06 Mar Independent law firm network and online specialists tie the knot
Helen Hamilton Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Technology-based services for legal solutions will improve internal efficiencies and open new markets without compromising professional offering
A group of leading independent firms are pioneering online legal service delivery following an exclusive deal between the LawNet network and Epoq’s DirectLaw online document automation solution.
Under the agreement, each of the 68 LawNet member firms will be able to deliver online legal services to clients through their own personalised portal, designed and integrated with each firm’s individual web site.
The move is designed to help create a new edge to the firms’ traditional service offering, but there’s no plan to push customers into DIY, according to LawNet.
“This agreement provides a perfect fit to the ambitions we have to provide members with online marketing and technology-based legal solutions,” explained director of services Helen Hamilton-Shaw.
“DirectLaw should help firms secure a strong position in online markets as well as delivering internal efficiencies, by getting to first draft documents faster. It gives them new options in terms of services, whilst still assuring their customers that there will be an expert and careful eye over anything undertaken online.”
She added: “We are committed to helping our firms keep ahead of the competition through the LawNet national framework which gives them quality accreditation, networking, knowledge sharing and buying group services, and outsourcing is high on the list of where we will be delivering over the coming year.”
Epoq’s executive chairman, solicitor Richard Cohen, said: “Creating a successful offering depends on how inbound enquiries are dealt with. Customers are drawn to a service giving accessibility and clear pricing, but don’t want to be roaming around the web unaided. DirectLaw provides a differentiator for firms, a move towards enabling greater involvement by clients and the ability to make more from each hour for the firm by using document automation.”
LawNet firms will have access to five libraries of DirectLaw documents covering wills and probate, family, landlord and tenant, employment and business start-up.
ENDS
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For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk
Emma Hopson, Marketing Manager, Epoq
Direct line: 020 8731 2432 Email: emma@epoq.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet:
LawNet was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, non-competing national network where independent law firms could access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise. Each firm has an exclusive geographical operating area to enable collaboration.
The combined income of the 68 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £15m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, business development, marketing and compliance. It currently places some £1.2bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
About Epoq and DirectLaw:
DirectLaw from Epoq has led the way in enabling law firms to deliver legal services online. By utilising Rapidocs®, Epoq’s unique, content rich document automation system and delivering it seamlessly via the web, DirectLaw allows solicitors to engage with clients conveniently online and make their firms more competitive, efficient and profitable.
And, because Epoq is the leader of developments in online legal solutions, law firms can be sure of technological excellence as well as affordability. Today, over 150 law firms are using Epoq’s online technology to differentiate their firms and deliver legal services more efficiently and profitably.