Bid4fees – Definitely not a legal comparison site?

From the Law Society Gazette 05/08/10:

The site, bid4fees dot com, provides an online platform for prospective clients to confidentially list their legal problems and find a lawyer to advise them.

Lawyers registered with the site will be able to see the advice requests posted, and correspond with the potential clients via a messaging system to learn more about their case.

If a lawyer decides a case is appropriate for them to help, they can bid to represent the client, informing them of their fee. The client then selects the lawyer they want to instruct.

Lawyers must submit a fixed-fee bid rather than an hourly rate. The client is free to choose any bid submitted, not necessarily the lowest.

There is no charge for clients or solicitors to register, but lawyers who get instructed pay 10% of their fee to the site.

When I first saw this site a few weeks ago, I initially put this idea down as gimmicky with a ‘been there – done that’ kind of feel.  However, revisiting it over the last day or so, I’ve had a slight change of heart.  What dawned on me is this isn’t just a simple rehash of a legal comparison site – it’s a rehash with a twist.

Whatever the pros and cons, I don’t think the choice of name is great and their site has well and truly overdosed on web 2.0 design features, but if it brings in the moolah, I’m sure they’ll be forgiven.

In the comments section on the Law Society Gazette site, (where I first saw the story), bid4fees was subjected to a veritable diatribe. This (unsurprisingly) largely stemmed from embittered solicitors past and present, many of whom suggested that the site, just like legal comparison sites, promotes a ‘race to the bottom’. I’ve already added my two penneth, laying into the fallacy that legal comparison sites add anything worthwhile to the legal market place, and there’s no point repeating all that here. But the crucial point is this: while bid4fees might, at first glance, seem different from a meerkat in his court robe and wig proclaiming that choosing the right lawyer is ‘simples’, I think it’s still going to be used by clients who aren’t going to be well-grounded enough to prize quality over price.

Moreover, I still doubt that this ever going to be a rich enough revenue stream to make it worthwhile for firms to throw resources at it to filter out meritorious pieces of business. (What’s not clear is whether firms can register criteria of their firm’s speciality and receive email updates when potentially suitable business pops up.) Surely there is, but the site makes no mention of it.

But if not, perhaps there’s potential for a 3^rd party to build an API to tack onto this and offer this functionality? Maybe that’s their plan – to turn bid4fees into ‘the’ legal bidding platform for the 21^st century offering 3^rd party developers the ability to cash in with a whole host of apps! ;-)

Who knows?  But for me, the concept is flawed and unlikely to succeed on any kind of scale but it’s going to be an interesting experiment all the same.

For an added groan, I’ve just read about the upcoming site ‘wigster dot com’ which is under construction. I just give up!

A Law Actually Interview with… Paralegal Hell

Yes, it’s time for my first interview with a non-UK blawger.  Exciting stuff!  Let’s jump straight to the questions.

How did Paralegal Hell come about? 
I always enjoyed reading lawyer and law student blogs, especially the ones that have a sense of humor about themselves, but noticed that there were no Paralegal blogs written in the same humorous tone.  We have Paralegal blogs, but mostly they are how to make your job easier, or spotlight different Paralegals, which is great, but none that actually talked about our jobs on a day to day basis. 

Needing a place to vent, I started Paralegal Hell.   I'm all for tips, Paralegals in the news, etc, but it is a blog, not a staff meeting.

How much time and attention do you devote to blawgging?  Do you think about your blawg when you aren’t actively blawgging and plan ahead as to posting topics etc.? 
I have been on a roll since starting and have about two to three posts per day, but that is because the jokes come to me on a daily basis.  Whether it is sparring with Boss or taking a client phone call, the posts just write themselves.  I don't think about the blog unless I am posting and I don't plan topics.  Whatever I write is usually on the fly.

I do try to mix humor and serious topics, but as far as planning what I write, I usually just get into the office and start blogging when I get a free moment.

I'm sure everyone wants me to ask this one. Which is better, the UK or the US blawgosphere.  And why? 
You know, this is going to sound so PC, but both have their " different sense of style".  I do have to say that the UK blawgs have really embraced my writing, while it has taken some time to get other Paralegals in the US to actually comment on my site.  I still feel the cold shoulder from some US Paralegal sites.  Most read my blog, but there is not a chance in hell that they would let me link to their blog.  I wrote about this in a post called Hurt Feelings.

Do you actively explore the ‘sphere looking for new blawgs or do you prefer just letting others find you? 
I do both.  I look at blogs that I read, look at their blog rolls and see if there is anything that can make me laugh or if I click with someone's writing.  If that is the case, I usually send an email asking if I could link their site to my blog roll.  So far, the only "no's" have come from certain Paralegal sites in the US, two of which are my top readers, although I doubt they know I know that information.

If someone emails me and asks for a link, I always very flattered and usually say yes, unless it is a Paralegal school.

How do you see Paralegal Hell shaping up in the future?
I hope that I inspire more Paralegals to blog about their own day to day jobs.  I really would love to read more Paralegal blogs, but there are not many out there.  Of course, none can be as awesome as mine :)

A Law Actually Interview with… Ramblings of a Scottish Student

Next up to be interviewed is Alistair, over at Ramblings of a Scottish Student.

You recently broke cover and revealed your true identity to the 'sphere. How do you feel that has gone?  Any regrets?  Do you recommend it?
In all honesty not much has changed.  I do need to be a lot more careful about what I say now as everything can be attributed to me and that could cause problems.  To date though I have no regrets and I think it has gone okay personally.  As for whether I recommend it or not, I feel that it is a matter for the individual blawger. 

How do you balance law and other topics when posting?
No real science to it to be honest, I blog about what I want when I feel like it.

You're one of the few UK blawgers who have extended their reach into the 'sphere beyond conventional posting with your foray into podcasting.  Will they be making a reappearance at some point?  Do you see the conventional written blawg becoming less and less relevant (and popular) over time?
I'd like to go back to podcasting, but at the moment I don't have sufficient time.  This may change when I return to University in September, 

The second part of your questions is very interesting.  Social Media has changed drastically even in the last 18 months since I became involved in it.  Twitter and such like were only really beginning to take shape and spread.  I don't think that the conventional written blawg will become irrelevant, it's useful for exploring more complex issues and other platforms such as Twitter don't always give you sufficient room to express what you want to say.  The conventional blawg will still be around for the foreseeable future, but I suspect that it will be joined by other forms of social media.  There are exciting things happening within social media in the legal world. 

I expect that over the next few years we'll see social media being embraced more and more within the legal profession.  The current students and those who will be undertaking their LLB in the future will be more used to using social media and the latest technology and I don't think the profession will be able to resist its integration.

I know you had a run-in with a legal publication on your blawg last year, which resulted in them asking you to take certain content down.  Has that changed your approach to blawging at all?
My run in was actually with a very senior lawyer, rather than the publication.  They too were on the receiving end of this lawyer’s threats of legal action.  Blogging is dangerous, we are still accountable under the Law like another type of written publication, and as such defamation/libel laws still apply.  I'm slightly more cautious about what I write and more pro-active about contacting people for statements when blogging about potentially controversial issues.

Finally, how do you explore and consume content within the 'sphere?  (an RSS reader - if so, which one - or just through browsing around?)
I don’t use an RSS reader.  I have a list of blogs that I like to read (both legal and non-legal) saved in a favourites list and as and when I get the time I pay them a visit.  I discover new ones through those blogs and through Twitter.

A Law Actually Interview with… Andro

Yes, my interview adventures continue with Andro stepping up to face the questions.

You’ve designed some great looking blawgs for various members of the ‘sphere.  What makes a good blog design in your opinion and where do you get your inspiration from?
The main thing about a blog is content, so the design shouldn't interfere with it. The main thing for me is readability. No conflicting colours or too much contrast. No fancy fonts. The design needs to be unique and memorable.

I get my inspiration from the world around me! Sometimes I would see an interesting combination of colours on the street. Music plays a big part in the design process. I also get my inspiration from websites such as http://www.smashingmagazine.com/

You take a very open approach to your identity when blawgging and certainly don’t shy away from revealing who you are.  Do you ever regret that or ever feel sandboxed by what you can / cannot blawg about?
I don't feel sandboxed, because Android's Reminiscences is just one blog. Internet is a bottomless pit, so there's nothing stopping me from creating a new anonymous blog, should I feel the need to do so. But... now that I have a job that I care about, I am a bit more careful in what I blog about on A.R. I always think about the possibility of my colleagues or, God forbid, my boss finding it by accident (my readers will be aware that my blog came up on a pupillage interview once; awkward). I obviously try to avoid breaching client confidentiality or defaming my firm, but a little bitching about my boring job duties won't hurt, will it?

Could you imagine yourself suddenly not blawgging one day.  Why?
On days like that I feel like I have nothing to add to the blogosphere. I don't like blogging for the sake of it.

Where do you see the future of blawgging going?  Does it even have a future?  Will other forms of social media take over?
Because we are so busy nowadays, everyone has a shorter attention span, which is why twitter and facebook are gaining popularity over the traditional blogging. There's just too much reading and not enough interactivity. The blogs, with their once revolutionary rss feeds, are becoming too static and dull for the web 3.0 generation. I think that traditional blogging does have a future though. Firstly, the blog platforms are constantly being developed to keep up with the latest web-technology. Secondly, blogs seem to be replacing magazines and newspapers, and it's only the beginning. Thirdly, there will always be people who resist change.

If a new law student approached you for advice on starting a blawg, what would you say?
I would definitely recommend it, as long as it doesn't interfere with the studies. Ha! Just kidding. No, really - it's a great idea, if only to read it back in a few years and laugh at yourself.

A Law Actually Interview with… Pooni

My second interviewee is Pooni.  Let’s jump straight in with the questions. 

What’s your take on anonymity when it comes to blawging?

It definitely does not exist anymore, unless the profile you keep online is extremely unique and or kept under a different alias name

If the blawgosphere imploded tomorrow, what would you miss most?

The thing I'll miss the most is knowing that I have supporters in terms of view counts and commenters. I found it easier to deal with being jobless when I knew others were in the same situation (but twitter has taken over this part in a way now)

What’s the secret to a good blawg, do you think?

Up to date, interesting information. Always finding out something new and different helps too (as a reader)

What was your worst blawging experience?

Most probably the abuse you get from commenters who don't agree with the writer (the solicitor post I did got the most abuse) and knowing that some people no longer blog because of this (sorta relates to the anonymity of the writer being found out)

Do you see yourself in the blawgsphere in 5 years time?

Right now, no. I think blogging has always been a hobby and as I have free time I blog. I don't think I'll have enough time in the future but I would like to keep blogging about my career to help others as I never had the opportunity to see blogs etc about the legal profession when I was studying (yes I feel old now!)

A Law Actually Interview with… Aimless Wanderer

As part of my spread the blawgin’ lovin’ campaign, I’ve decided to conduct a few ‘remote interviews’ with key members of the blawgosphere.

The idea is to hopefully reveal a little more of the blawgers behind the blawgs which make up the ‘sphere.  I’m hoping it’ll prove an interesting way of exploring and understanding the glue that holds (sometimes a touch tenuously) the blawgosphere together.  It might also go some way in making blogging more accessible to newbies or encourage wannabee blawgers to have a go.  If nothing else, though, I hope it’ll provide some interesting insights into the fascinating personalities within the ‘sphere - which we might not have otherwise got.

My first interview is with Aimless Wanderer.

How did you  get into blawging?
My friend, CBC, first got me into blawging while I was still at University... but I deleted my blog within the year. I returned to blawging as an LPC student following my Dad's funeral. I felt extremely isolated at the time as it was difficult to talk to friends and some "friends" even started to avoid me. A few good friends kept me going but I felt guilty for unloading on them so much... felt really awful. I tried to keep a diary/journal but was too scared that someone in my family might read it and be upset by it. So I suppose, I started blawging again to be less of a burden on my friends and felt safe in the knowledge that my sisters and brother would never (and probably will never) come across my blog.

How do your friends / family view your blawging activities? 
My family are completely unaware that I am a blawgger but if they found out they might be upset at how open I've been - especially at me posting the euology (since those words weren't mine alone). My friends don't really know (apart from my good friend CBC and a joking barrister I trust). Theres one other that knows who I introduced to blawging while at university and she liked Andro's design! Oh and one other... I told a girl who became a friend of mine on the LPC (Greek Girl). Not sure if shes ever read it though. Couldn't ever tell Poppins who I met shortly after Dad became ill and who I trust with my life... she'd be shocked if she knew I'd managed to fall a little bit in love with my tutor! CBC thinks I'm brave while I think I'm slightly stupid for being so damn honest...

Where do you get your blawging inspiration from?
Nowhere really. My blog has ended up becoming an online journal... I don't think too much about what I write. I just write.

If you could change one thing about the blawgosphere, what would it be?
I hate questions like these and have no idea what I'd change. Sorry!

Are you hoping to continue blawging avidly during your New York adventures? If so, do you think you'll break into the US blawgosphere?
I do hope to continue blawging while I'm New York but once I leave the UK, my current blawg will be closed for the year and I hope my readers will follow my wanderings in the Big Apple via my new blawg. I have to buy a new laptop once I get there which may take some time (and of course there the whole settling in and making friends period) but once I have it expect lots of posts and there'll be lots of photos too as I'll be investing in a cheap but cheerful camera!! I'm not sure I'll manage to break into the US blawgosphere... unless they have a US version of you, Michael! Maybe someone will take me under their wing?!

Man jailed after grabbing hold of chopper

From BBC News 03/08/10:

A man has been sentenced to a year in prison for endangering the safety of an aircraft when he grabbed a helicopter as it took off in Bristol.

Bristol Crown Court was told Houshang Jafari, 58, became "extremely angry" after the helicopter landed near his flat, causing debris to hit his car.

Jafari was said to have become angry when the private aircraft blew debris at his Range Rover.

He approached the helicopter, threw a bag of rubbish at its nose and then kicked it.

As the pilot tried to take off, Jafari grabbed the skid bar as it was about 6ft (1.83m) off the ground.

This caused the helicopter to lurch to the right. An eyewitness told the court the aircraft narrowly missed nearby houses as it "swerved around" and "flew erratically" away.

Sentencing Jafari, Judge Michael Roach said it was a "deliberate and much more a reckless and dangerous act" and, despite the fact he was a business and family man, he had "no choice" other than to send him to prison.

It’s a trite remark but I might as well make it: this outcome was a bit of a no-brainer.

By the looks of Jafari’s picture, he’s not as svelte as he used to be, so it’s no wonder the small helicopter lurched so much when he leapt at the skid. And unless he was trying impersonate Roger Moore (or his stunt double) in the opening scenes of, ‘For Your Eyes Only’ just what was he really trying to achieve?  I’m also curious whether he’d have done the same thing if it was an air ambulance trying to take off.

So now that Jafari has landed himself a custodial sentence, I’m sure he’ll be asking himself whether it was worth getting so het-up about. I mean, what kind of damage can a few loose blades of grass blown in the chopper’s downdraught do to Range Rover? If he’s that pernickety, maybe he should consider legal action against the scores of irksome summer flies who have the temerity to fly into his windscreen at speed, thereby pureeing themselves and soiling his precious motor?