E-mail cuts costs, paperwork for clients

Article Abstract:

The usage of electronic mail systems by law firms is increasing significantly. Xerox Corp has electronic links with its outside legal counsel that allow inventors to stay in touch with patent attorneys. Other corporations are establishing e-mail links with law offices that result in a cost reduction by reducing the number of hard-copy documents that are exchanged. Additionally, the number of telephone calls between clients and lawyers is reduced. Lawyers often charge clients for the time required to place a call that cannot be completed. Usually, law firms offering e-mail services to clients provide the necessary equipment, and costs range from less than $1,000 to $10,000 per workstation. While the benefits of e-mail exchange do not include a dramatic cost reduction to clients, it does facilitate communication between managers and attorneys. While some attorneys worry about security problems that are inherent with electronic mail, they continue to supply the service because it is what clients want.

Legal services, Usage, Telecommunications systems, E-mail, Email, Law offices, Law firms, Cost control, Cost Reduction, Electronic Mail Systems

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States automating files to prevent release of dangerous defendants

Article Abstract:

States are working hard to automate their criminal files, being keenly aware that courts are unwittingly releasing dangerous criminals, because of trouble-plagued record-keeping. Just 10 states had fully automated their records by 1989, the last year for which figures are available. Some 32 states have automated half of their files, according to industry observers. The US Department of Justice has instituted a three-year, $27 million program to help the states in their efforts. Law enforcement officials say that, without better record-keeping, efforts to fight crime will be stymied by delays in obtaining information and gaps in criminal records. One common problem is that recent arrests and other such information is missing from criminal rap sheets. Incomplete records are a definite problem in jurisdictions where jail overcrowding encourages the quick release of defendants.

Technology application, Courts, Court administration

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Database linking law firms and clients may slash fees

Article Abstract:

A new online network may greatly reduce the amount of time that law firms spend on legal research. The network, comprising electronic mail links and a database, will be run by American Lawyer Media subsidiary Counsel Connect Inc. Some corporations may be able to dispense with outside lawyers altogether by making use of the database, which will include briefs, samples of agreements and newsletters on legal developments. Alternatively, a company could pick a law firm for a specific case based on the impressiveness of its database on a particular topic. The Counsel Connect network should greatly save on the cost of researching issues that have already been researched many times by other attorneys. Counsel Connect will cost law firms $975 per month and corporations $200 per month, plus a per-minute fee.

Information retrieval services, Product introduction, Product Announcement, Information services, Legal research, Legal services, Information services industry, LEXIS Counsel Connect, Counsel Connect (Online database)

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