2009 already - LDPs on their way, and the economy is still down on its uppers. I spent an afternoon at Chancery Lane last week at the Epoq "Making Money while you Sleep" seminar that they ran in conjunction with Pannone. This was also a soft launch of the MyLawyer.co.uk network which also includes Nelsons Solicitors LLP, a client of ours. Nelsons have already launched their online legal document service (follow the link from http:/www.nelsonslaw.co.uk). I believe the Epoq technology solution is radically going to change the way consumers interact with law firms. The BBC were there filming the event and it was also featured on Radio 4 Law in Action yesterday.

I'm exactly the kind of "keyboard aware" consumer of legal services who does not want to pay a lawyer to type name and address details into a document and charge me for the privilege. Let me do what I can myself (i.e. the data entry) and you focus on the law: the outcome should be lower costs, lower charges, increased volume and better margin. I'm not trying to preach to anyone here, but in my opinion it's just common sense that certain types of legal transactions should be prepared in this way in this increasingly "connected" world.

In fact, this very subject is a fundamental topic in Richard Susskind's new book "The End of Lawyers; Rethinking the Nature of Legal Services". Richard very kindly sent me a copy of the book to review and I have been diligently reading it, honest! It's pretty heavy going but, as you would expect if you've read any of his other books, very well researched! I'll publish the review in my next newsletter.

I hope you enjoy the articles in this issue, go on, have a go at the crossword (see the ever-popular "The fun bit at the End").

Regs….David.
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In this issue:


 

The web changes everything - a 1998 view

1998 calendarWhilst surfing the web the other day I came across a fascinating old article on the Legal Technology Insider website reporting on the then, Robson Rhodes Legal Survey. Here's part of the report "over 80 percent say the only reason they developed a web site was to improve the image or profile of the firm and 45 percent also admit keeping up with the competition was a primary motivation." I wonder what has changed in the last 11 years? Read the article.

Peekaboo! Who's looking at your website?

Google Analytics logoI assume you are running Google Analytics (which is free) or some other statistics tool on your website. One of the questions I often get asked is "who's looking at our website" i.e. is it possible to identify the person or company who is using my website even though the person has not registered. Surprisingly the answer is "yes" - at least some of the time! Look at the Network Location report within Google Analytics. It's accessed via Visitors -> Network Properties -> Network Location. Google Analytics uses the IP address of each user and does a does a "reverse DNS lookup" to see if it can determine where the person is based. Since companies often have fixed IP addresses you'll be amazed at how interesting the report can be. Obviously not all IP addresses can be traced in this way but it's still a good read. So you can get a sense of what the report can do for you I've put a sample showing who's looking at the Conscious website on our blog.

Two new tips booklets released

Intranet tips booklet coverWe have two new tips booklets available from our website:

Both can be downloaded from our website.

Instant Messaging

Skype logoEver wondered if someone was sitting at their desk able to talk, but did not want to pick up the phone for fear of distracting them? This is just one of the ways we are using Skype in our business. If you want to reach me on Skype then my Skype address is "dgilroybs8". Find out more ways that we are using Skype on our blog.

Conscious on The Road

Road imageWe're out and about a fair bit over the next couple of months. You'll find us at the following events where we are either presenting or attending:

We would love to meet you at any of these events. Or if you'd like a speaker for an event at your firm or local Law Society, please do let me know.

The Fun Bit at the End - Crossword - Win £20 Amazon Voucher

Crossword imageSo, you think you know your JPG from your ADSL do you? Have a go at our Internet Crossword and you might win a £20 Amazon gift voucher. Why not do something like this with your own client newsletter (you are doing newsletters aren't you!).

The Educational Bit at the Very End - The History of the Internet

If you ever wondered how this magical thing we know as "the Internet" came about, but never got around to reading about it on Wikipedia, then via YouTube video, History of the Internet, is a must watch.

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