More lawyers offer online legal services

More lawyers look set to go online in the coming year.

At least three legal portals set up shop in the past year, offering everything from help to match potential clients with lawyers to do-it-yourself legal kits.

And now technology is changing the way lawyers work.

Going beyond submitting court documents online and basic email, firms are extending the use of technology to their ongoing dealings with clients.

Many would think lawyers would be the last to ride the technology wave, but that impression has changed.

In the past year, several firms have gone online, not merely listing the services they offer but actually managing their caseflow and deals online.

Mr Benjamin Ang, Partner and Executive Director of Rajah and Tann, said: "Legal advice is actually pure knowledge and in this knowledge economy, doing things online is the ideal way to go as the legal profession."

Rajah and Tann recently set up DealSight, a secure extranet service which allows the firm to conduct case discussions and collaborate with its multinational clients online.

Authorised users can view and amend draft documents, post messages and set up video-conferencing sessions at their customised site.

Having introduced it to a dozen clients, the firm plans to extend the service to prospective ones.

Looking ahead, Rajah and Tann says more lawyers will eventually see the need to go online.

A sentiment echoed by legal portal WWLegal.com, which has seen 32 firms sign up for its online case management tool since its launch about three months ago, surpassing its own expectations.