As we all know, half the battle for our sites is getting the necessary information out there. The other half is making it usable for the visiting public. This site offers "textbook" usability/interactivity in the way you can find, search and use the data. Start with "Publications", for example. See the ways you can search for the appropriate materials. Coupled with the right-side icons on each page (i.e. send it, print it, mailing list sign-up, home, search), the same type of materials you might find on other sites becomes just that much stronger.
On the same subject of usability, check out the "search" function here. This is one of many sites that have significantly improved the way you can find things. The bigger our sites get over time, the more important the search function. For so many, it is the first place you go. It still amazes me that there are large firm sites out there without any type of keyword search. Mind-boggling!
One of the most creative approaches to teaching and supplying information on copyright law in this digital age. It is cool, interactive and will teach you a few things…without even realizing it. The site is nearly eight years old and clearly has grown over time. If you want to see the perfect marriage of the web and the law, pay them a visit.
The site is one scrolling, ugly mess. A web developer could probably fix it up for a few hundred bucks. And it would be worth doing since all the necessary pieces for a good site are listed on a long home page. But, if you like the six o'clock news, you'll love the use of his video clip reenactments on the site. Witness explosions, car crashes and certain death. I thought I was watching a Fox TV special. Parental discretion is advised.
Many firms have fine art collections on display. And some have taken the time to add this bit of culture to the web site. Go to the "Art Gallery" under "Firm Profile" for a quick tour of Schwabe's collection-on display throughout the firm's offices.
Unlike many law firm web sites, this one actually intends to be a joke. Most of us surfers have been familiar with this site for a few years. I'm always a big believer that we take ourselves too seriously in the practice of law. Just ask my Temple Law alum classmates that are still pissed off at the "last will and testament" that I presented at our graduation party. A dozen years later, some are still upset. Some people appreciate a little levity. Some don't.
How often do we ask ourselves this question? Am I bankrupt?? Well, one way of finding out is to fill in the "debt calculator" and find out. If you are, they will be happy to start the filing process for you.
We all know that for many, what makes up a "practice area" is not always cut and dried. Look at the way Calfee presents practice listings, along with a drop-down box of all related practices. This is one of a few good examples I've seen of helping find all related practices. Just putting it together is a cross-selling exercise for many firms.
Contrary to common belief, partners do not always die behind the desk. Some retire to enjoy themselves at a certain age. And some like to stay in touch with people after they leave the firm. K&S provides a "retired partners" section under the attorney directory, with e-mail contacts, and the years of service they provided. This is a nice, nifty component to have. Eventually, a firm might do a directory of "jettisoned associates" that just did not make the cut.
See the use of scrolling "Representative Clients" listings throughout the site. A subtle reminder of those that use the firm, accompanied by the firm credentials that brought them there.
How often do we click on a document, not realizing that it is a PDF or a PPT? And not realizing that it is 150 pages that will freeze up your screen? The Cov.com site-an honorable mention IMA winner-provides lots of user-friendly tips that take away those mysteries. The publications database (also good) provides both file type and file size. IMA also like the "current time" with each office. A helpful touch for international firms.
The regular Milberg site once again won in the IMA category. The creation of timely, info-rich sites like the one for The Enron Fraud is one reason why. They did not become class action leaders for nothin'.
Without question one of the best of this year's "50". The "story ideas" page in the News Room section. The media is always looking for good stories. This is a sharp way of helping them out. Just a simple list of topics and items that might be of interest to visiting journalists.
Perhaps the E-Television show "Rank" copied this from Shearman. Though I doubt it. Visit the firm "rankings" to see how they stack up on a variety of lists, ranging from completed IPOs to European acquisitions. Your results may differ, depending on whether you go by the AP polls or the coaches' voting. I also look at strength of schedule and out of conference play.
MoFo is back in the 50 for a third straight year, displaying the niftiest home page. The most effective use of space, highlighting the important and creative, and just keepin' it real.
Tom's personal site promotes his book on protecting yourself from business law suits. The site includes a quiz, seminar info and, of course, the ability to buy the book. It is clear that he is a partner at BC, and his site links you back to the firm at all times, but it allows smart individuals (he went to Yale and Harvard) to use the web outside the scope of the firm's site.
The latest in "personalization" technique, including setting up a personal favorites list, downloading resources and subscribing to daily industry e-mails. The content of the "dailies" can use improvement, but the concept is sound.
You have to look for it on the right side of the home page, but "top of mind" highlights some in-house counsel views on issues and strategies. The GC end-user audience is key, and highlighting them is smart.
Just when you thought resource links on law firm web sites were dead, KMZR does a nice job providing useful ones for visitors. Whether you use the general links page, or better yet the links page for each practice area, they are helpful and updated. Too many firms have made links a boring list of same-old sites. This one works.
How is this for a concept-let people subscribe to receive each new press release the firm puts out? Simply put in your e-mail address and you'll get them. A great tool to encourage interested media to subscribe. It does not cost any more to send a press release to 1,000 as to 100.
This firm of less than 20 attorneys does a great job presenting electronic alerts. From the online presentation to the ability to subscribe, get in PDF, word or simply printer-friendly one off the web page.
This Indiana law firm site is all about content. There is no design to be found. It is really difficult to describe the site. It is different and interesting. From the DUI attorney directory for each state to public policy research resources, and a currency converter. It is nifty, and it is unique.
The home page asks "Can we help you?" and targets very specific end-users with additional site direction. One of the most creative sites in content and design. It is all about targeting your users.
This California PI firm has a nice assortment of audio and video clips available to the predominantly consumer-oriented end-user base under "In the News". Parts of this site are outstanding; the framework and design leave something to be desired.
Visit "Inquiries", which provides a drop-down box of possible places to send an e-mail. Wisely, the firm cc's the webmaster on each e-mail sent in through the web site here. This way, you can better track ROI from web visitors and make sure the law firm recipients are following up and following through.
Why is the IMA including this in the Nifty? Like McGruff who took a bite out of crime, PPL is taking a bite out of many law firm bank accounts. This approach has become an online competitor, and it is wise to see the approach and think about it a little.
The "model" is not news…it is over ten years old. But, the web site is slightly younger and the corporate law approach by DuPont is well documented. Some are even sick of hearing about it all the time. If, however, you need lessons in how to increase revenue from GCs and Corporations, this is a lesson plan in action.
It is tough to describe, but my Nifty Fifty note said "Firm as an end-user audience." Meaning for firms that are spread out in different locations, the site can be as much an information tool for those within as those externally. Think about how much attorneys in other offices know about things like "special awards and recognition" and seminars conducted.
A double-dose of niftiness. The "legal services index" helps you find the appropriate practice group with a massive alphabetical list of subcategories and phrases. Also neat is the "where we come from" map in the careers section.
Check out the "business law briefs" under the news/events section. Each brief provides the date, link to appropriate attorney bio, topic and the file size for your listening and downloading pleasure.
The "Doing Business in Canada" section is practically a specialty site of its own. And the perfect type of resource for anyone looking to…do business in Canada. Why not do the legal part with a firm that clearly understands?
On the subject of doing business in Canada, while the "suits" will find more value in the Osler (or Blakes) info, the Mr. & Mrs. Jacques Q. Publique will find what they need in a light and entertaining fashion on a site that is certainly different.
Everybody is still looking for the best way to show the most important info on any law firm web site-the attorney credentials. Check out the bios here, with tabs on the right side for each appropriate category (such as offices, practices, etc.).
Provide access to content through KnowledgeConnect and access for clients (to the portal and work product) through ClientConnect. A little twist on the expected.
The attorney bio database is the site's strength. The "keyword" search option there is both unique and extremely helpful in finding that very specific expertise.
The display of "client stories" has become more and more popular. Stroock shows one successful approach to it, including a PDF version and links to the related practices.
One of many firms now doing a nice job showing off pro bono involvement "in the community". People like seeing lawyers doing nice things. Make sure you promote it.
Another good use of a drop-down box for "select recipient" in the contact us portion of the site. Anything to ease communication from the site into the firm is a positive.
Good little recaps of recent decisions under "representative cases". This could probably be built into something much stronger to promote firm success.
Check out the unique "executive summary" boxes throughout the site, thanks to the continuing feeds from a subscription through YellowBrix. It is this pumped-in content that makes the site feel like you are living in real-time.
One of the better sections devoted to "client services" with instructions and information for those that are the most important people that ever visit your site-paying current clients!
Let's just call this nifty piece "find something". See the right-side search box, quick links, 800-number, and a bunch of little icons to help make the site as user-friendly as possible.
Click on the "Emerging 100" program to see a well-organized and structured marketing tool for the firm's local business community. Create it, build it, and promote it.
