Berwins solicitor takes helm at computer society

Lawyers must learn to appreciate the Internet's potential for their business and how to use it effectively, according to the new chairman of the Society for Computers & Law's Internet interest group.Eduardo Ustaran, a senior solicitor in the techmedia group of City firm Berwin Leighton Paisner, said: 'The Internet and interactive technology are now part of a lawyer's everyday life.

They must adapt with the new technology and utilise the new methods available to them to provide their services.'Mr Ustaran became chairman - a position he will hold for three years - at the group's annual general meeting last month, taking over from Fox Williams' partner Nigel Miller.He said that, despite reports to the contrary, there was still a market for offering legal services on-line if clients learn to appreciate its benefits.

'The Internet can provide legal services quicker and more efficiently than a lawyer in person,' he said.

'However, some people prefer the real life experience of face-to-face contact.'The Internet interest group was formed in June 1996 by 'a small group of lawyers', but now has around 1,500 members.

With such a large number of lawyers in the group, Mr Ustaran said that one of his first tasks as chairman was to 'realise how to exploit the resources we have in the best possible way'.'We will try and find a way to take an active role in the legislative process and contribute to the implementation of technology-based directives in the UK,' he said.'There are a number of legal issues that must be resolved surrounding the commercial use of the Internet - for example, intellectual property rights and privacy laws.Andrew Towler