There is no question that this is one of the best law firm web sites in the world. And you have to go down under to find them. Some of the most organized, user-friendly assortment of credentials and data on any site. Few firms take better advantage of web technology to maximize the firm’s presentation than Clayton Utz. Well-written (for the web) practice descriptions. For many areas (like bios), you can actually do multiple searches at one time. There are lots of very large firms I know that can take a lesson here. It is a reminder that law marketing in other parts of the globe puts “US” to shame.
When they say “global”, they really mean it. A review of the “office locations” felt like a trip around the world in eighty days. Do not be fooled by the same old-same old look and feel of the web site. Make sure you visit the online services and cliffordchanceconnect.com to see some of the literal information technology they have to offer. As you might expect, a number of foreign language options as well.
It did not take long into reviewing the “international” category to realize that one of my IMA web site development tips is to leave the United States. My time at Osler.com made me homesick for the good old days, when I worked in the NHL. I always liked going to the Canadian cities better than staying home. The same can be said for many of the web sites. After deciding whether to enter the site in English or French, I immediately saw one of those hooks that say “bookmark me”. It was the NorthSouth digital compendium of key Canadian Business law developments for U.S. counsel. Excellent use in displaying representative work. The site is structured to be of value to all the potential end-user visitors.
I have to excuse the splash page a little bit for many Canadian firms. They have a purpose—English or French? Then, you get the appropriate home page to start your journey. I clicked on a Chinese option as well. On this review date, every aspect of the home page news was relatively fresh. A user-friendly “People” section that includes human beings in the firm that did not attend law school. Quite a concept. Excellent look, feel and organization.
Lloyd’s theme is “affordable justice.” You can pay with a credit card--$95 plus tax, Canadian. Based in beautiful British Columbia, the site is unique in the content. Check out the legal resources, which include “police station” and “law museum” among the many entertaining and informative categories. He sells banner ads on the site; books as well. The end-user audience is clearly not the GC at Big Corporation, Inc., but the consumer looking for some direction. It is rare that a law firm web site entertains. The set-up does not provide any “current” legal news, which would make it stronger. And Lloyd, getting going on the web so early…how did you not get a really good dot-com name? A dot-org?
