Unbundled Legal Services

One hot topic in legal ethics circles is the propriety of attorneys "ghost writing" pleadings for ostensibly pro se parties, i.e., in matters in which the attorney has not entered an appearance. The question has produced a handful of ethics opinions, some emotionally charged judicial commentary, and has attracted enough interest that it might some day be the subject of a specific Rule of Professional Conduct.

Delivering Legal Services When They Are Wanted, How They Are Wanted

Some lawyers don't like them at all. These new business operations don't fit very well into the traditional law firm paradigm. They are creating new paradigms, ones that over the next few years will challenge older notions of how legal services are marketed and delivered.

Reengineering the Practice of Law for the Digital Age

"Evolution has been seen as a billion-year drama that led inexorably to its grandest creation: human intelligence. The emergence in the early 21st century of a new form of intelligence on Earth that can compete with, and ultimately significantly exceed, human intelligence will be a development of greater import than any of the events that have shaped human history.

The Internet is Changing the Public International Legal System

Public international law increasingly is called upon to provide a framework for private international law—treaties for recognition and enforcement of civil judgments and to limit the adjudicative jurisdiction of civil and criminal courts.

Law And Borders--The Rise of Law in Cyberspace

Global computer-based communications cut across territorial borders, creating a new realm of human activity and undermining the feasibility--and legitimacy--of applying laws based on geographic boundaries. While these electronic communications play havoc with geographic boundaries, a new boundary, made up of the screens and passwords that separate the virtual world from the "real world" of atoms, emerges. This new boundary defines a distinct Cyberspace that needs and can create new law and legal institutions of its own.

Practicing Law In Cyberspace

Meeting in cyberspace is a great way to get connected and get many things done quickly and efficiently on a global basis. But cyberspace is not without its risks. Today, as this global community takes shape in cyberspace, there are no laws governing the conduct of those who take part in creating this new frontier. Historically, when frontier conditions have existed, lawyers have had a unique opportunity to fulfill our role as guardians of the rule of law. This is occurring once again. And along with our role we have the opportunity to redefine the nature and delivery of legal services. We have to start by learning how to harness the power of the forces which are creating this global community; in the process we can reinvent our law practices into whatever their 21st century counterpart will become.

Essays on Technology, Justice and the Legal Marketplace

'Richard Susskind is my official adviser on IT matters and, as such, provides me with extremely valuable assistance in this important area. I am sure that this book, like his last, will be invaluable to those interested in the way in which IT is transforming the legal market place.'

Improving the Delivery of Affordable Legal Services Through the Internet: A Blueprint for the Shift to a Digital Paradigm

The traditional methodology for the delivery of personal legal services in America results in a system that is often too costly for low and moderate income households. Consequently, people without discretionary incomes are required to forego legal representation by lawyers in many instances.

eLawyering Basics

"How can I practice law over the Internet?" This web site will help you find answers to that question. The highest leadership of the ABA knows we need a catalyst for lawyers to adapt and flourish in the new technology-driven economic order. The Internet presents us with unparalleled opportunities and powerful new tools to provide legal services. Innovative law firms and web-based companies (many run by lawyers) have already cast off –- successfully -- into these uncharted waters. They have set up web sites that go far beyond a list of partners, practice areas and a map to the law firm.

Meet Your Clients Virtually Anywhere at a Reasonable Cost

Online meetings and long-distance collaboration are no longer the exclusive province of big-firm lawyers doing big deals or handling big cases. Many solos are finding situations in which they have discussions with attorneys, clients, and experts in other states and even other countries. Even in local cases, conference calls and other technological alternatives may prove more convenient, efficient, and inexpensive than bringing people into a conference room, whether at your office or elsewhere.

HANDLE MORE WORK EFFECTIVELY WITH A PAPERLESS OFFICE

If your rainmaking has proved so successful that you find yourself in danger of drowning, the answer might be less costly than hiring additional staff and less unpleasant than turning away lucrative clients. A modest investment in new technology can make your solo or small practice more efficient-and better able to handle the additional work coming your way. You may want to start by converting to a paperless office.

Clients, Technology, And You: Rev Up The Relationship

Here are some of the ways you should be using technology to run a client-friendly law practice—and to increase your referrals and reduce your stress in the process.

The Future Law Office: Going Virtual

Think of all the tools and resources for going virtual that are at our disposal today. We know how they enable us to do our work when we are on the road. What about when we are off the road? Doing more work from home offices and other alternative spaces could mean dollars in the pocket, increased efficiencies, and more time to relax.

The Virtual Law Firm

The idea of the virtual law firm took root early in the now-forgotten history of the Internet, say four or five years ago. The virtual firm was envisioned as a group of independent lawyers located throughout a state, a country, or the world and linked via the Net. A lawyer who needed assistance in a far-off locale could contact one of the virtual partners, and together they could satisfy the client's needs. Groups of lawyers would assemble as needed and disband once the project was finished. It would revolutionize the practice of law. It never happened.

The Virtual Law Firm

The idea of the virtual law firm took root early in the now-forgotten history of the Internet, say four or five years ago. The virtual firm was envisioned as a group of independent lawyers located throughout a state, a country, or the world and linked via the Net. A lawyer who needed assistance in a far-off locale could contact one of the virtual partners, and together they could satisfy the client's needs. Groups of lawyers would assemble as needed and disband once the project was finished. It would revolutionize the practice of law. It never happened.