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Legal Advice On the Web

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"Everybody knows that lawyers charge too much and explain too little about what they're doing. What many people don't know (although they may suspect it) is that in many instances, lawyers are simply unnecessary. We believe the legal system is in serious need of repairs to make it simpler, fairer and more accessible to ordinary people, and we're working toward those ends. But as long as the system is more attuned to the lawyers than the public, Nolo will keep guiding people through it." -- quoted from Web site: http://www.nolo.com/history.cfm

Pretty strong statement... but having paid some fairly hefty legal fees over the years, I can relate. During the past week I spent a lot of time reading and modifying a contract (not one of the more exciting aspects of my job). Like many small businesses, we try to keep our legal costs to a minimum (meaning we try and use attorneys as little as possible). The Internet provides tools and information that help in several ways.

To answer basic legal questions (both personal and business related), I use Nolo (http://www.nolo.com) and FreeAdvice.com (http://freeadvice.com). Both sites offer "plain-English" information about a variety of legal topics. They have articles on almost any legal topic and links to helpful Web sites. I use these sites to gain a basic understanding of legal issues, and to answer basic questions. My experience playing with computers has not given me a background in patent or trademark law. In less than 30 minutes on either of these sites, I understand the basic issues (although I'm still baffled as to how Amazon got a patent for "single click" purchasing). Although these sites have the information necessary for me to apply for my own patent or trademark, I still use an attorney. But armed with the basics, I'm more prepared to talk to an attorney.

Neither the FreeAdvice or the Nolo site claims to replace an attorney. They try to help individuals and businesses gain a better understanding of the law. Nolo seems more aggressive in saying that they can help people handle their own legal matters (they sell forms, books, and agreements to help you do this). The content on both sites has been prepared by attorneys, and they are both easy to navigate. I prefer the layout of the FreeAdvice site. It's easier to quickly access content, and it appears that they have a greater variety of legal information than Nolo.

The Web site that's saved me the most money in legal fees is Digital Contracts (http://www.digicontracts.com). This site offers a subscription service that guides you through creating your own contracts. The site offers a variety of contracts (targeted to software, consulting, and Internet companies). I choose the type of contract I require, answer a series of questions, and I'm emailed a finished copy of the contract (which can be further modified and revised).

Again this site is not billed as a replacement for an attorney, they recommend that you have the contracts reviewed (they have to say this). In some instances, we've used the contracts without having an attorney review them. Other times, we've had our attorney help us make modifications. In both cases, it's quicker, easier, and cheaper than having our attorney draft the agreement from scratch. For unlimited use, Digital Contracts charges $399 for the first year, and $99 per year thereafter. They have cheaper prices for single contracts.

Digital Contracts is targeted to software companies, but Nolo and FreeAdvice offer similar services for more generic contracts.  

Another popular legal Web site is FindLaw at http://www.findlaw.com/. Findlaw offers legal resources for legal professionals, business, students, and individuals. It's less targeted than the other sites I've mentioned, but has resources you won't find on the other sites.

For example, at http://techdeals.biz.findlaw.com you'll sample contracts from different companies and different industries.

On the Nolo Web site, they write: "We believe the legal system is in serious need of repairs to make it simpler, fairer and more accessible to ordinary people, and we're working toward those ends."  After spending much of last week deciphering obtusely worded legal clauses, I wish them well in their quest.

Hope you find these sites useful. If you know of other similar sites, please let me know. I'll mention them in next month's newsletter.

Phil

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