H&H is one of those rare law firm web sites that I actually visit from time to time between IMA reviews. I’ve seen their people at my web site programs in the past and am glad to see they are paying attention. The home page is close to textbook perfect, making use of every inch without looking like an overstuffed burrito. There are numerous well-coordinated sister sites and blogs. The nifty “Blue” quarterly e-zine is worth subscribing to. All they could do here was screw it up. Instead, they continue to improve it. An IMA favorite and a site worth bookmarking. And, yes, my last nitpick about “offices” has been taken care of.
All large international law firms strive to create a web site that looks, feels and works like Reedsmith.com. Here is some free consulting advice for Dechert—visit this site and start stealing ideas. From the stalwart Careers and Alumni sites to learning about RS University, a visit here can take a good 30 minutes at the computer. The home page is branding and advertising, news and highlights, descriptive and thorough. Some might say it is a little too much, but any end-user should easily find his or her way to what they seek to know. Even the graphics, continuing the use of real Reed Smith people, has a unique look. Not every firm chooses the web as a significant business development tool. Reed Smith has dedicated the time, money and resources. The result is superb.
Maybe KS is benefiting from being the first site reviewed after a lunch break on this cold January day, but I had forgotten this was one of my absolute favorites. If I had to find a fault, it would be that I’d love to see a home page news item that relates to a significant matter, rather than attorney and firm “accolades”. They both work. I just like to see a mix. The site continues to blend design, content and technology to near-perfection. Still love the video vault, “got news” capabilities for subscriptions, contact us page, excellent navigation and organization. Even the historical timeline video worked. And the recruiting site is strong as well. A good model for today’s large law firm.
As I got ready to do the new Bullivant review I knew two things—it would take some time to get through everything (and I’m one review away from my lunch break) and unless they fell asleep at the wheel, it would still be one of the country’s great sites. So my lunch gets cold. This is one of those sites where I tell firms, “don’t try this at home” because it would drain them. Instead, I suggest that they pick out what they like most at Bullivant—usually based on an array of potential end-users—and incorporate one or two things into their own game plan. And I’m still lovin’ the “assistant.”
The new Mofo site looks like a 1,000 attorney, bi-coastal, corporate law firm. Which is what they are. Yet, it left me saying, mother, fo…excuse my Web French. Gone is the attitude and uniqueness. Yet, it would be wrong for me not to point out that the site is still very, very good, with excellent interactivity, good use of web tools and resources. Few firms are able to maintain such consistent excellence. Although I miss the “cool”, I’m still hard-pressed to find fault—even if I think the Midtown Manhattan people had something to do with changing the CAL look. Everything you want is still there. And the firm’s ability to update the site and stay current is something many others should envy. So, the MoFonics online are RIP, but you still need to include this site when trying to figure out how to fix your own.
Some often argue with me about the “busy” home pages that I score very high. In years gone by, that has included old versions of Faegre and what was once Piper. If you like lots of stuff—as I often do with very large firms trying to placate a lot of people, practices and offices—then you should appreciate the Sonnenschein site. A creative use of the Chambers USA ranking results on the home page was a unique touch. Not wasting too much of the page on graphics, by keeping it to a bar near the top. I loved the “snapshot” photo galleries. I do not have the time to write about everything I liked, but it was one of those unexpected reviews, where the time between visits was used for a serious site upgrade. Last time, I said the site was clearly not a priority. The sun has come up on the World Wide Web here. From a 20 to a 41—not too shabby.
If you are a labor law firm looking to see what you can do on the web, I suggest this…Littler.com…and start stealing away (without any actual IP theft, mind you). It has bells, whistles, content, and originality. One of the few sites during the IMAs where I had trouble getting through everything I wanted to see, to move on to the next review. I LOVE breaking down the audience into “Corporate Counsel” and “HR Professionals” Knowledge Centers. The mix of content types is excellent. You meet the challenge: deliver the content, but differentiate. One of the IMA watchwords for ’06-07—differentiate. As with any site, there are a few things they could still enhance, but in general, it is hard for me to complain.
I’ll use this site review to highlight the trend in limiting the space that graphics take up on a home page. Like Orrick, the “design” space is limited to a bar near the top of the browser. This allows the space to be better used for good instead of evil (i.e. information instead of meaningless clip art). Don’t like the way the home page looks? You can configure it to your liking. A nice touch. I love the “where we are trying cases” map. Still a great office locations page. Loved the photo library. Even a timely news wire. Last time around, I said you needed an upgrade. Outstanding. It is the little unassuming touches that make it “not just another law firm web site” – the ultimate compliment.
There are a lot of firms in the back 50 of the 250 needing serious help online. This is not one of them. A well-designed presence. You actually clue me in on where you are located and what you do when I arrive. Good use of photography in both the head shots and throughout the site. If you work at this firm and complain about the web site, than you probably have no idea how to utilize the net. A good model to emulate, or copy from, as they say at Kinkos.
Seeing the new RKMC site, I was glad that the “diversions” were still intact. On this morning, this is web site review #10, and I’m so bored. I needed to play a little. The site still offers a customization component. They also do a nice job in promoting practice areas that are often conflicting. I like the fact that the site is not “too slick” but concerns itself more with providing as much information as possible without appearing too “salesy.” Some might like a little slicker look, but I appreciate the depth.
