Legal Web 2009/2010 - More Topics of Modern Legal Practice, published in August 2009, is no 9 in a series of
online ebooks with CPD, called "The Legal Web".
These ebooks with CPD (published in pdf) are designed for use in any of three ways:
- reading on screen, with live links to follow up on areas of interest
- printing off in sections for armchair reading
- as an online course qualifying for CPD from the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Each of the titles in the series consist of practical articles written by Nick and Delia and other leading
experts in their fields. Full details of all the courses in the series are given on the
infolaw site but here is a brief summary.
Contents and Course Aims
The internet is now so much a part of all our lives that we often do not realise the extent of the changes
it has brought with it. This ebook looks at a series of topics relevant to modern legal practice and affecting
barristers and solicitors. It is intended to make the practitioner consider some of the ways that the Internet
has affected modern legal practice and the way that the law is understood and implemented within this new framework.
The ebook can be read on screen and all the links to relevant web sites described in the text are provided,
making an interesting and useful course experience.
There is a straight forward test at the end to be returned to Delia Venables for marking.
1. BAILII and improving legislation on the web
BAILII – where we are now: by Joe Ury, Executive Director of BAILII
Improving legislation on the web: by Nick Holmes, infolaw
2. Internet in practice
Setting up an Intranet: by Helen Dewar, freelance librarian at Leigh Day & Co.
Google business and productivity tools: by Susan Hallam, Hallam Communications
A virtual barrister: by Susan Machin, barrister at St Johns Buildings Manchester
3. Doing things online
Digital dictation: by Sunil Radia, UKTyping
Fax to email services: by Neil Addison, barrister at Palmyra Chambers
Voice recognition: by James Couzens, Parrott & Coales
4. Raising profile on the web
Practical ways to raise profile on the web: by Gerald Newman, Lawcomms
Enhancing profile with a free information service: by Jonathan Golden, Golden Leaver
5. Legal resources from chambers
One Crown Office Row Human Rights Update: by Rosalind English and Bob Wilson, 1COR
Current Awareness from the Inner Temple Library: by the Inner Temple Library Team
Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, you will have an appreciation of some of the ways that the
internet has affected legal practice. In particular, you will have an appreciation of:
- How the major free online legal databases (BAILII, OPSI legislation and the Statute Law Database) are developing and what is available on them
- Some key software available for general use, including intranets, Google business and productivity tools and software for remote working
- Software and services for digital dictation, fax to email and voice recognition
- Some ways to “stand out” on the web including providing online news, email newsletters, e-publishing and the provision of “bought in” legal resources on the site
- The major legal resource of the One Crown Office Row Human Rights Update
- The very useful Current Awareness blog from the Inner Temple Library
Gaining the CPD
To qualify for the 5 hours CPD, you need to answer a straight forward set of questions.
You can see the questions
here (you do not have to have already purchased the e-book to see the questions).
The questions are not difficult in themselves
but are intended to indicate, for CPD purposes, that you have indeed worked through the materials,
visited some of the sites described in it and considered the issues raised.
You can print out the questions to keep beside you as you read the e-book.
However, please note that the questions may change from time to time.
Do not worry about the precise style or format of the answers — the questions will be marked by a human being (ie me),
not a machine! Please keep your answers short and simple; the process is not designed for “essay” type answers.
Also, do not hit "Return" or "Tab" in the middle of one of your answers, since the system then assumes that you
have finished answering that question.
The pass rate is 70 per cent and practitioners may submit one further set of answers if they fail the first time.
I am normally able to send you the reply within 2 working days. However, occasionally there are computer problems or I am even on holiday!
If you wish to check on the latest situation with respect to possible
problems or delays, please see
The Problems Page.
Evaluation Form
There is an evaluation form
here which enables you to comment on whether the course has met its
aims and intended learning outcomes, the ease of using the online materials, the relevance of the set of
CPD questions and whether the course gives good value for money. There is also a question relating to
accessibility issues and whether we can make the course easier to use for those with any kind of disability.
You can fill in this form online and submit it to me (the process of doing this is the same
as answering the test questions). If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can print out the form, fill it in by hand
and post it to me at 10 South Way, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1LU.
Cost and How to Purchase
The course costs £60 plus VAT and includes the use, by one person, of the course, qualifying for 5 CPD points.
A multiple use licence, suitable for organisations with several people likely to use the e-book and including the
licence for up to 5 people to take the course, costs £150 plus VAT.
There is a special "combo" purchase possible, with the purchase of this course together with the
Exploiting the Legal Web course, for £95 plus VAT for the single user licence,
and £225 plus VAT for the mutliple user licence.
For organisations purchasing the multiple use licence and wanting more than 5 people to take the course
and obtain the CPD, additional CPD entitlements can be purchased in packs of 5, for £15 a person, ie £75,
plus VAT (obviously, each person still has to take, and pass, the online test!).
You can purchase the course from the infolaw site
here.
After completing the purchase, the user can access and download the course, and when ready, complete the
brief test and be credited with the CPD.
Purchasing is by secure credit card processing and allows immediate
access to the course. If you do not wish to pay by credit card, other payment methods can also be accommodated
on the infolaw site, including sending a cheque. Online access is enabled on receipt of payment.
A complimentary subscription to the end of 2010 for the
Internet Newsletter for Lawyers & Law 2.0 (usual price £45)
is provided for anyone who buys both of the new courses! If you already have a subscription to the Newsletter, your subscription
will be extended to the end of 2010.
