Online Challenge


I read with interest your recent roundtable discussion, 'Moving towards a techno future' (see [2006] Gazette, 30 November, 24).



Solicitors must take full advantage of technology if they are to meet the competitive challenges ahead. Many firms have already embraced advanced practice management systems, cost-efficient electronic storage systems (including electronic storage of emails), increasingly sophisticated websites and online links to business partners and government. With electronic conveyancing, online home information packs, electronic court filing and increasingly tech-savvy clients, more solicitors will need to master the legal, organisational and technical implications of new technology for their practices.



The Law Society recognises this and has published best practice guidelines on information security management to help firms tackle a growing number of online threats. I would encourage readers to familiarise themselves with these in conjunction with the email guidelines published in 2005.



They will repay careful reading. The use of suitably managed electronic storage systems to store emails, for example, is likely to result in significant cost savings for many firms. The benefits can only increase over time as the quantity of legal information managed, processed and stored electronically grows. The Society is fully committed to helping solicitors in the exciting and challenging transition from the traditional office to the 21st century digital office.



Fiona Woolf, Law Society President, London