The Florida palm tree that used to grace the home page is now relegated to a little photo on the “Miami” office page. Instead of feeling like you are visiting a Miami Vice retro site, you now know that you are at a big-time law firm that means business. I shared a cab with a CF attorney at the ABA Annual Meeting last summer and he assured me that the web presence is good. He was right. It is an upgrade, any way you slice it. Instead of being a poster child for tourism, the new site is a good lesson for those trying to get a web site to the “next-generation” of layout and dissemination of information.
Dykema had the misfortune of putting up its new (and greatly improved) site not long after the last IMA go-round, so if you are like me, and have not seen it before, it is new to you. A significant upgrade in design and functionality. The firm is doing lots of seminars, webinars and speaking gigs, all beautifully promoted and organized online. While the graphics might not be the coolest, the home page “menu” of items is a perfect blend. And how about labor lawyer Melvin Muskovitz? This guy has his own section of employment law articles. Keep on penning, Mel! It looks like some other sections at the firm could take a lesson and get a few things written.
Clear from your arrival on the home page—IP ONLY. I liked the attorney search option of lawyers with advanced degrees (not that a JD is chopped liver). The new Finnegan site responded to all the previous shortcomings, with added depth in all five IMA scoring categories. It is everything to every end-user. A strong new careers site as well. If you are interested in IP, you would likely come here to keep up to date on goings-on in the practice, as well as goings-on at FH. This site is intellectual property worth protecting.
The old Foley site was good; the new one is great. With the addition of the “briefcase” customization, the user-friendly tools, improved searching flexibility and a comprehensive variety of news, publications, case studies, and events, the new site does what it should—take you to a new level.
One of the better jobs among the mega firms in “doin’ the web”. The site does not skimp on design elements, content depth or organization. There are lots of little touches along the way to help you through—from finding an address to knowing the type of file you are asking to look at. The “global” is a lot more than showing me another freakin’ globe. The site offers more than a half-dozen foreign language options, with lots of translated stuff (not just a sentence or two in French). They manage to combine the simplicity that Baker McKenzie uses with the design of Skadden to best them both on the WWW.
All this 2003 IMA Platinum site had to do was not mess it up. It continues to be one of the most dynamic law firm web sites, with lots to keep you busy. Above-average customization capabilities, lots of news, documents to download, seminars to register for. My only beef was that most of the daily e-mails have little substance. You would be better off just sending those when something hot hits. But, that is quibbling. You can really make the site work for you—whether you are law firm job hunting or trying to get the latest SOX update. Customization is king. The graphics and design could be better.
The BC web site is back on track in ’04 with fresh content and a site that is back operating like a well-oiled machine. The home page is an effective combination of design, organization and newsworthiness. Not only does the home page provide up to date news headlines, but a highlighted box for in-depth materials (such as Iraq Source data), another for client alert sign-up, combined with a keyword search box, a contact us button and all the expected site sections. One nice touch to the publications search is the ability to search within and beyond six months. WILL ALWAYS LOVE…Cave Trivia, eCave Solutions.
Another outstanding home page, with minimal graphics and maximum highlights. Besides breaking down the headlines into three smart categories—new attorneys, current news, and upcoming events—there are other highlighted features, including the e-lunch monthly series (a Nifty 50 nominee, for sure), a lunchtime webcast on a variety of interesting legal topics. K&S has always used the web and technology well, and continue to enhance the site. And they continue to effectively blend the firm with the site, as well as all of the potential end-users. WILL ALWAYS LOVE…K&S U, alumni content, creative use of technology.
Like much in the Silicon Valley, the WSGR web site bounced back this year. The new site is cleaner and smoother than the hipper original. But, as you would expect from a tech firm, the site follows the proper methods for today’s web sites. The site is content rich and navigation friendly. For similarly situated firms looking to copy a well developed site, this is a good place to start. The look, layout and materials are top drawer. The graphics waste your time. The home page delivers lots of news without looking overly crowded (or outdated).
Boy was I happy to see you…new WolfBlock Web Site. One of Philly’s best known and best marketed law firms now has an online presence to effectively promote its efforts. Of all the firms in the region celebrating big birthdays this year, WB is one of the only ones that is getting much play for it—and a lot of that comes from the firm’s $100k charitable contribution in honor of 100 years. Helping the needy instead of spending all kinds of money on mugs and birthday cake? How pro bono of you. The site is current and effectively disseminates the important firm news and credentials. The “keep me posted” link to an online form, along with the “for more information” contact info on each page ups the level of possible interactivity. The design and navigation are clear, clean and conservative (the 3 Cs). The web site might not last for the next 100 years, but it should do them well for a good few.
