Article Abstract:
Lawyers who market legal services using the World Wide Web and/or conduct business over the Internet are operating in an undefined legal area that poses many unprecedented legal questions. Law offices are still prohibited from advertising in some states, but the Internet is available in all of them, even outside the US. Some question if legal firms that market services via the World Wide Web are in violation of state laws against legal advertising. Lawyers are licensed to operate in specific states and may be liable for advice that reaches outside their state and is followed to detrimental effect. While the legality of Internet legal practice has yet to be established, it seems a natural way to avail more people of low-cost legal advice and services, yet competition from Internet-based lawyers could force attorneys to lower their rates and the legal industry my attempt to quell Internet-based legal services as a result.
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Article Abstract:
Legal practitioners may use the popular 'Information Superhighway' to gain new business if they conduct themselves with restraint, tact and creativity. The potential of the Internet to reach a mass audience is proven, but many online denizens resent commercial intrusions. One legal firm did a mass mailing to 6,000 Internet Usenet groups in 1994, gaining business but also raising controversy. Many online services do allow solicitations of various types, but these may not be in the form of traditional advertising. For example, on some forums, users write in for legal advice. If a practitioner should develop a rapport as a result, business may occur. Other areas admit advertisements and or posting of resumes. Lawyers considering such a move should be very familiar with the online world as well as the rules for their particular service. Creativity and a good feel for the audience are also important factors.
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Article Abstract:
A sampling of Internet mailing lists of potential value to legal professionals is presented. Such mailing lists are a huge timesaver over traditional online searching; the author describes an Internet mailing list which provides the same information for about $10 that would likely cost over $600 via the Lexis service. The LAW-LIB, or Law Libraries list, is one list that provides only new databases and documents. This service has a great deal of useful information, such as a recent posting describing how to obtain free access to GPO databases. The INT-LAW list is an excellent way to keep abreast of international legal materials. Other specialized libraries can be accessed by file transfer protocol (ftp) or telnet. Addresses and subscription information for these resources is provided.
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