Blogs in Legal Office

Blogs in the Legal Office : 

Blogs in the Legal Office Bryan Hanratty March 30, 2010

Main Points : 

Main Points Blog definition and importance Blogs used in legal arenas Advantages to using blogs Issues regarding blogs Common blog websites Creating a blog The characteristics of a successful blog Example of a legal blog

What are blogs? Why are they important? : 

What are blogs? Why are they important? Blogs are web-based journals that allow many users to write, edit, and publish articles on the Internet. In the law office, blogs can be used to write about law, provide information about law or a law office, and converse concerning legal issues. Blogs are cost efficient, multi-purposed, convenient, and easy to use. They provide legal enthusiasts with the opportunity to search out suggestions and voice their opinions with legal issues.

The Role of Blogs in Legal Arenas : 

The Role of Blogs in Legal Arenas A blog is more than just a journal, it is a communication tool between your company and the outside world. A blog gives your firm the chance to share your expertise and knowledge with a larger audience. It is a connection to other legal enthusiasts you would not otherwise come in contact with. A blog gives your firm a great opportunity to see what your customers have to say.

Characteristics of Blogs : 

Characteristics of Blogs Low-Cost besides the cost to have internet service or finding a location with free wireless service, blogs are almost entirely free and effective for their uses Easy to use anyone can use it because of how easy it is to add or comment on blogs

Characteristics Continued : 

Characteristics Continued Multi-purpose can be used for more than just plain information about law including subjective articles about law, advice for law, law office information, complaints about law, etc. Convenient can access from anywhere with Internet such as your home, office, school, or library

Characteristics Continued : 

Characteristics Continued Successful many law offices use this technology with success because of the attributes of a blog; they are capable of giving out information and receiving valuable feedback Accessible anyone can use a legal blog for references or advice (students, adults, professionals, etc.)

Advantages to having a blog : 

Advantages to having a blog The consumer and citizen are potentially better informed and this can only be good for the long-term health of our societies and economies. Blogs have potential to help your firm develop stronger relationships and brand loyalty with your customers, as they interact with the ‘human face’ of the organization through blogs. Blogs, in an intranet environment, can be an excellent way of sharing knowledge within the organization. Blogs can be a positive way of getting feedback, as readers react to certain pieces, suggest better business ideas, etc. Blogs can build the profile of the writer, showcasing the organization as having talent and expertise.

Issues regarding blogs : 

Issues regarding blogs There is a continuous upkeep required for maintaining a blog due to the creation of new posts and responses to older posts. You must make sure the information being passed in the blog is accurate and right; therefore, you must have reliable and trustworthy authors. Spam can build up on a blog’s site, so dealing with it can be problematic. Although the blog may be in place for the benefit of the community, many people do not understand blog etiquette and ruin posts with profanity, negativity, etc.

Common blog websites : 

Common blog websites WordPress Blogger LiveJournal Blogspot Weebly

How to create a blog : 

How to create a blog 1. Choose a blog site for your blog (WordPress, LiveJournal, Blogger, etc.). 2. Create an account with the site and follow their directions for setting up your blog. 3. Consider the title of your blog to make sure outsiders can easily identify it. 4. Put together several posts before you officially open up the blog to the public. Voila! You have created a blog.

Characteristics of a successful blog : 

Characteristics of a successful blog A blog is written in a chronological order with the most recent post being at the top of the page Blog’s articles have dates indicating when they were written Blog has few navigation links compared to a normal website Blog provides information on a daily basis – updated regularly unlike a website Blog has a comment section unlike the normal website which do not allow for comments Blog is a successful interactive platform, which shows that people can exchange views with the blogs owner Blog is used as a teaching tool since most people get frequent updates through newsletter

Example of a Legal Blog : 

Example of a Legal Blog http://www.blawg.com/

References : 

References