Legal Web 2009/2010 - Exploiting the Legal Web, published in August 2009, is no 10 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.
Please note: accreditation is in place from the Solicitors Regulation Authority but has been denied by
Bar Standards Board on the grounds that it is oriented towards business development rather than professional development.
We strongly disagree with this decision since almost all of the course is concerned with how lawyers are using the
internet to find, share and use legal information. However,
in the meantime we are able to offer an alternative 5 hours CPD for barristers via the 2008/2009 ebook Topics of
Modern Legal Practice, including those who did this course last year.
So, barristers may read the ebook Exploiting the Legal Web (this ebook) to inform themselves but to earn the
additional CPD should use the 2008/2009 Topics of Modern Legal Practice which will be found on the access page
here.
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 has changed substantially in recent years from a “read-only” medium for research and reference
purposes to a “read-write” medium through which users can not only obtain useful information but also connect
and engage with others, collaborate with them and utilise online services (very often free) to boost productivity
and reduce costs. This 2009/2010 course is intended to help the practitioner understand some of the ways
they can exploit this new “platform” — what is popularly known as Web 2.0.
Through a better understanding of the Web 2.0 resources and facilities available, the practitioner will be
better placed to raise their game, survive the current downturn and come out the other side in a stronger position.
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. Developments in law publishing
Law publishing at the crossroads: by Nick Holmes
JustCite — an umbrella index of the law: by Alistair King
New online ventures for OUP: by Alison Bowker
2. Self-publishing
Why should lawyers blog? by Daniel Barnett and Eugenie Verney
Family Lore Focus — a site of parts: by John Bolch
Insite Law guides to the law: by Mike Semple-Piggot
3. Collaboration
Using Web 2.0 within the organisation: by Penny Edwards
Legal OnRamp — beyond collaboration: by Jordan Furlong
4. Free law resources
Free legal resources from firms of solicitors: by Delia Venables
Free legal resources from barristers: by Delia Venables
5. Outsourcing
Outsourcing — a competitive tool: by Bharat Vagadia and Ross Caldwell
Legal outsourcing trends and possibilities: by Sunil Radia
Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, you will have an appreciation of:
- How social networks work and how they can be used
- The benefits of blogging for lawyers
- How to collaborate effectively with others within the same chambers/organisation and on private networks
- How to monitor what is being said about one on the web and how to promote a positive online identity
- Key examples of free online legal resources, productivity tools and online communities for lawyers
- The nature of outsourcing and the ways in which legal support work can effectively be outsourced
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
More Topics of Modern Legal Practice 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.
