First Law

Swimming against the tide

Legal week - Thursday 22nd February 2001

Unlike many of their dotcom contemporaries online law firms can look forward to a bright furure, writes Michael Gerrard

This article examines the development of First Law since its launch a year ago and concludes that prospects for its continued expansion are good. Extracts from the article appear below.

"Armitage, who devised the idea, says this is the way all clients should seek legal services. Such a system should have been set up years ago. There has been no impartial way of getting legal advice. If you look at other services this is not the case. If you want insurance advice you go to an insurance broker, for a holiday you go to a travel agent."

"When marketing itself to corporate giants, First Law appears to hold the major distinction over its rivals in that it is not just an auction website, it is an incorporated law practice regulated by the Law Society using the internet as the medium for its services. Being a regulated law firm means First Law emphasises, it can directly advise clients on which firms are most suitable for their work as well as help them specify their instructions and advise on an appropriate fee."

"The First Law team emphasise the three aims of its business: to target external clients, obtain best value and maintain quality assurance."