LSC slammed over fears of Web red tape

QUALITY MARK: consultation paper outlines idea for firms' legal information sites to apply for new status

The Legal Services Commission (LSC) has been accused of asking law firms to deal with even more 'unnecessary red tape' with its plan for quality marks for Web sites.

The criticism came after publication of a consultation paper by the LSC last month.According to the paper, contracted firms which also provide legal information via Web sites will be invited to apply for a separate quality mark for their Internet sites.

The move is part of a drive by the LSC to ensure consistent quality in sites linked to its own legal information portal, Just Ask!In order to meet the LSC's requirements, firms will be expected to develop or adapt their sites to adopt common content structures - metadata - which is being developed by the Lord Chancellor's Department (see [2000] Gazette, 7 December, 22).Sites will also have to pass the 'Bobby' test which ensures that those with disabilities, including those with visual impairment, can access information.

The proposals also suggest that firms should provide links to other legal service providers in order to fulfil the LSC's seamless service requirement.Although the consultation paper made no mention of costs, it is proposed that firms will be charged for both the application and audit process.

Legal IT expert Charles Christian said last week that although there were some good ideas put forward in the paper - for example, making sites accessible to those with disabilities - he considered the quality mark 'a lot of red tape for nothing'.Those already cash-strapped firms providing legal advice to Community Legal Service clients are unlikely to apply.

'The Internet is so fast moving there is no room for bureaucratic interference as it is always six to nine months behind,' he added.Law Society deputy head of communication Gerald Newman said there should be little to alarm solicitors in the proposals.

'Overall, this could help solicitors as there is anxiety among consumers about the reliability of sites.'However, Mr Newman added that there was concern over the proliferation of quality marks.

'The commission seems keen to intervene in a wide range of areas outside just publicly funded work and that is of concern to the Law Society,' he added.Sue Allen