Lawyers Workstation Conference

Due to conference commitments around the world, Peter Meyer has only just uploaded the final version of his paper which can be found HERE. The abstract says:”In this presentation, Peter Meyer discusses the limitations and costs associated with the use of word processing tools to maintain precedent documents (templates). It explains how those problems could be overcome through the use of structured XML content management methodologies that are used increasinly in other content management areas. A new XML schema standard being developed by the OASIS eContracts Technical Committee may provide the basis for similar approaches to be used for the maintenance of precedents documents in law firms and other similar organizations.”

If you want to immerse yourself in learning about document assembly a great start would be Darryl Mountain’s inspirational paper, and the practical articles on the sites of Seth Rowland and Ian Burrows.

You will then start to understand why Precedent Automation Conference chair, Julian Ehrlich’s suggested to Seth (based on the line from GhostBusters), that should anyone ask if he was a god, just say “yes”.

Precedent Automation Conference speaker Richard Granat is, once again, practising what he preaches when it comes to disruptive innovations with the launch of a free ad driven web site Free Will Docs.  Be sure to read his “Why Free?” message.

If Google can thrive on ad revenue, then this could the start of something extraordinary. It will be interesting to hear Richard report progress at the February 2007 Sinch Online Legal Services Conference.

Two months ago, I spoke at a Law Society of Western Australia Expo. My session was chaired by Brett Davies of Brett Davies Lawyers and the force behind online DIY legal document provider Law Central. Long established Perth firm Talbot Olivier were among the few who attended.  Fortunately, quality, not quantity can be more rewarding for a speaker. 

It turns out that they have all teamed with another law firm, and a management consultancy in a float plan with the market value of the new listed company, Integrated Legal Holdings Limited put at $32.5 million.

Interestingly, last month, Prof. Richard Granat spoke at the UK Legal Services Forum of raising $30 million to set up a law firm for when the UK brings in proposals for non-lawyers to own a law firm next year, something already possible in Australia. 

According to the Prospectus, Integrated Legal Holdings was incorporated in June 2006 to:  “… establish a model under which existing independent law firms and related businesses can be incorporated under one listed legal services entity. Components of this model include

• the strategy of acquiring law firms, professional services consulting and information technology organisations to provide a networked service to clients
• cross servicing via geographic and practice speciality
• sharing of best practice management techniques,
and
• establishment of a national network for the provision of legal services.”

The West Australian newspaper may not be strictly correct saying it is “the first entry of a legal services company on to the Australian Stock Exchange”, if you consider the 2004 float of mortgage documentation and processing business of Noyce Legal as outlined HERE.

What is clear, is that some serious technology underpins both ventures.

Thanks to Precedent Administration Conference speaker Darryl Mountain for letting me know about the Legal Services Forum in the UK — very impressive.  You can play the videos or download the MP3s here.

It also features Prof Richard Granat.