Clifford Chance tap into e-commerce with Internet idea

City giant Clifford Chance has launched an Internet-based e-commerce advisory service.

Three channels have been added to the firm's NextLaw e-business service.

They deal in on-line contracts, electronic signatures, and encryption.

The additions join pre-existing channels dealing with privacy, data protection and bank secrecy.

Together they aim to give comprehensive, regularly updated guidance on on-line business.

The new channels give advice covering 20 jurisdictions.

Subscribers - who do not need to be clients of Clifford Chance - will pay 2,000 for the channels in respect of each jurisdiction for which they require advice.

Paul Greenwood, director of knowledge and information at the Clifford Chance, said the firm's substantial IT investments would 'in due course add a distinctive dimension to our global brand.'

Jeremy Fleming