Linklaters hops on the deal room bandwagon

EXTRANET FACILITIES: City firm unveils Clients@Linklaters allowing its case files to be viewed and amended on the Net

City giant Linklaters has attempted to steal a march on its rivals by launching an client Extranet and 'deal room', which it claims 'sets the standard for all future legal Extranets.'The same week, Allen & Overy announced the extension of Newchange, its own deal room, to cover litigation and dispute resolution cases.

Clients@Linklaters enables solicitors and clients to view, discuss and amend case documents via the Internet.

'Clients@Linklaters is much more than a deal room,' said a Linklaters spokeswoman.

'It can be used for any kind of legal transaction, can be customised to clients' requirements, and includes an on-line discussion forum.'

The most innovative feature of Clients@Linklaters is its billing facility: clients can view their billing history and are able to print out certified copies of their bills.

Allen & Overy launched newchange in January.

This week it announced the addition of a 'case room' to the facility, for use in litigation and dispute resolution.

Unlike a deal room, access to the case room is limited to Allen & Overy users and their clients.

Four of the five magic circle firms now have Extranet facilities.

Several other firms also boast Extranets, while deal rooms are also becoming increasingly popular.

Manchester firm Donns claims to be the first to offer individual clients - as opposed to companies - access to their files.

Linklaters' system received a cool reception from other firms.

According to Paul Greenwood, knowledge management and information services director at Clifford Chance, whose client Extranet 'fruitnet' was formally launched at the beginning of the year, 'the most important thing about all these Extranets is their security - everything else is an optional extra really.

We're pleased that firms such as Linklaters are embracing the concept'.

A Freshfields spokeswoman was similarly unfussed by the development.

'We are keen to develop both our transactional and relationship sites in response to client needs.

We have previously used on-line discussion forums, for instance, but haven't always found them the most useful features of an Extranet site.'

Clients@Linklaters throws down the gauntlet to other firms, but according to Mr Greenwood, 'it won't be the newest and most exciting for long.

We expect there to be a series of leapfrogging manoeuvres in the development of competing firms' Extranets after this.'

Rowland Byass