Online Legal Advice– Will it Change the Way Lawyers Do Business?

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updated Sep 18, 2014

By CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search left

A new book was written by Jeff Jarvis regarding the tremendous world changes being prompted by the internet and specifically by Google. Jeff made a statement in his book:

''What Would Google Do? I argue that lawyers can’t be like Google, mainly because they have to do what clients want and can’t be transparent.''

This statement was challenged by a lawyer, Kevin Thompson, who said he disagreed. So the book's author asked him to describe a Google like lawyer. Kevin Thompson's answer gives insight to the lawyer's view of how online legal advice might change the way lawyers do business.

Jeff Jarvis says lawyers practice behind a veil and their truth is formed by what the client needs it to be. A client doesn't want to pay for mistakes, and anything found that doesn't support the client's side is a mistake and he doesn't want to pay for it. Therefore, a lawyer is forced on one side today and may choose a new position the next day, depending on who his client is that day. This is the veil lawyers tend to keep up between themselves and their clients.

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Jeff Jarvis, the books author, says this is the opposite of the Google like lawyer who must be transparent to his clients if he is doing business online. This doesn't mean lawyers aren't moving to online opportunities. There are already virtual online law firms. It serves them well because the overhead of having offices and office staff is eliminated ''The virtual firm can pass the savings to the client,'' says lawyer, Kevin Thompson. It's true that many things don't lend themselves to breaking down the veil between lawyers and clients. However there is much that can work in the legal field with the 'transparency' way of doing business online.

In conclusion Kevin Thompson sees opportunities for the legal system to work online. One example Kevin gives is injury law for large corporations like Wal-Mart. Their legal department handles many injury cases from shoppers who slip and get injured or for any other reason they are injured while in a Wal-mart. Kevin suggests that there would be less cost for Wal-mart and other businesses if one lawyer online handled all these injury cases for them. It's the same idea that managers use when they put all similar tasks to be done together because it's more efficient.

Will the online market change the way lawyers do business? The answer is clear. It already has made a change for many lawyers. You can go online and see the multitude of legal advice accessible with high speed internet. Transparency and lower cost is important to the client in many legal transactions and it can be found on the internet. The lawyers may be slow to come, but many internet gurus believe they are coming.

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No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

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This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

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He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success – The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm’s unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison’s legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

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If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

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With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials—he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison’s work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

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A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney—no matter their background, law school, or previous experience—has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

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For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist—often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today – Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison’s expertise will help you take control of your future.

? Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Alternative Summary

Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison’s writings about attorney careers and placement attract millions of reads each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.

More about Harrison

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