Community Web careChild Care: multi-disciplinary approach to legal adviceThree child care specialists have united to launch a Web site aimed at providing training and information for lawyers in this highly specialised field.Childlaw.co.uk - the brainchild of solicitors Diana Murphy and Caroline Fisher, both of Cambridge Solicitors Chambers, together with non-solicitor 'senior legal assistant' Judith Willows - has pulled together a multi-disciplinary group of experts to provide on-line training and create a network for practitioners.For 300 plus VAT a year, child care lawyers will have access to Law Society-accredited training through which they can gain 12 of their 16 annual continuing professional development points.Training will be gained by reading quarterly updated articles - which users can respond to - on current developments in case law and practice.

To promote a multi-disciplinary approach, articles will be submitted by a doctor, barrister and social worker as well as solicitors.

Public pages on the site - which was designed by eHive - will provide impartial general advice to children and parents.

There will also be a market place for relevant services.Ms Murphy said many external seminars were too general and could not provide specialist lawyers with useful training.Meanwhile, other law firm Web initiatives include a personal injury site from north-east practice Blackett Hart & Pratt.

Users fill in an on-line assessment form for a free analysis of whether a claim can be made.

City firm Richards Bulter has launched a Web site that aims to be a 'complete one-stop reference point for all issues in the maritime world', not just legal issues.

Leeds firm Brooke North has claimed to have the first site to offer free initial interactive advice on claims between landlords and tenants over dilapidation claims.

And Solicitors for the Elderly has launched a site aimed at both the public and members.

LINKS: www.personal-injury-compensation.com; www.richardsbutler.com; www.dilapsadviser.co.uk; www.solicitorsfortheelderly.comSue Allen